Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week a trip to the Wild Rivers area of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
The Wild Rivers Recreation Area lies north in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Below is pictured a ‘small’ part of it. Come this Spring, there will be some class 5 rapids in this section. You can see how relatively low the river is right now. This was Sunday. You can also discern the level at which the river can rise from this image. That’s Ute Mountain in the clouds with snow falling.
If you want to experience solitude, Wild Rivers will give you just that. Step into the Monument for a walk in falling snow, where you can hear the silence.
“Adventuring out on a photography trip through the gorge and along the river during a winter storm, I am rewarded with images of large snowflakes alighting on cholla cactus, cottonwoods, and red willows, turning them into instant New Mexico-style Christmas ornaments. A great peace returns to the river at this time of year. The pace slows as the days grow shorter and life retreats within for what the Irish writer John O’Donohue refers to as “the secret work of winter” of restoration and rejuvenation as the river ecosystems prepare for the ecstasy of spring growth. In any season the beauty and pristine stillness of the Rio Grande del Norte is available to those who visit.” From my book, Rio Grande del Norte: An Intimate Portrait.
To the south lies the deepest section the the Rio Grande Gorge. This is where the Bighorn Sheep roam and sometimes play!
Or rest up on a sunny ledge.
It’s that time of year in the National Monument. Spring is sprung!
And above it all, another unique cloud formation.
I have to end this week with this sky-blue mural with sunflowers and an ornate window in Los Cerrillos that I forgot to post last week.
As always, thank you for looking. Have a great week. G
18 thoughts on “Wild Rivers, Bighorn Sheep, Wall Mural. 03-13-2024.”
thanks. as always, stunning
Thank you, Ron. I hope you are well. G
Thanks love looking in to your photos
Thank you Alison. I really appreciate you looking, your comments and compliments. I hope you’re enjoying the spring where you are. Best wishes. G
Another wonderful collection, Geraint.
Greatly appreciated, Jim. Thanks so much. G
Wowza!
These are each stunning.
Thanks!
M
Thank you Mara. I hope you’re healing up nicely. G
Wonderful you quote John O’Donohue!
He’s easy on the ears and soul. Thanks, Donna. G
JUST BEAUTIFUL AS ALWAYS…STUNNING!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR INCREDIBLE ART 💙
Thank you Patrice for taking the time to comment and your compliments. I really appreciate it. G
Each from your eye opens a view to mine touching my heart with their beauty and a bit of humor. Thank you for letting us see a bit of what you see.
Thanks so much, Alice. I appreciate your kind words. I’m sure I’ll find more beauty and humor out there. Best wishes. G
You drove to find Spring! I dropped down to ALB and was shocked to see the pink and white blossoming trees while ours have yet to bud. What a difference 2k altitude makes. Absolutely loved seeing the Big Horn Sheep family. And the exquisite shade of blue on the Cerrillos wall. Happy Trails to you, Geraint.
Thank you for sharing, Joy. Back to winter this week! Enjoy your spring time when it gets here. G
Nothing less than the usual, spectacular images,
Thank you so much, John. I appreciate your compliments very much. G