Tag: Northern New Mexico

Show Time In Taos. 08-20-2025

Geraint August 20, 2025 12 Comments

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.

Moonrise with horse — Moonrise with Horse.

Arroyo Hondo Pond and horses. Show time in Taos — Moon set, Arroyo Hondo, NM.

Print of the week and one more in the show.

Taos Artist Combo 4 at the Stables Gallery Taos. — 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

Milkweed Season, NM. 08-13-2025

Geraint August 13, 2025 6 Comments

Greetings from New Mexico! This week, I’m focusing on the Milkweed plant. The images below were taken as part of an exhibit on various seeds. I photographed the plant across three seasons: spring, summer, and fall. This year, the plant is prolific in the neighborhood.

The plant belongs to the genus Asclepias, a group of plants known for their unique properties and ecological importance, particularly for monarch butterflies.

Plants are primarily perennial herbs, characterized by their milky latex-containing sap. They typically have complex flowers that are uniquely structured to facilitate pollination primarily by insects. The flowers are often clustered in umbels and can vary in color from pink and orange to green and white, depending on the species.

Milkweed is famously known for its crucial role in the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed leaves, which contain toxic cardenolides. These compounds are sequestered by the caterpillars, providing them with a defense mechanism against predators even in their adult butterfly stage.

This particular pod birthed the whole seed group at once. I picked up the pod and it rolled out into my hand. I took it home. It stayed intact for me to photograph.

The silky floss of the milkweed seeds is buoyant and has been used historically for filling life jackets, as well as in insulation and textile manufacturing.

Seeds catching the breeze — Seeds in the breeze.

Given its importance to the monarch butterfly, many conservation efforts focus on preserving and expanding milkweed habitats. Gardeners and conservationists often encourage planting native species of milkweed to aid in these efforts.

This one resembles my hair first thing in the morning.

Scattered seeds on rabbit brush. Close-up.

The seeds have left the floss.

Empty pods along the lake shore, Colorado — Empty pods along a lake shore.

Print of the week, Autumn Trio.

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

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