Hello from New Mexico. The phrase “around the block” evokes more than just a simple jaunt; it symbolizes the day-long road trips we often embark upon, journeys that weave through the tapestry of landscapes and experiences, ultimately guiding us back to our point of origin. These excursions, though they may seem circular in nature, are rich with discovery and reflection. As we traverse winding roads and pass through quaint towns and sprawling vistas, we gather fragments of the world that resonate within us. Each sight and sound becomes a thread in the intricate fabric of our memories, reminding us of the home that resides within our hearts. No matter how far we wander, these journeys reaffirm the notion that home is not merely a destination, but a feeling we carry with us, a constant companion on the road of life.
There has been a lot of lightning this year. This morning we had sheet lightning, thunder, and hail. A lot of it.
Lightning, Arroyo Hondo, NM.
In the heart of mid-October 2007, we were graced with a scene that looked to have been painted by the hand of a local artist (photographer), capturing the essence of autumn in all its glory. The trees were ablaze with hues of crimson and gold, their leaves dancing in the crisp breeze like nature’s confetti. The mountains and town looked splendid, dressed in the first snowfall that year. In stark contrast, this year has offered us nothing of the sort… nada! I’m looking forward to any snow we get, we need the moisture.
Hello from New Mexico! This week, we’re experiencing some beautiful autumn colors. There’s plenty to enjoy, but I wanted to share a little gem I found this week in Valle Escondido, NM. The scenery out there is stunning, and I hope it’s just as beautiful where you are. I must admit, though, the season seems to be moving along quickly.
In the morning mists of Autumn.
Aspen trunks in the Valle Vidal, NM.
No photo tour to the San Luis Valley is complete without a stop at the old homestead, you know the one! With storm clouds building, but no precipitation yet, my client, Susan, and I stopped in here on a photo workshop to see what was brewing visually.
Homestead, San Luis Valley, Colorado.
A wide view of our valley and mountains.
San Cristobal Valley aspens and cottonwoods.
This week’s “Print of the Week”. taken the same week at the location above.
Fall in the San Cristobal Valley.
As always, thank you for looking. I hope you’re enjoying Autumn where you are. G
As fall approaches and temperatures begin to drop, Taos, New Mexico, gears up for its Fall Arts season, featuring numerous events throughout the period. This is a magical time in New Mexico, as the landscape embarks on a vibrant transformation with the sights, sounds, scents, and colors of autumn. Soon, the aspens and cottonwoods will drape the landscape in a golden cloak, shining brightly against the blue skies in the crisp light. The night skies are exceptionally clear at this time of year, with the moon, constellations, galaxies, and the Milky Way illuminating the night like few other places on Earth.
This morning, the chill in the air was enough to require an extra shirt. After a brief walk with the dogs, I settled into printing some images—old favorites, iconic classics, and new prints for our annual Taos Artists Combo #4.
If you happen to be in Taos during the weekend of September 12-14, 2025, it would be wonderful to see you at the Stables Gallery at the TCA, located at 133 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM.
Below is a selection of prints featured in the exhibition. I’m going through the archives alphabetically, hence this series from Arroyo Hondo.
Morning pasture.
Arroyo Hondo Tree.
Fall colors in Arroyo Hondo.
Moonrise with Horse.
Moon set, Arroyo Hondo, NM.
Print of the week and one more in the show.
Cottonwood Willows.
There’ll be many more images from all around northern New Mexico and southern Colorado.
As always, thanks for looking. I hope to see you in Taos. Have a great week. G
Greetings from New Mexico! This week, I’m revisiting the topic of llama trekking in New Mexico. Approximately twelve years ago, and again five years ago, I was assigned by AAA to cover stories on llama trekking adventures in the state. The first assignment led me, along with a guide and clients, up the Columbine Trail. This trail winds through the mountains, surrounded by wildflowers and lush meadows of tall grass. The second story took us on a different journey down a steep canyon trail into the Rio Grande Gorge. There, we enjoyed a leisurely day that included a long lunch, lounging and relaxing in chairs, with time spent exploring the local flora, fauna, and ancient petroglyphs.
