Tag: Northern New Mexico

Llama Trek, Moon And Antares. 08-06-2025

Geraint August 6, 2025 2 Comments

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.

Crossing the creek, Columbine Canyon, NM

Click here for the story on the AAA Rio Grande Gorge Trek

Some of the petroglyphs seen on the Rio Grande trip, mule deer and bighorn sheep.

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, NM — Moon and Antares, from the deck, San Cristobal, NM.

Here’s the moon’s occultation of Mars in 2023

And again in 2020.

Mars with Lunar occultation, 02-18-2020.

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

Wildflowers Around Taos. 07-30-2025.

Geraint July 29, 2025 18 Comments

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 and other plants — Columbine, Fireweed and other plants.

Mexican Hat flowers everywhere, especially along highways and meadows at 10,000 ft.

Shooting stars in the high country. — Shooting Stars in the high country.

Wild Columbine, Italianos trail, Hondo Canyon.

Showy Locoweed. Details on this plant, as pretty as it is.

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.

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 Sun 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

Gallery Wall – 07-23-2025

Geraint July 23, 2025 2 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, the gallery wall.

Repairing and painting windows, washing the dogs from all the mud brought on by the glorious rain that we’ve had in the area, and editing images for AAA Journeys Magazine brought me right up to now, with a few moments for my weekly website post. The real reason could be that I haven’t been on the road out shooting much over the last few weeks.

This image was taken in Cimarron, NM.

Enjoy!

gallery wall - "another interpretation". — Gallery Wall – “Another Interpretation”.

I found the Last Supper in this picture on a grave marker in the San Luis Valley, Colorado.

Gallery walls, Last Supper — The “Last Supper” held

I found this image of a sticker on a guardrail near a most pristine vista, the farthest removed location from a nervous breakdown.

Gallery Wall "Nervous breakdown". — Gallery Wall “Nervous breakdown”

I have two shows coming up, one in September and one next May, both at the Stables Gallery in Taos. I’ll post more on these events later.

Print of the week this week…(I missed a couple of weeks) in Cottonwood, Sunset Light.

I just received a new shipment of copies of my book. They make great gifts for those who love this area of New Mexico.

Book - Rio Grande del Norte-An Intimate Portrait — Rio Grande del Norte – An Intimate Portrait

As always, thanks for visiting and looking. Have a great week. G

Flashback Wednesday, 07-16-2025

Geraint July 16, 2025 No Comments

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

July 16, 2015.

Flashback, Cerro Pedernal Storm — Storm, Cerro Pedernal, NM

July 16, 2011.

July 16, 2014.

Flashback St. Francis Shadows — St. Francis Shadows, Ranchos de Taos.

July 16, 2016.

Columbine Williams Lake Trail — Columbine, Williams Lake Trail.

July 16, 2012

Harley Davidson Road King, Arroyo Seco, NM — Harley-Davidson Road King, Arroyo Seco, NM.

July 16, 2010.

Walking Rain across the Plateau. — Walking rain across the Plateau, west of Taos.

I could keep going, but there are limits. If you want to see more, click the link at the top of the page.

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

Pow Wow, Taos Pueblo. 07-09-2025

Geraint July 9, 2025 4 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM! This week, the Taos Pueblo Pow Wow is taking place, and below are some images that reflect the vibrant energy and light of the event. If you’re in Taos this coming weekend, don’t miss the chance to experience the Taos Pueblo Pow Wow. It promises to be an enthralling experience. The event runs from July 11, 2025, to July 13, 2025. Hope to see you there!

Pow Wow, Taos Pueblo, Waiting for the grand entry. — Pow Wow, Taos Pueblo, and rainbow.

Below are some images from the middle 1980’s, shot on Kodachrome slide film and scanned.

And the year before the Covid shutdown. “Chief from Saskatchewan”.

Powwow participant — Taking a stretch break.

Then a trip to the Pueblo itself is always fascinating.

Taos Pueblo Visit. On A Street Corner. 07-19-2023

As always, thanks for looking, and all the comments and compliments. Have a great week and I hope to see you out there. G

Red-Winged Blackbird, Poem. 07-02-2025.

Geraint July 2, 2025 8 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, my photo of a red-winged blackbird and a poem shared by a friend on Facebook. I thought I’d share this moment of beauty.

Red-winged blackbird Ranchos de Taos NM — Red-winged blackbird, Ranchos de Taos NM

The Poem:

We were riding through frozen fields in a wagon at dawn.
A red wing rose in the darkness.
And suddenly a hare ran across the road.
One of us pointed to it with his hand.
That was long ago. Today neither of them is alive,
Not the hare, nor the man who made the gesture.
O my love, where are they, where are they going
The flash of a hand, streak of movement, rustle of pebbles.
I ask not out of sorrow, but in wonder.
~ Czesław Miłosz

Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch. 06-25-2025

Geraint June 25, 2025 6 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week a favorite location at Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu, NM followed by a few shots from the road getting there!

