Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, the Rio Chama and the Orilla Verde in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
Sometimes I come across a photo I’d forgotten about but the moment I see it I instantly recall every detail, the environment surrounding me, the feeling and gratification of the moment. It also took me back remembering the many trips I’ve made to this area.
While looking for the above photo of the Rio Chama, I came across the following images in a sub-folder, all shot in the Orilla Verde Recreation Area of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
Bald eagle in a ponderosa pine tree.
Close up.
The squirrel was tempting providence …
Squirrel in the Orilla Verde.
And the hunter …
Red – tailed Hawk lifting off in the Orilla Verde NM.
More occupants of the canyon …
Bighorn sheep navigating the canyon rocks.
As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G
Taos Mountain beckoned across the meadows yesterday on my drive home. It always does! The lighting was intensely bright on the rocky outcroppings and peaks. It looked like snow had accumulated or, perhaps, hail.
Earlier, my son, Dylan, and I drove late afternoon along the Rio Grande south of Taos. The elusive wildlife was probably due to the number of paddlers on that stretch of the river. There were many areas of washouts along the roadside, evidenced in the very muddy river. Dylan spotted a Great Blue Heron who wasn’t having much luck fishing in the brown waters.
We drove on to the Taos Junction Bridge, where I shot the last image, in this post, of the headland that divides the confluence of the Rio Pueblo and the Rio Grande.
I’m beginning this blog at the end and winding up at the beginning.
I hope everyone is staying as hydrated and cool as possible where you are. If you enjoy the cool mountain air and a trip here appeals to you, join me on a photo tour/workshop in the high desert of northern New Mexico.
Taos Mountain storm in black and white.
… and in color. I’m partial to the black and white myself.
Taos Mountain storm in color.
I shot the image below in the Orilla Verde Recreation Area The storm clouds were building. I suspect it looked like this yesterday before the deluge that washed out parts of the roads in the area. I exposed the image for the lighter areas of the clouds and picked up the little highlight on the green grasses of the bench. I lightened the shadow to bring out the other green hues on the hillsides and the rock faces. Moody, just like I experienced the scene.
The sky over, Orilla Verde Recreation Area, NM.
If you are interested in seeing more images of Taos Mountain or the Orilla Verde Recreation Area you can put these search terms in the search bar on the website.
As always, thank you for looking. Have a great week. G
Apricot tree, winter colors, Orilla Verde RA, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, NM. It’s beautiful and colorful along the Rio Grande, and a perfect time for a drive through the area. The red willows add warmth, contrasting with the snow on the branches. A splendid winter day in snowy northern New Mexico. Thanks for looking. G
Fall Color along the riverbank in the Orilla Verde Recreation Area, the Rio Grande Gorge, NM. I took an early morning drive when the sun rises and illuminates the walls of the canyon along with the sky, reflected in the placid river. I liked the light on the chamiso bush and the way the reflection created the playful background. Thanks for looking. G
Rock Wren on the rocks in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, New Mexico. From the vast landscapes to the smallest creatures that inhabit them, when I show up and paying attention these sights present themselves, without question and without fail, every time. Thanks for looking. G
Green willows and a few cottonwood trees, Orilla Verde in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Watching the seasons and colors change along the banks of the river and living here, surrounded by all this beauty, does this soul good. Thanks for looking. G
Bighorn sheep. A young ram is ensconced up to his ears in the sage in the Orilla Verde Recreation Area. I got up close and personal with this young fellow on a drive through the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, New Mexico. I hope everyone is getting out in the fresh air when you can. Stay healthy. Thanks for looking. G
Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument, New Mexico. On a photo tour/workshop today, we dropped into the Orilla Verde Recreation Area of the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument. What started out with overcast skies and grey clouds, turned out really well. Image making is the objective. Perseverance is the key. Thanks for looking. G
Taos Junction Bridge, Orilla Verde, in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, NM. Gorgeous evening light at the confluence of the Rio Grande and Rio Pueblo taken from the Taos Junction Bridge, shadow on the right. This is one of my favorite views and locations, that I revisit frequently throughout and over the years.Thanks for looking. G
Young Bighorn sheep ram. “I am outta here!” I saw him heading my way and barely had time to get a shot off. This image is documentary evidence of the carefree nature and agility of these creatures. And, as seen in the image I posted a couple of days ago, certain sure-footedness. Heading back to the gorge tomorrow to see what we find. Thanks for looking. G
