Greetings from San Cristobal NM. This week on the Petaca Point Trail, southwest of Taos.
When the only camera you have is a cellphone you make do. These few shots were taken on a hike last week. We’re going back on the Petaca trail tomorrow for what I’m hoping will be a Claret Cup Cactus superbloom. I’m taking a Sony camera on tomorrow’s hike. If you’re interested in this hike on the Petaca Point Trail it’s mostly flat with many expansive views of the mountains and river gorge.
The iPhone does a good job of the details. Here is some info on this cactus.
I went to Pueblo, Colorado for a film festival last weekend. It was fun, and something different for me. On the way home I stopped at this favorite spot for this shot of the passing storm with Ute Mountain.
Lastly, my book Rio Grande del Norte: An Intimate Portrait won an American Legacy Book Award. Best in Photography.
As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G
24 thoughts on “On The Petaca Point Trail. 05-01-2024”
CONGRATS on the award, Geraint! Very well deserved! I have a copy and it’s a WONDERFUL book. And, thanks for the great images.
Thanks so much, Peter. I really appreciate it. Best wishes G
Wow, CONGRATS on the award, I’ll notate my cherished copy.
Thanks so much, Larry. Keep those pictures coming. G
Thanks for the cacti photos, beautiful! I’ve had my eyes on a local yellow flowering opuntia rufida variety just down the street that’s about to bust out any day. I’ll post some photos soon. It sounds like you’re getting those hiking feet back in action. Good news.
See you down the road,
Mark
Thanks so much, Mark. I look forward to seeing your pictures of the plant you refer to.
And just for you I have a ten mile backcountry hike for when you are here next. G
Thank you for these beautiful pictures, Geraint.
Thanks so much, Sharon. I’m glad you enjoyed seeing them. G
Hey Geraint…Jo & I have enjoyed the Petaca Trail many times on both hikes & bikes but we’ve never caught the cactus blooms the way you have….wonderful images my friend!
Going down on my bike next time, that way I can cover more ground. The cactus blooms are fleeting but more are coming. Thanks John/Jo, I always appreciate your feedback and compliments. G
Congrats on Winning Photography! I’ll check it out at Collected Works in SF. Love the exotic looking blossoms on the cactus. The spines are sacred geometry.
Thanks so much, Joy. I hope the have a copy for you to check out. The public lands gift shop often have some in stock. The cacti are amazing. Best wishes. G
Congrats on the book award, Geraint! I remember shooting that view on your book cover with you. My shot didn’t quite look as good, lol.
Paul
Thanks so much, Paul. Whatever you think your picture lacked you are making up for it now with your stunning bird photography. My best to you. G
Great well deserved award will get my copy to the top of the pile.
Cactus flowers great am I right that they do not flower for long they are brilliant.
Alison
It appears to me that the cactus flowers open in succession, I think to continually attract pollinators. Individually the blooms don’t stay open long. Thanks so much for the compliments on my book and the place of honor. G
Congrats on the book award! I always thought somebody should do a photo book on El Malpais, too. Even though a busy interstate goes right by it, few people in the country seem to be aware of that awesome place.
Thanks so much, Jay. I’ve been to the Malpais numerous times. I thoroughly enjoy photographing along the sandstone bluffs. I haven’t ventured very far into the lava flows. I have spent some time in the Valley of Fires near Carrizozo. Best wishes. G
Congratulations! It is a stellar book and a beautiful remembrance of our time living there- thank you again for your inspiring work 🤍
Thank you so much, Kristine. That means a lot. Best wishes. G
OH HOW WONDERFUL & CONGRATS ON YOUR AWARD!! NOT SURPRISING!
JUST BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS AS ALWAYS. THE WINTER DESERT BURSTING INTO COLOR IN SPRING…AAHHH, HOPE!
There’s so much life in the desert, if I look closely enough. Sometimes the desert gets a bad rap for being dead and boring. I much prefer it to the tropical climes. Thanks so much, Patrice. G
Geraint, I’m really enjoying the spring desert scenery- I’ll have to plan a future trip for this time of the year also. Congrats on the award for your book. It is full of amazing photography and very inspirational to me. Happy trails!
Scott
Thank you so much, Scott. I’m with you. There are the familiar locations but seeing them in different seasons makes them new locations all over again. I’m thoroughly enjoying your posts on instagram. Inspiring to me. Best wishes. G