Crested Butte, High Country Colorado, 10-04-2023

October 3, 2023 by Geraint

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week some images from a trip to Crested Butte in the high country of Colorado.

Last week, I mentioned a trip around the block, so this week we made a trip to the area around Crested Butte, in Colorado. We went for the fall color and also wanted to take a trip with our sweet girl, Coco, our labradoodle. It was a wonderful road trip, and we observed our 13-year-old in the back seat, always in the rearview mirror, and, more importantly, enjoying the great outdoors. She was a delight to travel with, and we’ll look forward to doing it again soon.

Click on images to enlarge.

Kebler Pass, Aspens, near Crested Butte, Colorado — Aspens, Kebler Pass, Colorado.

Here’s another view of the scene above, shot in 2012.

Just before we left on our trip to Crested Butte, we heard, along with the world, that someone had cut down the famous sycamore tree at Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. It is a sad state of affairs, and sickening that one or two people could upset so many people by killing the famous long-lived tree, over 300 years old, featured in movies, documentaries, and millions of personal photos. When I came across the tree in the pictures below, I wanted to make an homage to lone trees everywhere. I shot it from three different viewpoints and it does appear to be growing up from the center of the rock formation.

After returning from Crested Butte, I wanted more of the autumn colors, so my son Dylan and I hiked up the “Italianos Trail” from the Rio Hondo Canyon. As you know, I had foot surgery earlier this year so I wanted to check out my hiking abilities. I used hiking poles for the first time, and things went very well.
We stopped en route to take some pictures. I only brought my iPhone along, but you know what they say, “The best camera is the one you have with you”.

Here are a couple of images of the Italianos Creek.

Close up of Italianos Creek and trail — Close-up of Italianos Creek.

As always, Thank you for looking. I really appreciate all the comments and compliments. G

Autumn, Out and About, Around the Block. 09-27-2023

September 26, 2023 by Geraint

Greetings from San Cristobal, New Mexico. Autumn! It’s time to get out and make trips around the block.

The phrase “around the block” refers to day-long road trips we frequently take. A journey that will ultimately bring us back to where we started, and perhaps, because of the sights we’ve seen, we have been reminded of the home that is within us, wherever we go.

This week a few pictures from past trips around the long block in Colorado and a reminder of the upcoming autumn colors that are gradually manifesting here in northern New Mexico. My October schedule for private workshops and tours is almost full. I have a few days still open if you are going to be in the area and want to sign up.

Aspen reflections in the car windshield Ohio Creek Pass, Colorado.

A pond in the high country near Grand Mesa, Colorado.

Blue Mesa, reservoir, Colorado — Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado.

Aspens in northern New Mexico — Aspens in Garcia Park, northern New Mexico.

Maybe I’ll see you out and about or going… “around the block”.

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

Grandeur Of Taos Mountain Storm. 09-19-2023

September 19, 2023 by Geraint

Greetings from San Cristobal, New Mexico. This week, the grandeur of Taos Mountain. The light, the storm, and the mountain’s ever-present beauty drew me here. It is why I stayed and continue to marvel at its grandeur. Whenever I commute to Taos, about 15 miles south, there is always something stunning to see that inspires me to stop and take a picture. Maybe even a nasty hail storm, although wild and scary to drive through, has its natural beauty.

Storm across the meadow to Taos Mountain, (Pueblo Peak).

A few minutes after stopping to take the image below, I arrived home to the roads covered in fingernail-size hail. Nothing like the golf ball hail other places receive but plenty big enough to strafe the trees and plants.

Moisture is a good thing despite the ferocious way it arrives.

Storm across the Taos Plateau — An imminent storm across the Taos Plateau.

It was about an inch and like riding on marbles.

If you happen to be in Taos this fall check out the new line of cards at Cids Food Market or prints and cards at Fine Art New Mexico online and in Arroyo Seco.

You can always order through me.

As always thanks for looking and all the compliments and comments. G

Summer Sunset, Salida Colorado, And More. 09-13-2023.

September 13, 2023September 13, 2023 by Geraint

Rainbow storm cloud sunset San Cristobal, NM

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week I’ve included a late summer sunset with a rainbow in a super storm cloud.

Summer is almost over and autumn is upon us. The aspens and cottonwoods will shroud the landscape in a cape of gold, glowing against the blue skies in the pristine mountain light. At this time of year, the night skies are crystal clear. The moon, constellations, galaxies, and Milky Way light up the night sky like few other places on Earth. New Mexico will soon be a magic carpet ride into the throes of winter. It’s not too late to sign up for a fall photo tour.

The summer storm cloud picture below followed a week after my last post on the rainbows. Many pictures of this massive cloud were floating around on social media. Naturally, we are so fortunate where we live, that we only have to step outside into the garden for a spectacular view.

Last weekend Pami and I drove to Salida, Colorado to the fiber arts festival. Pami did some shopping for alpaca yarns and I took a few images walking down the side streets and dark alleys!

Kayaks, Salida Colorado — Kayaks, Salida, Colorado.

Just over my shoulder was an artist painting a picture of these kayaks. This was his working palette.

