Flashback, Chama Depot. 06-24-2026

Geraint June 23, 2026 4 Comments

Hello from New Mexico. I hope everyone had a great week. This week, a flashback to 2013 at the Chama Depot, the New Mexico terminus of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. I found it impossible to find the lunar occultation, but I did give it a go. I was probably distracted by the world cup football match playing at the time. Yesterday, I had some minor surgery on my hand that makes it difficult to hold my graphic pen to edit images. I don’t poscess a mouse nor can I use one very well. I’ve used a graphics pen and tablet for 20 years. Things should be back to normal next week. I’ll also be adding a few new pieces to the new work page in a few days.

The Chama depot on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Cumbres and Toltec Railway, Chama depot.

I shot the above image in July 2013, editing in black and white gave it a historical feel. I seem to recall chasing the train for a couple of days during a week long photo trek with my friend Ron during that summer.

I have made many trips over the years with Ron. And we’ve made many images on those trips. Check out Ron’s website, I think you’ll enjoy his work.

Ron in the shadows in Santa Rosa, NM.

Here’s the shot I got of the restaurant.

As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G

Lunar Occultation Venus. 06-16-2026

Geraint June 16, 2026 1 Comment

Hello from New Mexico. I hope everyone had a great week. Tomorrow there will be a celestial event happening, a Lunar Occultation of Venus. I’ve shot this event back in December 2015. Below are the images. It’s a daytime event that can be seen across north America and will occur in New Mexico on June 17, 2026 between 12:17 pm and 4:43 pm. Get your binoculars or long lenses and look for the crescent moon.

Weather permitting, I hope to get some good images and look forward to sharing them next week. Enjoy.

Lunar Occultation Venus — Venus and our moon.

The Lone Tree, End Of An Era. 06-10-2026

Geraint June 10, 2026 10 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. I hope everyone had a good week. This week, the demise of the lone tree, my muse for over 40 years. Today I’m celebrating this tree with the photos I’ve captured over the years, in its prime. Two days ago, it was reported in the Taos News that it had finally fallen after sitting bare for a number of years.

I call it the lone tree, but it is also known as the ‘Taos Welcome Tree” as it heralds the departures of some and the arrivals of others while welcoming home those who live here.

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Biker heading to Taos at the welcome tree. — Biker heading to Taos at the Welcome Tree.

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the welcome tree and storm — The tree during a storm.

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The storm leaves puddles and my daughter went for a run and some reflection.

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The tree reflects in the roadside puddles at sunset.

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Light rays and clouds, as if drawn by the tree.

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Sunset at the tree. Click here to see full panorama.

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“The Taos Welcome Tree stands along the approach to Taos, New Mexico, greeting travelers with a quiet sense of arrival. Shaped by decades of wind, weather, and the high-desert climate, the tree has become an informal landmark and a symbol of the community’s enduring connection to the land. For many residents and visitors, seeing the tree signals that they are finally home—or that their Taos adventure is about to begin.

Set against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and New Mexico’s expansive skies, the tree embodies the rugged beauty of northern New Mexico. Its weathered form reflects the resilience required to thrive in this high-altitude environment, where intense sunlight, winter snowstorms, and strong spring winds are part of everyday life.

Photographers are especially drawn to the Welcome Tree because it changes character with the seasons and the light. It can appear dramatic beneath storm clouds, glowing in the warm hues of sunrise and sunset, or stark and sculptural against fresh winter snow. Its simple silhouette provides a powerful focal point that captures the spirit of Taos and the surrounding landscape.

Over the years, the Welcome Tree has become more than just a tree. It is a recognizable icon of place, a marker of memory, and a reminder of the natural beauty that has inspired artists, photographers, and travelers for generations.”

As always thanks for looking and all the comments and compliments. Have a great week. G

Late Spring In The Valle Vidal, NM. 06-02-2026.

Geraint June 3, 2026 4 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. I hope everyone had a great week. This week is a short post with a few photos from the beautiful Valle Vidal, (Valley of Life), NM.