Rio Grande, Bridge, Canyon, Tree. 02-22-2023

February 22, 2023 by Geraint

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week the Rio Grande and surrounding views.

I’m sitting here with my foot elevated, looking out the window on our valley. The snow is blowing in high winds and chilling the air dramatically. The wind is breaching the gaps wherever it can.

Things are healing nicely with the surgery on my foot. Thank you for all the well wishes. They are welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Throwing a virtual dart at the archives this week, I came across the first image of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge shrouded in a rare, early morning fog. I decided to pull a few more pictures from that folder and add them below.

I won’t be going very far for the next few weeks. I hope to make it to the Monte Vista NWR for the return of the sandhill cranes in mid-march. Until then, I hope you’ll enjoy my revisiting the archives with me.

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge carries US Highway 64 across the canyon and river 600 feet below. Highway 64, the other mother road, has one terminus in the Outer Banks, NC and the other at Teec Nos Pos, Arizona. I’ve driven this section of the road, many times, to its western terminus. It passes through scenic areas with many opportunities for image making. In my humble opinion, unless you like abandoned motels, gas stations, and 1960’s era neon signs (all great subjects in their own right), on Route 66, take US 64 for the more scenic route.

Gorge fog, Taos New Mexico — Morning fog rolls over the canyon walls.

Rio Grande morning fog — Morning fog on the river.

Gorge Bridge canyon cell phone view — Gorge bridge shadow and canyon view.

Orilla Verde Tree, Pilar NM — Snow and an iconic tree in Orilla Verde RA, Pilar NM.

Lastly, a view acros the gorge to Taos mountain. A gorge bush!

As always, thank you for looking, and thank you again for all the well wishes. G

Coyote Watches, Rio Grande Gorge, Pilar, NM. 02-15-2023

February 15, 2023 by Geraint

Greetings from snow-bound San Cristobal. This week a coyote watches me from the sagebrush along the Rio Grande in Pilar, NM. A flashback to a photo tour/workshop five years ago.

This week I’m recovering from surgery on my left foot! Had I realized the lack of mobility I’m experiencing, I would have prepared a post last week. So, when I threw a virtual (numerical) dart at the archives this image came up. It’s one of my favorites so I’m putting it out here. I posted a close-up version five years ago, but I like how this more expansive view represents the whole encounter.

I hope you’ll forgive the single image post this week.

… and as always, thank you for looking. G

Snow Moon, Taos Mountains. 02-08-2023.

February 8, 2023 by Geraint

Snow moon rising over Vallecito Mountain

Greetings from San Cristobal. This week the Snow Moon is rising over the mountains of Taos.

In the first image, I watched the moon rise behind the peak of Vallecito Mountain. It’s a favorite location of mine, as you may have seen from past posts. The sun was setting as the moon rose. The light on the landscape was balanced nicely, with the moon perfectly exposed.

Fifteen minutes later the sun had set leaving the mountain and sky with a soft lighted glow.

Three miles south and much closer to Pueblo Peak (Taos Mountain) I was able to catch the moon in a good poistion.

Generally speaking, on an outing to photograph the moon rise, I begin looking for a view point further west and then drive east, getting closer to the mountains, stopping to make more images as the moon emegeres from behind the different parks. If you want to join me on a full-moon photography adventure, please get in touch, it will be a lot of fun!

Bird of the week, the tenacious Rock Wren in the Rio Grande Gorge, Pilar, NM.

As always thank you for looking. G

Lunar Occultation of Mars. Night Sky, 02-01-2023

February 1, 2023February 1, 2023 by Geraint

Mars starts to disappearing behind the moon

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. Two days before, I’d heard that the lunar occultation (covering) of mars by the moon, was imminent, that it would begin and end between 9 to 11 pm MST. It turns out that here in northern NM, we would be on the periphery of the viewable range, in other words, we are too far north and will possibly, see Mars skirt the edge of the moon. As the evening went on, I became frustrated with the event, the frigid temps dwindling batteries, and cold hands. After a few trips indoors to warm up, I was ready to call it a night.

Here’s the first shot of the moon and Mars when I saw it. The moon’s direction of travel in the first image is from the lower to the upper part of the frame. Is there an up and down in space? Click to enlarge.

January 30, 2023, Lunar occultation of Mars.

After a lengthy warm-up by the woodstove cupping a glass of whisky, I went back to the camera set up on the deck, got the moon in my viewfinder, and spotted Mars about to vanish behind the moon. Mars is on the upper right edge of the moon.

The Lunar occultation of mars — The Lunar occultation (covering) of Mars occurs.

Lunar occultation, Mars emerges from behind the moon — Mars emerges from behind the moon.

Here’s a close-up of the planet Mars emerging. The time frame of this event was about 20 minutes. Time on the deck from start to finish 2.5 hours.

