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.
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.
The Conejos River was almost overflowing and partially frozen as it drifted under the old rail bridge near 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.
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.
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.
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.
As always, thanks for looking, and a sincere thank you for all the well wishes. Your good thoughts are working. G
30 thoughts on “Happy Saint David’s Day in Wales. 03-01-23”
That is quite the Welch word!
Next time we meet I will ask you to say it!!! Incredible- as always!
Thank you, Kristine. It’s easy to say, making it sound interesting is the crux. G
Great collection. Happy to hear that your banner was selected. I love the contrast between the pastel colors in the grass and sky and the vibrant colors in the blanket.
Did you find any daffodils to wear?
Mary
Hi Mary. No daffodils but I’m sure I could have found a leek. Thank you for the compliments. I’m looking forward to seeing the banner hanging. G
You probably needed the half-day off just to annunciate that name.
I learned how to pronounce the basics of Welsh in junior school before leaving Wales. My uncle taught me how to say this run on sentence years later. Thank you, Rob for checking in all these years. G
This is another winning collection. I’m partial to black and whites, so love the barn and the accompanying story. The town banner shot is a winner!
Thank you so much, Jim. I know you love black and white. I really appreciate your comments and compliments. Stay warm and well. G
Pics stunning as ever!
Is that the railway station in Northern Wales? I think I went there. I stayed in a stone house in a town called Dolgellau, in northern Wales, in the 70’s! Very cold and a shortage of hot water. Travelled further north and the mountainous scenery was beautiful.
Thank you, Francine. This is at the railway station. On the platform you start reading the place name when you arrive and finish it when the train leaves the station. Haha!!! I lived in Fairbourne in 1974-75 for a year. I went to Dolgellau many times. I rock climbed all around N. Wales during that time. G
Great post! Love the photos and commentary, per usual, fantastic! Thank you.
Thank you so much, Robert. I appreciate your compliments. I hope you are doing well. G
I’m so glad to hear you are on the mend. I’m glad I had the chance to shot those buildings in San Acacio before they were gone. They are some of my favorites. I recall you got a huge mosquito bite on your hand when we were there. I think you were bitching in Welsh. Love the photos, get well soon. See you down the road.
I hadn’t taken my garlic that day hence the reaction to the bite. It’s almost too sad to drive through here these days. At least it’s not the same as it used to be. Thank you, Mark. See you down the road. G
Quite the wordy word !
Blessings on this David’s Day, although I’m betting it’s daffodil and Leeks vs leaks 😉
Later this month it will be Māra Day -March 25th in my Baltic homeland, honoring its historic pagan goddess
Well… dang presumptive text! So many days to celebrate. Thank you, Mara. G
Great assortment, Geraint! Is that one the infamous “Blowin’ in the Wind” structure?
You know it Paul. It was fun while it lasted. I hope you are doing well. Thoroughly enjoying your bird and wildlife posts. Thank you, Paul. G
Glad you’re back to walking on two feet!
Getting better and better every day. I hope you are doing well. Thank you, Susan. G
Nice series of photos!
Thanks so much, Carlos. I hope you are well and having fun. G
Welsh village: been there, got the picture, been there again, got the picture again. Still can’t pronounce the name…and I’m a Robert Lloyd Jones.
I’ve only been there once. I’ll teach it to you next time I see you. Thank you, Bob. G
thanks so much.
Thank you, Ron. G
Those abandoned gas station shots really resonate with me! Nice shot. My favorite in this set though is the Rio Grande from the Lobatos Bridge one. Gorgeous!
Thank you, Scot. If it works out I can show you the gas station. I’m enjoying your posts. Cheers and see you soon. G
Hi great that you will soon be putting your best foot forward and have them other join it. Great shots. I am on the island of Jersey lots of Beaches but could do with that great blanket. Lots of Welsh Flags last week. That dragon reminds me of your mum and dad!! in the nicest way I mean. Love Alison.
Gosh, Jersey. What a great place and time we had there and in Guernsey as kids. I remember it well. Thank you for sharing and I really appreciate your connection to my parents. You bring them closer. Thank you, Alison. And yes it is a wonderful blanket and warm. Stay well. G