Alley in Salida, Colorado — A dark alley in Salida, Colorado.

Honor roll wall, Salida, CO — Honor Roll Wall, Salida, CO.

Alley, Salida CO — Brickwork with peeling paint, an alley in Salida CO.

Looking down, watching where I put my feet, was all I needed to see that “Love is all you need”… and water and food and housing…!

It poured with rain over the last three days. It isn’t over yet. I had errands to run in Taos so I stopped by the Saint Francis Church in Ranchos de Taos to add another image to my reflection collection. As I’ve said before, “I can’t resist a puddle!”.

Reflections, Saint Francis Church, Ranchos de Taos — Reflection at the Saint Francis Church, Ranchos de Taos.

I went to a friend’s open studio last weekend and also got caught up on gallery visits, it’s been a while. I liked the vase of flowers and took a quick cellphone shot. After tinkering on a cell phone app I came up with this. Here’s another image I did using the “Formulas” app on my phone.

Vase of flowers in a Taos Studio — Vase of flowers in a Taos studio.

I got a number of print orders this week. I shipped this image of the Cliff Palace ruin in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado to Florida. I printed one for myself to hang in my office. If you would like a print for your wall, message me here!

I saw the scene below today on my drive home from town. This guy was trucking along the highway so I thought I’d catch a shot of him as he passed the flashing road work sign that has been there for three/four years. Road work? No problem!

Summer Road work rider — Road work? No problem!

Summer is coming to an end and colors are turning on the tips of cottonwoods and aspens. I still have dates available for private photo tours and workshops. Last year was outstanding. Let me know if you are planning a trip to the area and would like a personalized guided trip.

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

Super, Blue Moon Rise, San Cristobal, NM 09-06-2023

September 6, 2023 by Geraint

Full moon rising over the ridge San Cristobal

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week the Super, Blue Moon Rise from the deck at home in San Cristobal. I said I would share the moon rise if the skies were clear. They cooperated fully, with the thin veil of clouds adding an air of mystery.

I’ll begin with the first glow I saw about five minutes before the moon appeared. It gave me time to adjust my settings and anticipate the next few shots.

Super Blue moon rise San Cristobal — Super Blue Moon Rise San Cristobal, NM

Super Blue moon rising San Cristobal — Moon and trees on the ridge.

Full moon over the ridge San Cristobal — Super, Blue moon rise, in all its glory.

Of course, every moon rise is a sight to see. I am always excited as the moon clears the mountains where we live. Also, there is nothing like having a bright moon that you can drive with your headlights off and see the driveway ahead and the whole valley beyond lit up. The upside is that it’s like daylight in the house, so no nightlights are needed. The downside, sleep may be elusive on such a night.

The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon on September 29. Here’s a Harvest Moon nearly full with a rainbow for added glory. Read more here about the Super Blue Moon.

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

Stunning Rainbows, Supermoon Rise. 08-30-2023

August 30, 2023 by Geraint

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, super rainbows and a supermoon moonrise, around the Taos Valley. The Blue, Supermoon is this evening. If it looks spectacular and we are not clouded over I will post a shot next week.

The rainbows began with the monsoon rains that we finally experienced in abundance in the San Cristobal Valley. I think our neighbors in other parts of the county were jealous. I posted numerous images of rainbows from our field and over the foothills on social media. I didn’t have to go very far, but you know that already. However, last Saturday, the big monsoon rains arrived for all of Taos County. I could see the skies beginning to clear to the south, so I headed in that direction, towards Taos and got set up for a shot with Taos Mountain and hopefully a spectacular rainbow.

Below are images of what kept my attention, with dozens of people who were stopped and precariously parked along the highway through El Prado (the meadows).

Supernumerary or rainbow bands are “extra bands, usually pale pink or green in color, often seen on the inside of the primary rainbow. They result from interference of light rays which emerge from water droplets in the same direction”.
I hope that makes sense. I don’t know the science of it, but I like the results that occur. Here’s another shot from last July when I found out about these bands.

Check out the light rays in this one. It happens, not always but here’s a shot from July 2018.

With the upcoming supermoon and a blue moon tonight, I took a client on a photo tour for a few hours around sunset yesterday. We were looking for something particular, but I knew we’d have time to scout a few locations. My ideal shot would be the moon rising over the Saint Francis Church in Ranchos de Taos. I’ve done it before, so I had that idea in mind with perhaps a different angle.

When the moon initially peaked over the ridge south of Ranchos de Taos, it looked nice, though the sky was a little hazy and not so blue (is it ever blue?) like this one when it occurred in March 2018. We took a few shots of the moon and the sunset and then headed to my planned location at the iconic church.

Blue supermoon rising — Supermoon rising over the Talpa ridge.

Blue supermoon rising over the Talpa ridge — Supermoon rising over the Talpa ridge.

Last but not least the not-quite-full supermoon rises at the Saint Francis Church in Ranchos de Taos.

Supermoon rising at the Saint Francis church.