Lastly this week, I have to share the birds Three crows, eyes left!

American crows cottonwood tree — Three American Crows in the old cottonwood tree, San Cristobal.

One of a very large flock of Pinyon Jays in the garden this week. They emptied the bird feed in twenty minutes. This bird was waiting for it’s opportunity to feed but it doesn’t look very enthusiastic.

Pinyon Jay one of a large flock. — Pinyon Jay.

As always, thanks for looking and for all your kind words and compliments.

Mountain Snow, Vallecito Mountain. 01-25-2023

January 25, 2023 by Geraint

Vallecito Mountain Snow, Taos New Mexico

Greetings from San Cristobal. This week, mountain snow in the highcountry of New Mexico. Snow fell on the mountain peaks, accompanied by soft winter light. It was enough to find the clouds lifting and a single moment of this pink light on the mountains. Sometimes all it takes to make my day is a simple “ah!” moment like this. The same magenta glow infused the landscape and air around me.

In this area, the Rockies are called the Sangre de Cristos. This wasn’t quite a full-on Sangre sunset color but rather more of a rosé blush. Click here to see what I’m referring to.

Mountain Snow, Taos, NM — Mountain Snow, Taos NM

Here is a close-up of my favorite mountain in this range of peaks, Vallecito Mountain. After a brief moment of this light, it was gone. Then home to Pami, a nice single malt, and a warm fire. Some days it just doesn’t get any better.

Flashback. An image I shot on a Saturday morning at the Taos farmer’s market in August 2008. Enjoy.

Little Taos Farmer's Market shopper — A little shopper at Taos farmer’s market.

As always, thank you for looking, and for all the comments, and compliments. G

San Cristobal Valley, Winter, Ranchos de Taos. 01-18-2023

January 18, 2023 by Geraint

Greetings from San Cristobal Valley. Winter is beginning to settle in, with temperatures dropping to single digits and a decent amount of snow. Not at all the amount we are used to, but we’ll take it.

Last week, on my way home, I just had to pull over to watch the shadows move through our valley. Ten years ago, I shot this same scene. It became the centerpiece in our galley and home and has been a best seller since then. I don’t think I could ever top it though I keep trying. As you can see, the foreground is overgrown, with the meadow obscured.

Here is the same view, one of my iconic images from ten years ago. Here is the same location in fall 2020.

San Cristobal valley cottonwoods, and aspens — San Cristobal Valley cottonwoods, and aspens

That cottonwood and willows in Arroyo Hondo, I can’t seem to pass this spot without making an image.

Arroyo Hondo cottonwood, willows. — Arroyo Hondo cottonwood and willows.

Early one morning this week I went south to the adobe mission church of Saint Francis in Ranchos de Taos. This iconic building always looks good with accents of snow and a dramatic sky. One important feature of this image… I arrived in time to get a photo before the parking area filled with cars.

Saint Francis church, Ranchos de Taos, NM.

Below is an image from December 2010 on the road that connects the villages of Arroyo Hondo and Arroyo Seco. When I had my gallery in Arroyo Seco I drove this route most days. It’s a sweet country road with close-up views of the surrounding mountains. It is an especially beautiful, and magical drive when the hoar frost covers the trees and landscape.

Hondo, Seco Road, New Mexico — Arroyo Hondo, Arroyo Seco Road, New Mexico

If you plan to visit New Mexico this year and have a desire to improve your photographic skills, and see locations off the beaten track, look me up and consider a photography tour/workshop. I’ll look forward to meeting and working with you in some of my favorite places in the area.

As always, thank you for looking. G

Powerful Wolf Moon Rising, Colorado. 01-11-2023

January 11, 2023 by Geraint

Wolf moon rising over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Colorado

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM.

Last week, on January 5, 2023, was the 99 percent full wolf moon. I spent a fabulous full-day photo tour with Richard. When we departed Taos, we had high expectations of catching the January “wolf moon” rising over the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mountains in southern Colorado. We did not expect the vast cloud cover that occurred midday.

As is often the case in the west, the weather changes rapidly and dramatically. There is a saying, ‘if you don’t like the weather wait five minutes”. On this day, following six hours of intermittent cloud cover everywhere except the mountains, where the sky remained full of clouds, they finally dissipated to reveal the Sangres in all their glory! Click on images to enlarge.

In the images below, you can see what the rest of the day brought for us. The first is the Rio Grande looking north upstream to Blanca Peak.

Rio Grande ice with Blanca Peak, Colorado — Ice on the Rio Grande with the Blanca Peak Massif.

Standing on the Lobatos Bridge bridge to get this image, we could hear the ice cracking around the bridge pillars and along the cliffs. Some of the sounds were like thunderclaps deep down below. Other sounds were like the far of moaning of a person in pain.

