You may have thought you’d seen the last of the Rio Chama for this year, but no. While all the other photos were taken not too far from the dirt road that goes out to Christ in the Desert Monastery,1 today’s images were taken from an overlook right on US Highway 84, just north of Abiquiu.2
The scene above is one of the most photographed and painted locations in the state of New Mexico; even Georgia O’Keeffe painted it.3 Nonetheless, I cannot resist trying to get yet another photo each and every time I’m up there. I was pleased with this year’s effort, largely because of the mix of green, yellow, and orange leaves.4
I always take photos of the Rio Chama as it curves south too. I usually don’t like them very much; however, this year’s version may be the best I’ve managed to get in that direction.5
So much of photography is about being at the right place at exactly the right time. I’ve been in the wrong place many more times than not, so those rare occasions on which I somehow manage to be in the right place are quite exciting.
You can see those images by looking at the November 4th, 11th, and 18th issues of Everyday Magic.
This is a somewhat dangerous overlook to get into and out of. There are times I’ve overshot and come back, just because I thought I couldn’t make the turn safely for one reason or another.
O’Keeffe called her painting the Blue River. I have seldom seen this part of the Rio Chama with a blue hue. Then again, being able to paint something as you think it ought to look is a definite advantage over photography — um, unless Photoshop’s involved.
It occurs to me that it may be more accurate to call myself a practitioner of photography than a photographer.
And there is even some un-photoshopped blue in the river going south.
the blue hue is in both of your photos - just so lovely!