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.
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.
Below, the cactus thrives in this lava rock environment.
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.
A few days earlier in San Cristobal, the waxing moon rose, followed by the sunset on our local peaks in the Columbine Hondo Wilderness.
Greetings to all my friends in California. Stay safe!
As always, thanks for looking. G
28 thoughts on “Powerful Wolf Moon Rising, Colorado. 01-11-2023”
Great images Geraint. Your PS skills in enhancing clouds and colors to maximize character is excellent. I’ve been doing printing for several years and still don’t have the mastery you do. Excellent stuff!
Thank you so much, Richard. It was a very good day. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. G
an especially outstanding group of photos. Thanks
Totally agree!
Thanks so much, Gregg. G
Thank you, Ron. I hope you enjoyed the holidays. And thank you as always my friend. G
“If you don’t like the weather, wait six months.” That’s what we say in Vancouver.
Very nice work, Geraint, particularly the three chunks of ice. The square format was an ideal choice.
There isn’t a saying for it in England. Only “if it rains it pours”. I remember a month in England and the sun didn’t shine. Thank you so much, Rob for your compliments. G
Everybody seems to say that everywhere in the USA!
What an outstanding group of images. Excellent!
Thank you, Mark. You know this area well and know what it means to me. I know you love it too. G
Great photos! Wishing you and Pam a great 2023!!
Thank you so much, Susie. We are well, and happy new year to you too. G
Absolutely superb in every respect…a treat as always!
Thank you, John. Let’s meet soon for a coffee or such! G
All outstanding photo compositions
Thank you so much, Mara. Stay well. G
Where to start with this group of outstanding shots? Impossible to say. I love them all; the bridge in black-and-white is spectacular. As always, well done and be well. jim
Thank you for your comments and compliments, Jim. I really appreciate it. Give a call if you make it out this way again. Otherwise I glad to know you are looking in. G
As always, you capture such stunning scenes, scenes that most people don’t even see or drive right on by! Beautiful!
That’s a really nice compliment, Norma. Thank you so much. G
Rio Grande ice,
Triangle, triangle, not triangle.
Shoreline of sensuous curves, not straight lines.
Black to white with infinite greys.
Thank you so much, Larry. The ice was plentiful. The wildlife was sparse this trip but the same band of horses were in the exact same place as last week. I love the peace and quiet out there. We saw three other vehicles the whole time. Rush hour on the plateau! G
What an amazing eyeful! I think the General Store would be a great fixer-upper!
Thank you, June. There’s a lot to feast the eyes on out there. The general store has a beautiful pressed tin ceiling. G
So beautiful! You’re my favorite landscape photographer. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, Melissa. I appreciate that. G
Thanks.