Clouds seem much more majestic in northern New Mexico than I can ever recall on the east coast (New York City) I'm sure the higher altitude has something to do with the angle at which we observe clouds in Albuquerque. You are more intimate with these billowy canopies, especially in the higher elevations in and around Albuquerque. As a result, the clouds often command a greater role in landscapes as this photo from the Jemez mountains (about an hours' drive from Albuquerque) shows!
There is something about aging relics set in a New Mexico landscape that I find so appealing. Incredibly, these relics, along with remnants of ghost towns are easily found in areas that surround Albuquerque. One of my favorite areas for discovering artistic relics is the Jemez Mountains area. The small towns in and around this area are a gold-mine of past treasures as attested to by this photo!
One of the best features of Albuquerque is what surrounds it . . . Dramatically beautiful scenes that can only be discovered by exploring seldom travelled roads. I found this delightful setting in the Jemez Mountain area. I shot this photo in the late afternoon after a windy and dusty day. Wind and dust usually mean great dusk and sunset colors in the sky, as this photo shows.
One of the fascinating features of Albuquerque is its diversity of natural settings. You can go from desert to oasis in less than 15 minutes. The Albuquerque South Valley provides a verdant green contrast to the drier, desert setting of the downtown area. The South Valley contains a wealth of authentic cultural cues to the history and heritage of Albuquerque
This photos shows the first snow of the winter in Albuquerque, on March 11, 2006. It was less than an inch, and too late in the year to rescue the lost ski season on the Sandia. Oh well, maybe next year! This scene is from the Turquoise Trail that runs between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. More New Mexico photos.
This bloom is from the Rio Grande Botanic Garden Indoor Winter Flower Show. The Botanic Garden is now being used for shooting a movie! Sets have been built that make the Botanic Garden reception area look like a carnival. I have been told that the movie being shot is called "Beerfest." If you visit the Rio Grande Botanic Garden on March 12th, 2006, you may have a chance to be in the movie!