I’m not usually one to show both versions of a shot, but I like both equally for different reasons. The black-and-white image has a more dramatic impact. The color of the grasses sprouting up amongst the volcanic rocks in the second version is pleasing and captures the softness of nature and light I experienced there.

Lobatos bridge with Blanca Peak and the Rio Grande Colorado, black and white — Lobatos bridge in black and white.

Lobatos bridge with Blanca Peak and the Rio Grande.

Below, the cactus thrives in this lava rock environment.

Cactus, lava rocks rio grande gorge, colorado — Cactus, lava rocks Rio Grande, Colorado.

I first saw the Eastdale post office many years ago when the plaque with the zip code and roof was intact. Alas, things change, and vandals continue to pilfer whatever and from wherever they can.

Eastdale, Colorado Post Office — Eastdale, Colorado US Post Office.

A few days earlier in San Cristobal, the waxing moon rose, followed by the sunset on our local peaks in the Columbine Hondo Wilderness.

Moon rise, San Cristobal, NM — Moon rise, from San Cristobal, NM.

Sunset, mountains from San Cristobal, NM — Sunset, the last light on the mountains from San Cristobal, NM.

Greetings to all my friends in California. Stay safe!

As always, thanks for looking. G

San Luis Valley, Horses, Birds, Sunset, 01-04-2023

January 4, 2023 by Geraint

Blanca peak and wild horses san luis valley, Colorado

Greetings from San Cristobal. I had a lovely time shooting in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, which always makes me smile, followed by some random images around the area this holiday season. You may recognize this scene. I visit it often on photo tours and workshops in southern Colorado.

Wild Horses, San Luis Valley — Wild Horses and crows.

Corraled by the creek, and then the escape. I opened the car door to get out, and the horses, surprised, jumped the fence. I missed that! The payoff came in the following two images.

Wild Horses running through fields in Colorado — Wild horses running through fields in Colorado.

Wild Horses running, San Luis Valley — Wild horses, southern Colorado.

One mild morning last week, my son Dylan and I walked through the Fred Baca Park Wetlands and Rio Fernando Park. There wasn’t a lot going on, which was very nice. I did take a camera and caught a shot of a Townsend’s Solitaire being solitary in a bare tree. A peaceful walk surrounded the muted colors of winter.

Townsend's Solitaire, Fred Baca Park Wetlands, Taos — Townsend Solitaire, Fred Baca Park Wetlands, Taos.

One afternoon a Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay and Northern Flicker, settled in our old cottonwood tree in San Cristobal.

Northern Flicker, and Western Scrub Jay San Cristobal — Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay and Northern Flicker.

Seeing out the New Year, we were watching a sunset cloud from the deck.

Sunset Cloud San Cristobal — Sunset Cloud over Taos Mountain, from San Cristobal.

Lastly, a flashback to Spring 1987, on a trip I made with four friends, Martin, Frank, Ken, and Dave. Frank and I got set up each morning and evening at our primitive campsite to capture the sunrise, or in this instance, waiting on the sunset. I took this shot of our two Rollei’s, Franks Deerdorf, and my Nikon F3.

Monument Valley cameras — Cameras set up at the Mittens, Monument Valley.

As always, Thank you for looking. Happy New Year. G

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. 12-28-2022

December 28, 2022 by Geraint

Dune Grass, Great sand dunes national park

Greetings from San Cristobal and beyond in the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. I hope everyone had a good holiday season, and it’s not over yet!

Christmas day we made a drive to the Great Sand Dunes, NP. We had a short hike across the sandy bottoms to where the dune grass grows and the climb up begins. The soft, late afternoon light was golden, highlighting the dune grass, against a backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo, (Rocky Mountains). We had a beautiful afternoon with family and drove home under twilight skies.

I got into some abstract shots in the dune field, promising myself another trip back there soon to wander and shoot more abstracts.

Sand dunes abstract — Sand Dunes Abstract

As always, thank you for looking, and have a Happy New Year. G

Winter Solstice Moment, San Luis Valley. 12-21-22

December 21, 2022 by Geraint

San Luis valley red barn, winter solstice 2022

Greetings from San Cristobal and beyond. Today I did what I’ve done for the past number of years on the winter solstice, I drove to the San Luis Valley to my favorite barn to catch the moment the sun shines through a hole in the roof. There are many holes in the rooftop, as you can see. This one stands out this year on the solstice, (2:48, MDT). Here’s last year’s moment in black and white at the red barn.

Moving ever so slightly to the south the sun hits the pitch peak of the roof, perfectly.

San Luis valley red barn, winter solstice — San Luis Valley and the red barn on the winter solstice, 2022

And for those who celebrate Christmas…

Ho ho ho, Jingle Bells!!!

It was a long day today so I’ll keep it short.

As always thank you for looking. I hope everyone gets what you asked for. Happy Holidays whichever one you celebrate. G