Fall Into Winter

This post will display the last of the fall photos, as we are now full swing into the winter months. The La Plata and San Juan mountains, to the north and northeast of us, have gotten up to 5 feet of fresh snow in the last two weeks. I have been out here and there trying to get some good winter shots for the next post. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy these.

The photo at right was taken along the riverwalk in Berg Park here in Farmington.




The above photo was taken along the Animas River.

These were also taken in Berg Park here in Farmington.

The Animas River Berg Park;Farmington

The blue sky as backdrop, and the sunlight coming from above and behind really make the colors stand out.

The final two photos show the La Plata mountains in southwest Colorado. The picture above was taken in mid-November just before our first major winter storm. I was about 6-8 miles from the mountains when I took this. The photo below shows the same mountains from a distance of about 30 miles and obviously after the first storm came through.

Glory to the God of creation!

Chris P.

Four Corners Wildlife

The Four Corners area not only displays breathtaking scenery,
but also has abundant wildlife. The church held our annual prayer retreat at the Baptist Camp in Hesperus, Colorado, the week before Thansgiving. I was able to take a few photos of some of the wildlife.
I did not run into any bears as they were either already in their hibernation dens or on their way, and we won't see them again until the spring. This is just as well, as my wife has had several face to face encounters while talking her walk or hiking.
However the sign at right, one of several which are posted on the retreat cabins and surrounding buildings, is proof that the bears will be on the prowl, especially during summer.
I also did not see any elk this trip, however I will return to snow country in a few weeks and will most likely see a few small herds.



The photo below shows a small group of geese against the backdrop of an awesome sky. (They are to the center and right in the picture. You can click on the photo to enlarge)
Taken November 2007 near Hesperus. Colorado

This photo, of some of the local waterfowl, was taken along the Animas River near Farmington, New Mexico. November 2007

I was hiking in the early morning during our retreat when I came upon some deer in the thick brush, not far from our cabin. I startled them a bit and they ambled off up a ridge, just above where I was hiking. They stood and watched me for a good 15 minutes as I took several pictures of them. When I was finished, I lowered the camera, and as if on cue, they turned and walked away one by one. Awesome! The picture is a bit grainy as I had to zoom in on them. It's hard to tell but these were three very large does.

I have a few more shots of some of the last of the Fall foliage around Farmington, which I will publish on my next post, as well as the first of the winter scenery, since we had a major snowfall in the La Plata and San Juan mountains last week.48 inches at Wolf Creek, three feet up at Durango Mountain resort.

Soli deo Gloria!

Chris P.

We Interrupt This Blog For A Special Message!

I am pleased, and a bit proud, to announce that my daughter has had her first book officially published. It is a fictional work,(she is working on two more manuscripts), with strong christian themes.

You may check it out here.

Chris P.

Fall Colors Northern New Mexico- Part 2 Farmington

Though the fall colors are now history for this year, I wanted to share these photos I took last month around my home in Farmington, New Mexico, located in the northwest corner of the state.

Looking forward to winter scenery, though it has been very, very dry and we have yet to see any real snowfall. Bad news for the ski resorts who have to produce snow from machinery, so that they can open by Thanksgiving.

The photo at right was taken in Berg Park, here in Farmington.
Oct 2007

Taken in Brookside Park-Farmington, N.M. Oct 2007

Brookside Park located in the middle of the city of Farmington. Oct 2007

Rio de las Animas Perdidas (River of the Lost Souls) Oct 2007

The Animas River which flows out of the mountains north of Durango, Colorado. It runs through Farmington eventually emptying into the San Juan River. This photo was taken in Animas Park in Farmington,N.M.

On the trail in Berg Park

Farmington,N.M. Oct 2007

Chris P.

Fall Colors-Northern New Mexico-Part 1 Glorieta

I recently spent a few days at an intercessor's gathering in Glorieta, New Mexico. The town of Glorieta is just east of Santa Fe, and the Glorieta Conference Center, (which is Southern Baptist owned), is across I-25 from the town. It is a very beautiful place. I shot a couple of rolls of film while hiking the extensive grounds

I will share the photos in my next few posts including some of my own locale, Farmington, New Mexico.

The photo on the right shows the spire, which is part of the main auditorium/chapel. The photos below are all taken around the Glorieta property.

Fall In Southwest Colorado

South of Telluride, Colorado on Hwy 145 Oct. 2007

North of Dolores, Colorado on Hwy 145 Oct. 2007

Placerville, Colorado Oct. 2007

North of Dolores, Colorado on Hwy 145 Oct. 2007

The San Miguel River-Placerville, Colorado Oct. 2007

South of Telluride (looking out my windshield) Oct 2007

I took these this past weekend. Incredible time!

Had a tough time with exposures as it was rainy/snowy, then sunny. Sometime the aspen are so bright you can overexpose the photo.

Hope these are adequate.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Chris

Four Corners Sunsets

The Southwest/Four Corners area lends itself to some spectacular sunsets. I took these at various locations around the Navajo Nation. Our worshp team does alot of traveling around "the rez" and I always have my camera with me.

These are as the Navajo say, nizhoni.


(This first one was a surprise when I got my prints back)
















Soli Deo Gloria
Chris P.

Northwest New Mexico

This is the natural landmark known as Shiprock. The church I lead worship at is located in the town of Shiprock, New Mexico on the Navajo Nation. The 'rock" is just a few miles southwest of the town. The Navajo name means Rock With Wings.

July 2006

End of an evening looking out my back door.

August 2007

This is called The Lion's Wilderness (interesting name,.... eh?) This is on a mesa overlooking Farmington, just a few miles from my house.
There is also an outdoor ampitheater there that is awesome. I have lead worship out there a few times. August 2007

Chris P.

Southwest Colorado

San Juan Mountains near Telluride, Colorado May 2007

The Uncompahgre Wilderness near Cimarron, Colorado May 2007

The La Plata Mountains near Mancos, Colorado January, 2007

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison near Montrose, Colorado May, 2007

These are just a few of many that I hope to publish. The Colorado Plateau/Four Corners is a diverse and awesome area. next post I am hoping to post some shots from the high desert of northwest New Mexico.

Chris P.