Rio Chama, Orilla Verde. 12-04-2024

Geraint December 4, 2024 16 Comments

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.

The picture was recently acquired to illustrate an “Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW)“. I hope you like it, and can feel the moment?

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, Ponderosa tree orilla verde — Bald eagle in a ponderosa pine tree.

close up of Bald eagle, Ponderosa tree orilla verde — Close up.

The squirrel was tempting providence …

Squirrel in the Orilla Verde NM — Squirrel in the Orilla Verde.

And the hunter …

Red -tailed Hawk lifting off in the Orilla Verde NM — Red – tailed Hawk lifting off in the Orilla Verde NM.

More occupants of the canyon …

Bighorn sheep, Orilla Verde, NM — Bighorn sheep navigating the canyon rocks.

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

North Clear Creek Falls, By Day, By Night, and in Black and White

Geraint August 25, 2021 13 Comments

Last weekend I spent three days visiting the North Clear Creek Falls in Colorado. I’d gone by the falls many times and for some reason or other, not stopped in to see them. Always on the way to somewhere else, I would scoot right past them. Well, I finally made up for it with my friend, John. We camped for two nights very nearby, intending to do a full moon shoot. Willing to accept the potential for cloudy skies and rain, we headed out, determined to have a good time camping and catching up. It did rain in the early morning hours, but we’d already got the shots.
This is from Wikipedia, and this is from 9News. Be sure to read the part about the Black Swift!

North Clear Creek Falls by Moonlight — North Clear Creek Falls, Colorado under full moon light.

North Clear Creek Falls Black and White — North Clear Creek Falls, Colorado in black and white.

Lost Lake, Ripples, Reflections, Colorado

Geraint September 12, 2020 4 Comments

Lost Lake, ripples and reflections, in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Reflections of the sun setting on the red rocks and the last glow of light on the mountain peak, with a hint of blue the pale sky, surrounded by reflections of the grey rocks and shadows. Lost Lake is a constantly changing work of art. Thanks for looking. G

Eagle Rock Lake, Moonrise, Questa

Geraint March 8, 2020 2 Comments

Eagle Rock Lake, Moonrise, Questa, New Mexico. This beautiful location is just up the street from our house, so on my way home last night I popped in and made a few shots. That’s the last of the ice in center screen, although it maybe around for a little while yet. Stay warm and well. Thanks for looking. G

Saint Francis Church Plaza, Reflections

Geraint February 7, 2020 4 Comments

Saint Francis Church Plaza, reflections, Ranchos de Taos. The 50º F temps today melted a lot of snow. That’s great but now comes the mud and a lot of water which allows for fabulous reflections. I put the camera on the ground and made a three image panorama needed to capture the swimmingly wet parking lot. Thanks for looking. G

Sunflower Pods, Three’s Company, Lakeside

Geraint December 26, 2019 4 Comments

Sunflower pods, three’s company, lakeside on the road to Las Vegas, NM. It’s late December and cold but these sunflower pods warm up a winter scene. Thanks for looking. G

Comanche Point, Valle Vidal, NM

Geraint October 15, 2019 2 Comments

Comanche Point, Valle Vidal, NM. Another view from the Valley of Life of the Comanche Point formation, down at the water’s edge, on the confluence of the Rio Costilla and Comanche Creek. Thanks for looking. G

Rio Hondo, Columbines, Twining, New Mexico

Geraint July 18, 2019 No Comments

Rio Hondo, Columbines, Twining, New Mexico. On a photo tour/workshop hike along the Williams Lake Trail in Taos Ski Valley. The trail makes it’s way through the pines with views of the Rio Hondo. The cool air and freezing mountain run off in the river makes for a very pleasant photography trip. iPhone only on this one. Join me! Thanks for looking. G

Earth, Sky, Mountain Lake

Geraint June 20, 2019 1 Comment

Earth, Sky, reflecting in the lake. Here’s a favorite poem.

“Clambering up the Cold Mountain path,
The Cold Mountain trail goes on and on:
The long gorge choked with scree and boulders,
The wide creek, the mist-blurred grass.
The moss is slippery, though there’s been no rain
The pine sings, but there’s no wind.
Who can leap the world’s ties
And sit with me among the white clouds?”
Han-shan

Thanks for looking. G

Twilight Descending, Costilla Creek

Geraint June 19, 2019 No Comments

Twilight descending, Costilla Creek in the Valle Vidal. One from the high country of New Mexico with an abundance of water and a lot of snow still to melt. Thanks for looking. G

Geraint Smith Photography

Tag: Water