There was a lot of heavy rain in these dramatic clouds. The cabin is named “Curly’s Cabin” from the film City Slickers. Enjoy!

Curly's Cabin Ghost Ranch, NM — “Curly’s Cabin” Ghost Ranch, NM

Just off the highway to Ghost Ranch is the Piedra Lumbre, shining red rock country. Piedra Lumbre means shining rock in Spanish.

There are numerous, delightful murals in Ojo Caliente. This is a new favorite.

Mural by Vela Art, Ojo Caliente, NM — Mural by VelaArt, Ojo Caliente, NM.

This sign has been fading away for a long time. I’m unsure whether or not you’ll still find pigs. Here’s one from my “Signs of Life” series shot in 2005.

Pigs, Ojo Caliente, NM — “Pigs” Ojo Caliente, NM.

And sharing the love, back home in San Cristobal this morning, on a walk with the dogs.

Driveway Mirror heart, San Cristobal, NM — Driveway mirror-heart, San Cristobal, NM.

All in all a colorful day.

As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G

Summer Solstice. 06-18-2025.

Geraint June 18, 2025 10 Comments

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 — 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.

Pond plant reflections. — 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.

Fajada Butte sun star, Chaco Canyon, NM.

And lastly the print of the week, a solstice moment taken in Taos NM,

Print of the week, Taos Mountain Trees — Taos Mountain Trees.

As always, Thanks for looking. Have a great week. G

Comanche Point, Valle Vidal. 06-11-2025.

Geraint June 11, 2025 No Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, Comanche Point in the Valle Vidal, Valley of Life. I spent a couple of days on a photo tour workshop with two talented photographers in the high country of northern New Mexico.

Here are a few views of Comanche Point at the confluence of the Rio Costilla and Comanche Creek. This area is always gratifying with stunning light and beauty.

Rio Costilla at Comanche Point, Valle Vidal, NM.

Rio Costilla, Valle Vidal, Valley of Life — Rio Costilla, Valle Vidal, “Valley of Life”.

On the return trip, two hours later, the clouds in the pictures produced rain and sleet. The temperatures dropped from 76ºF down to 46ºF. I was happy to have a down vest.

The Valle Vidal is a favorite location and never disappoints, always yielding great photo opportunities.

Here are some images from previous trips. Join me on a photo trek in this area, you will be amazed.

Yellow Rumped Warbler — Yellow-Rumped Warbler.

And the road that leads to this area is no less spectacular .

Here’s a video of a Muskrat at the Shuree Ponds in the Valle Vidal from a few years ago.

This week’s “print of the week” is from another valley, “Valley of the Gods”, Utah.

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

Landscapes And More. 06-04-2025

Geraint June 4, 2025 2 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM! This week, I’m excited to showcase landscapes and more in current and upcoming publications. Don’t miss my print of the week feature, highlighting a captivating image for your collection. I also had the honor of participating in a podcast Q&A on Landscape Photography with esteemed experts Bill Shapiro and Dr. Grant Scott, offering valuable insights and inspiration.

This week, my work appears in the current edition of Enchanted Outpost magazine. You may remember when I was the featured artist in their premier edition.

Thanks to all at Enchanted Outpost.

Blanca Peak, Colorado Landscapes — Blanca Peak, a favorite of Colorado Landscapes.

The Taos News, our esteemed and multi-award-winning small-town newspaper, has featured the following three images in its summer guide.

Ute Mountain Road — Road to Ute Mountain.

Shooting stars, wildflowers Taos Ski Valley — Shooting stars, wildflowers in Taos Ski Valley.

A ladder at the Picuris Pueblo Church restoration.

And in the upcoming New Mexico Treasures 2026 desktop calendar, the following four images are featured. The calendar is due out in July and sells out quickly.

Rainbow, San Cristobal — Rainbow, Columbine Hondo Wilderness from San Cristobal, NM.

Crescent moon and Venus over the San Cristobal Chapel — Crescent Moon and Venus over the San Cristobal Chapel.

Snow melt, Weeping Walls, Taos — Snow melt, “Weeping Walls, Taos”.

Rio Grande Gorge bridge in fog — Fog lifting at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.

Podcast Q&A on Landscape Photography with esteemed experts Bill Shapiro and Dr. Grant Scott.

Lastly, the print of the week, El Prado Cottonwood Light, is one of my favorite landscapes.

Print of the week, El Prado Cottonwoods — El Prado Cottonwoods.

As always, thank you for looking. I’m honored and grateful for every opportunity to share my work that shines a light on this place I call home. Have a great week. G