Winter Scenes

I finally got some time to get out and take some shots of our winter weather. We have been spoiled for the last five years with mild winters, and scant snowfall. Unfortunately those conditions are exactly what has put this area in a drought for several years. Even the mountains of southwest Colorado, which always get snowfall, have been far below average in the recent past. That has all changed this year. We have received three times our annual snowfall, along with some very frigid temperatures, in January alone. It seems the Lord is determined to end the drought completely in one season. We are due for more rain and snow in the region tonight.

This photo was taken at sunset just acrooss from my house. We live atop a large mesa where a lot of natural gas and oil wells exist. This fence borders the property of one of the energy companies here.

The above photo was taken at Brookside Park here in Farmington.

There are many bluffs, hills and mesas in the area where Farmington sits. We don't have the large pines and spruce which are just to the north of us in Colorado, but we do have lots of pinon pine, sage, etc.

I do not reccomend taking a picture while driving on roads which are beginning to ice up. :-)

In my time in Colorado, and in northwest New Mexico, I have driven over black ice, and snow-packed roads , have spun out many times, and even put two trucks into ditches. This gives you a little idea of what it's like.

I was at Kiwanis Park walking with my wife the other day and the contrast of the bright blue playground equipment against the winter backdrop caught my eye. It looks as if it is waiting patiently for Spring, and playful children.

I took several different angles of these trees. The shapes and textures intrigued me.

This scene is just around the bend from my home. I remember it was an incredibly clear and sunny morning, and also quite chilly,about six degrees I believe. Looks kind of "lunarish".

A final shot of Brookside Park, Farmington, New Mexico

There is more to come.

For His Glory Alone,

Chris P.

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