Featured Images

The Fallen Tree

There are several amazing trees at Mashes Sands Beach that have withstood the test of time but there was on really beautiful tree that had fallen down and lay on its side. The beautiful patterns of the bark fascinated me and I came here several times attempting to photograph it at sunrise. On this particular day, the conditions lined up with the sun peaking out and lighting up the clouds and tree in a golden glow. It is one of my favorites from this year.

Golden Beginnings

It was a mesmerizing sunrise this morning at a creek near Mashes Sands Beach. As the sun peeked over the horizon, the sky transformed into a stunning blend of soft colors. The sky turned into shades of gold, purple and orange, creating a breathtaking view reflecting off the calm waters of the creek. The peaceful chirping of birds welcoming the new day, and the cool morning breeze carrying a refreshing scent, added to the overall serene atmosphere. Watching the sunrise at Mashes Sands Beach Creek was an awe-inspiring experience that filled the soul with a sense of peace and renewal. It was a perfect reminder of the beauty and tranquility that nature has to offer, and a moment that will be treasured forever.

Nature's sculptures

Nature's sculptures, etched by ocean currents, basking in predawn's gentle glow. It made me wonder what all this tree had seen as eons went by.

Blue hour at St Marks NWR

The blue hour at St Marks NWR lighthouse was a time of serenity, as the clouds created a dreamlike atmosphere above the calm waters of the pond, reflecting the tranquility of the moment in its still waters.

Cloud Tapestry

The sun dipped below the horizon, turning the clouds into an amazing masterpiece, as the still waters of the pond at St Marks NWR reflected its beauty in perfect harmony.

Stargazing at Tsegi Overlook

Tsegi Overlook is a perfect spot for stargazing, especially during the night when the Milky Way appears in all its glory. As you gaze up at the Milky Way, it's hard not to feel a sense of awe and wonder at the sheer magnitude and beauty of the universe we live in. It's truly a remarkable experience and a reminder of how small we are in the grand scheme of things.

Nature's Sculptures

A MW from the mystic Bisti Badlands. I had the opportunity to spend a fair bit of time last year among these amazing structures. The distant coyotes kept me company during the night.

The Sleeping Dragon

A celestial canvas painted by starlight, made this desert landscape of sculpted rock formations look like a dragon resting. The Bisti Badlands is a remarkable geological wonderland located in northwestern New Mexico, known for its otherworldly rock formations that seem to have been sculpted by some ancient and mysterious force. These sculpted rocks, which have been eroded over millions of years, take on a variety of shapes and colors, from towering hoodoos and spires to delicate arches and fins. At night, under the glittering Milky Way, the Bisti Badlands takes on an even more surreal quality, with the starry sky providing a stunning backdrop to the already awe-inspiring rock formations.

Towers of Wonder

The hoodoos at Lybrook Badlands are truly a sight to behold, with their fascinating shapes and the warm colors of the surrounding rock formations creating a mesmerizing landscape. The hoodoos, which are tall, thin rock formations, were created through a process of erosion over many years. The unique shapes of the hoodoos are due to the soft rock that forms the core of the structure and the harder rock that forms the cap. Over time, elements such as wind and rain erode the softer rock, leaving behind the tall, column-like formations.

Nature's sculptures bathed in Starlight

In the still of the night, the Lybrook Badlands came alive as the ancient hoodoos stood tall and proud under the twinkling blanket of the Milky Way. The ethereal light of the galaxy cast eerie shadows across the weathered rock formations, giving them a mysterious, otherworldly quality. The hoodoos, shaped over centuries by wind and water erosion, seemed to reach for the stars as if trying to touch the infinite beauty of the night sky. In this moment, the Lybrook Badlands were a true marvel of nature, showcasing the power of the elements and the majesty of the universe.

A celestial symphony

The Lybrook Badland Hoodoos are a breathtaking natural wonder, a unique landscape of stone spires sculpted by the forces of nature. During the night hours, when the world is still bathed in darkness, this place takes on an even more magical character as the Milky Way rises above the hoodoos. The starry sky acts as a celestial canvas, painting the landscape with the delicate glow of the galaxy's many stars. The sight of the Milky Way illuminating the hoodoos is truly unforgettable and transforms this already remarkable place into an otherworldly spectacle. Whether you're an astronomer, a photographer, or simply a lover of nature's beauty, the Lybrook Badland Hoodoos Milky Way scene is not to be missed.

Evening at Cox Canyon Arch

Cox Canyon Arch is a beautiful arch with a span of 42ft and a height of 35ft. This is a 12 image panorama taken as the beautiful evening light was fading fast. Getting to the arch requires a 4.3 mile drive on oil field dirt roads preferably in a high clearance vehicle. The hike to the arch is fairly short but requires a short scramble which can be tricky especially if lugging along a camera bag and tripod.

Sunset at Little Delicate Arch

The is a small but beautiful arch with graceful curves that the locals affectionately call the "Little Delicate Arch". During our stay in Aztec, I have add the opportunity to visit this arch a few times and was fortunate enough to capture this beautiful sunset. The arch is visible from the roadside but a bit of scrambling and trail searching is required to get up close and personal.

Sunset at Cox Canyon Arch

Another perspective of Cox Canyon Arch during one of the evenings spent there. I loved the Juniper trees that adorn the area.

Cox Canyon Arch

This is a popular arch in the Aztec area with a span of 42ft and a height of 35ft. An approximately 4.3 mile on the area oil field dirt roads is required to reach the arch. The hike to the arch is relatively short but there is a section that requires a short scramble. After hoisting myself up, I used a rope to lift up my camera gear and tripod up this section. It is important to get your bearing and mark this location on your GPS especially if returning in the dark as this is apparently the only safe way to get back from the arch.

Fantasy Night at the Alien Throne

For hoodoo hunters, the Valley of Dreams area of the Ah shi sle pah Badlands in northwestern New Mexico holds some of the most unique formations to enjoy. The Alien Throne is one of the landmarks hoodoos in this area, and I had the privilege to enjoy this remote spot under the starry skies with the company of coyotes howling occasionally in the distance.

Arch Rock

A night spent at one of the beautiful arches in the Aztec, New Mexico area. It is however unfortunate that graffiti is starting to appear on the arch. Also, there was a lot of trash in the area that my better half spent time cleaning up.

The Baby Elephant

This one was a relatively small arch but quite picturesque, especially once lit up with low level lights. The opening is only around 3.5x2ft wide.