Spring, Northern New Mexico. 05-03-2023

Geraint May 3, 2023 28 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, on this beautiful Spring day. The light in the late afternoon is remarkable. The clouds roll through, and spring storms envelop the valleys and the mountain peaks in waves. The sun gets through where it will, spotlighting the new growth.

Click on pictures to enlarge.

San Cristobal Valley spring — A Spring day in the San Cristobal Valley.

The acequias, irrigation ditches that divert water across northern New Mexico are flowing full in the spring runoff. This time last year, New Mexico’s largest wildfire was underway, ultimately destroying 350,000+ acres. We are very grateful for the moisture this year.

Spring in the Taos Valley an acequia, in El Prado — Water in an acequia, irrigation ditch in El Prado, NM.

Flashback to North Wales, where I lived and worked at an Outdoor Pursuit Center on the west coast in 1974-75.

The Ogwen Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in North Wales. During that year, I spent many days rock climbing in the area with the guides and instructors I worked with. The Idwal slabs in the upper left of the picture are one of the most popular places to climb in Wales. I shot this picture on a return visit to Wales in 2013.

A year in Wales may sound like a long time to visit and see all the sites. I had never traversed the Crib Goch Ridge seen in the picture below while living there. On a visit there in 1982, it was time to add the route to the list of the places I climbed and hiked. It was a marvelous experience, one I’ll remember for life. It’s not a very difficult hike, but I did take along enough gear and clothing prepared should I have to spend the night out there. Weather in this part of Wales, with the storms coming off the Atlantic and Irish Seas, can change rapidly, turning a warm, early summer day into a winter day.

Crib Goch Snowdonia National Park, North Wales — Crib Goch, Snowdonia National Park, North Wales, 1982

As always, thank you for looking. Have a great week. G.

Happy Saint David’s Day in Wales. 03-01-23

Geraint March 1, 2023 30 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM.

It’s March 1st, and in Wales, it is the day they celebrate Saint David’s Day. The wearing of daffodils and leeks. On the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales is a town that boasts the longest place name. In the photo below, you’ll see what stringing a bunch of English words together looks like in Welsh. Yes, I can pronounce it in Welsh, so if you see me out and about, ask me. In Wales, we always had half day off school on Saint David’s Day. Worthy of celebration. Today I’m walking on both feet, watching the clouds drift by the picture window, and hoping the clouds clear for a view of the Jupiter and Venus conjunction this evening. Be sure to check it out in the western sky at twilight.

Saint David's Day, the Longest place name in Wales. 03-01-23 in Wales. Llanfair, gogogoch, Angelsey Wales — Celebrating Saint David’s Day in Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

I’m still burrowing in the hard drives and came across the images below, taken around this time of year. They are random, and while I enjoy looking back, I’m looking forward to posting a current photo next week.

Rio Grande, lobatos bridge view south downstream — The Rio Grande, looking downstream from the Lobatos Bridge.

The Conejos River was almost overflowing and partially frozen as it drifted under the old rail bridge near Conejos, Colorado.

Conejos river and rail bridge, Colorado — The Conejos River and rail bridge, Conejos, Colorado.

This Conoco Gas station in Garcia, Colorado, has been closed for many years. Situated on the CO/NM State Line, it was probably a happening place in its heyday. If you are inspired to visit New Mexico this year, I frequent this area on my San Luis Valley photography tour/workshop.

These buildings are no longer standing and are five years gone already. I remember the day I shot it in San Acacio on my first trip there many years ago. It is a palpable picture for me. I can almost taste the moisture in the air and in my frozen nostrils.

Old House San Acacio, Colorado — Old House and outbuilding, San Acacio, Colorado.

A few miles south of San Acacio is another favorite location, the red barn, this time in black and white with a raptor in flight. Since I shot this image, the hawks now nest in the surrounding cottonwoods, and a great-horned owl has moved into the barn.

Red Barn, Hawk, San Luis valley — My favorite barn, San Luis Valley.

I originally shot this scene in color. Since then, I’ve processed it in black and white, and on a recent trip, I noticed that the overhang has flaked off. So glad I wasn’t under it when it came crashing down. To my knowledge, I haven’t heard if anyone was hurt when it fell.

Piedra Lumbre in black and white, Ghost Ranch NM.

Here’s my entry in the Taos artist banner submission, which was accepted, and will hang on a lamp post in the “Taos Is Art” campaign this summer. I hope the banner hangs in a prominent location and is not hidden behind two hanging flower baskets this time. Lyle Wright the model is seen in an 1870’s era Navajo serape. I shot the image for an ongoing ad campaign for Tres Estrellas Design, Taos.

Lyle Wright, Taos Artist Banner entry — Lyle Wright, Taos artist banner submission.

As always, thanks for looking, and a sincere thank you for all the well wishes. Your good thoughts are working. G

The Irish Sea

Geraint January 15, 2017 No Comments

The Irish Sea from the coast of north Wales. I spent a year here in 1974-75 when I ocean kayaked, fished for Mackerel, which meant delicious fish suppers. I spent many hours dreaming on long beach walks. Three years later I walked off a plane in Los Angeles. Thanks for looking. G

Geraint Smith Photography

Tag: Wales

Spring, Northern New Mexico. 05-03-2023

Happy Saint David’s Day in Wales. 03-01-23

The Irish Sea