As always thank you for looking. I hope you’ll join me for the next Blue Supermoon in 2037. I’ll see you here! Have a good week. G

Bosque del Apache, Marsh Habitats. 08-23-2023

August 23, 2023August 23, 2023 by Geraint

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, I’m revisiting the Bosque del Apache in the quiet off-season before the bulk of the birds and the crowds of tourists and photographers arrive. I have the place pretty much to myself.

Here are some quieter moments in the Bosque del Apache, beginning with Hammer Hank, one of the resident Great Blue Herons with this prime location for skewering fish that make it into the irrigation channel. You’ve got to love these opportunistic fishers.

The marshes are flooded awaiting the arrival of thousands of birds. If you get a chance to go there, you won’t be disappointed.

Bosque del Apache tumbleweed willows. — Tumbleweed and willows in the marsh.

The willows and grasses add a lot of privacy for the birds and wildlife.

Little nooks and crannies provide hiding places and make for mysterious-looking portals to the underworld of the march banks.

Tumbleweeds are the ubiquitous and unofficial plant of New Mexico and the Southwest. Locally, they are known as mesa street sweepers. I have seen them with numerous pieces of styrofoam, cups, and plastic grocery bags attached.

The marshes are often very calm, offering pristine reflections in the early morning light.

I titled this “Cornbird” although I suspect it is a Pine Siskin. I caught it on the hop from one corn row to the next.

Corn bird in the cornfileds — “Cornbird” in the cornfields.

Below is one of many sluice/headgates in the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge that divert water from the Rio Grande to the marshes.

And for those who like color, there’s plenty of that too.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s trip.

As always, thanks for looking, commenting, and all the wonderful compliments. G

Black Mesa, Rainbow, And Walking Rain. 08-16-2023.

August 15, 2023 by Geraint

Black mesa and Capilla de la Sagrado Familia, NM

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week a moonrise over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Black Mesa, the Capilla de la Sagrado Familia, and the iconic cemetery, near San Ildefonso Pueblo, NM.

Rainbows have been intermittent this summer but they have been spectacular. Here’s one of my favorite scenes taken in El Prado with cattle and Taos Mountain (Pueblo Peak).

Rainbows in El Prado with Taos Mountain, (Pueblo Peak).

Walking Rain is a spiritual experience in my mind. If you visit New Mexico, primarily in the summer months, you will more than likely, see this phenomenon for yourself. Here are two shots I like.

Walking Rain across the plateau west of Taos — Walking Rain (virga) at sunset across the plateau west of Taos.

I also call walking rain, rain curtains. It’s technically called Virga rain. Check it out over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico.

Walking rain, rain curtain, Taos mountains.

Walking rain, rain curtain, Taos mountains close up. — A close-up in the walking rain, in the rain curtain!

I hope you are enjoying my posts. Please feel free to share with your family and friends.

As always, thank you for looking. G.

On The Road, New Mexico, And Colorado. 08-09-2023

August 8, 2023 by Geraint

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week on the road in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. I spent a couple of days photo trekking last week discovering new sights and sites with longtime friend, and fellow trekker Ron. There are always new images waiting for us in familiar locations.

If you are planning to visit New Mexico this fall, check out my photo tour/workshops. Lets get started.

On the road at Saint Francis church — Saint Francis Church with hollyhocks.

Saint Francis church door — Door number seven, Saint Francis Church door, Ranchos de Taos.

Building, Cerro NM — Building in Cerro, NM.

Plant growing out of a building on the road in Dixon NM — Plant growing out of a building crack, Dixon NM

Street markings — Street parking markings.

Woodpile, on the road in Truchas, NM — Woodpile and corrugated steel roof, Truchas, NM.

Trailer, Colorado — Trailer, southern Colorado.

Chevrolet 1946 Fleetline, Garcia Colorado.

As always, thank you for looking. G

Rio Grande Gorge, Black, White, And Color. 02-08-2023

August 2, 2023August 2, 2023 by Geraint

The Rio Grande where the gorge begins, Colorado

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week the Rio Grande Gorge, from its beginning to where it cuts deep into the canyon of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

If you look closely, you can see the cliffs of the Rio Grande gorge uplifting left of center. I refer to this spot as where the river meets the rift. From this point, the river travels south, never leaving the Rio Grande Gorge. At the deepest point, the river is over eight hundred feet below the canyon rim.

Below is a view of Ute Mountain with the Rio Grande as it makes its way through the Wild and Scenic Rivers Recreation Area of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. The sky and darkness in the canyon, with only the river and Ute Mountain, highlighted, made for a dramatic image. Click here for another view.

Ute Mountain with the Rio Grande gorge in the Wild Rivers Recreation Area — Ute Mountain with the Rio Grande Gorge.

Heading home on a photo tour with Scott last week, I couldn’t resist another picture of the red barn in the San Luis Valley. The barn, accompanied by a brooding sky, called for a black-and-white photo. I know the barn won’t be standing for much longer. It’s already losing its siding and beginning to corkscrew. With the high winds making direct hits and randomly carting off planks of wood across plains, more and more light gets through the building. In the background are a large field of potato plants and a center-pivot irrigation machine.

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