Some of the petroglyphs seen on the Rio Grande trip, mule deer and bighorn sheep.
Petroglyphs, Rio Grande Gorge.
Stay tuned for more on upcoming llama adventures.
A few nights ago, the moon was bright and, in some parts of the world, it occulted, passed in front of Antares, the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius.
In my region, what I observed was still fascinating, although I needed to take two separate photographs: one of the moon and another of the star Antares, which is named because it rivals the color of the planet Mars. However, Mars is no match for Antares in size; Antares is significantly larger.
Moon and Antares, from the deck, San Cristobal, NM.
Greetings from San Cristobal, NM! This week, the neighborhood is bursting with wildflowers. I took an early morning hike with the dogs today. It was still quite cool, and the signs of incoming weather prompted us to keep it short, a 4.5-mile round trip on the Columbine Canyon Trail. The wildflowers are in full bloom and looking beautiful, although the dogs seemed a bit impatient, frequently giving me looks that seemed to ask, “Are we stopping again?” We turned around and started heading back down the trail, chatting and interacting with other hikers along the way. Although it’s mostly uphill and the climb is moderate, the descent is much quicker. I need to train the dogs to slow me down on the way down; their pulling was very helpful on the way up!
Columbine along the creek.
Columbine, Fireweed and other plants.
Mexican Hat flowers everywhere, especially along highways and meadows at 10,000 ft.
Indian Paintbrush in the Valle Vidal, Valley of Life.
I think this hummingbird is in amongst Rocky Mountain Penstemon growing wild in the Moreno Valley, NM.
Hummingbird in the Moreno Valley, NM
My friend David Marks on the trail a few years ago in Taos Ski Valley. Check out his website for some superb wildlife and his journey in phoytography.
Photographing wildflowers in the creek at Taos Ski Valley.
Next month the sunflowers wildflowers of the valley will be showing up along the roadsides. I hope I get to see them this year before the road crews mow them down.
Here’s the print of the week, I call it Sunflower Shower.
Sunflower Shower.
As always, thanks for looking. I think my comments section is working again. So if you’re inclined to comment, I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great week. G
Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, a flashback with images originally posted on July 16, going back fifteen years. I’ve been on assignment this week for AAA magazine, lots of images to process, so I’m posting images here from the archive.
I hope you enjoy this flashback. You can see more images from the early years at this link: The Photo of the Day 2005-2016
Hello from San Cristobal, New Mexico! This weekend marks the summer solstice, occurring on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 8:42 p.m. MDT. Over the years, I have made it a tradition to spend both the summer and winter solstices out with my camera, often capturing images at the precise moment of the solstice. While it’s not always eventful, the occasions when I do capture something are particularly memorable and enjoyable.
Below, I’ve shared some images from previous years where I managed to capture moments during the summer solstice that were especially meaningful to me. One of my favorites was taken in Plaza Blanca, NM. It was also a relief to find some shade in an alcove where I set up for the shot. Enjoy!
Summer Solstice, Plaza Blanca, NM.
I hope you’ll enjoy the following moments and can get out on Friday for the Summer Solstice, and catch the moment.
Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly.
Red-tailed Hawk.
White Horse, Ranchos de Taos, NM.
Pond plant reflections, Taos.
Muskrat eating at the Shuree Ponds, Valle Vidal, NM.
A visit to Valle Vidal is sure to be filled with delightful experiences.
Comanche Point, Valle Vidal, NM.
Indian Paintbrush in the high country.
Apache Plume, San Cristobal.
Red cloud over Taos.
Fajada Butte sun star, Chaco Canyon, NM.
And lastly the print of the week, a solstice moment taken in Taos NM,
Taos Mountain Trees.
As always, Thanks for looking. Have a great week. G
