Fall Trip in Northern New Mexico

Recently my friend Dia and I spent a few days in a cute airBNB near Abiquiu Lake. The place we stayed was in the middle of the high desert up on a rocky mesa. The views from the home were so beautiful. We had wonderful first evening enjoying a glass of wine and exploring the views from the mesa.

Kelly and Dia
Dia enjoying her wine
Best friends!
Gorgeous view from the mesa
I especially liked the little rock pool that is shaped like a fetish bear with the TeePee in the distance.

I had wanted to do some sunset and/or night photography that first night, but thunderstorms moved in preventing any photography. So we stayed in and enjoyed the kiva fireplace and a yummy dinner.

Lovely kiva fireplace at our AirBNB

The next day we decided to explore the Ghost Ranch. I have long wanted to hike the trails at this ranch. You may be familiar with Ghost Ranch as this was the place the famous painter Georgia O’Keefe loved to visit and paint.

Wide open vistas
Kelly and Scarlett had hiked very high up the trail.

We decided to hike the Chimney Rock trail as it wasn’t too long and offered the best views of the area. After a short, steep climb, we quickly came upon the main attraction of the hike, Chimney Rock.

Chimney Rock formation

Dia and her dog Buddy decided to hang out here and enjoy the view.

Dia and Buddy

Scarlett and I decided to go further up the steep trail. The views from up high were just stunning.

Scarlett posing for me with Abiquiu Lake in the distance.

While exploring Ghost Ranch, the clouds continued to build. By the time we left, the clouds had formed beautifully over the grand vista of the Ranch.

The setting sun lit this mesa up so beautifully
I especially loved how the clouds formed over this butte. Just amazing!

We returned to our airBNB and enjoyed another wonderful dinner by the fireplace. That evening the weather cooperated much better. So Dia and I went out to take some more photos of our gorgeous views.

The evening light was so ethereal.
Such a beautiful sunset.

Not long after the sun set, a bright full moon rose into the sky. We both had great fun photographing the moon and the lovely light of the blue hour.

I love photographing dead trees for some reason.
Beautiful full moon!
So cool!
Amazing color!

The next day we headed home. The day was overcast and rainy. We knew the Aspen at the Santa Fe Ski Area were in full color, so we decided to brave the weather and drive to the ski area to get some fall photos.

I’ve often said photographers love bad weather. And this day showed just why. The low clouds on the moutains made my photos more dramatic. Plus the soft light and wet leaves, made the gold color just glow!

Low clouds over the mountain.
Gorgeous golden glow!
Stunning!
The white trunks are so lovely amidst the golden spen leaves.

We had a fabulous time while visiting the Abiquiu area. It was such a peaceful, relaxing trip. I would gladly go again to this area to escape the stresses of life.

Santa Fe Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!

It’s been almost 2 months since my last post.  Life has been full of adventure and fun with no time to edit photos or post.  🙂

Recently my husband Tim and I visited Santa Fe with our friends Kim and Valerie.  We visited the Santa Fe Botanical Garden Christmas Light Show.  The gardens were decorated with some beautiful and at times unusual lights.  We had a great time walking the paths and photographing the lights.  The guys entertained themselves with hot cider spiked with bourbon they brought in flasks.  Smart guys!

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We had fun being elves!

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Valerie and Kelly

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Tim and Kim

Valerie and I had lots of fun capturing all the beautiful decorations.

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We also got to visit Santa Claus!  I hope I get what I wished for!

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We enjoyed the fire pits around the gardens.  It was a cold outing!

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A very fun outing!

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Valerie and Kim in the Blue Room

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Kelly and Tim.  These lights were my favorite!

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Tim and Kim

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Where is here?

We finished touring the gardens before 8 pm.  So we decided to drive over to Old Town Santa Fe to see if the square had been decorated for the holidays.  We were in for quite a surprise!  It was amazing!!!

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Old Town Santa Fe

We took lots of photos including group pics.  We wandered the square window shopping and having fun.

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Before leaving we walked over to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.  There were very few people out at the time.  So we were able to stand in the middle of the street with our cameras on tripods to get beautiful night shots.

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It was a wonderful Christmas outing!!!

Merry Christmas to you and yours!  God Bless you all!