Robert leads group to series of petroglyphs along the rock face.
Robert explained that the markings on the rocks were often a combination of petroglyphs that were followed by shepherds that worked in the area.
"Solstice rock".... the sun will "climb" the triangulated peak of rock in conjunction with the actual start of the solstice.
Here the "solstice rock" begins the light sequence (near bottom right).
the group listens as Robert points out more petroglyphs and some of the theories about their origins and meanings.
Another petroglyph that the sun will continue to unveil.
Robert demonstrates the view of the owl with wings spread that is on rock behind him
the owl that Robert was describing (with wings spread)
The multiple drawings usually indicated a story or message.
The shepherds would put crosses on some of the rocks with petroglyphs as counter to what they considered pagan art. And can see the more modern residents have made the crevices their home
Gak Stonn, fellow photographer, printer and photo tour guide, climbs to getter better view of some of the higher petroglyphs.
if you trek with a photographer, you tend to see this look often.
Robert and Dawn.
Julie Arneson
Julie gets to help out another photographer, something she's gotten quite a lot of practice on.
Water streams everywhere this year...this acequia has not been running for many years.
water pouring through the acequia, again an uncommon view for this piece of land.
The sun continues to climb up solstice rock as nearer the official start of solstice.
The sun continues to climb up solstice rock as nearer the official start of solstice.
Happy face with happy face.
I read this as momma and baby bighorns.
Again, shepherd markings next to snake and more drawings considered pagan by the shepherds.
former shepherds cottage.
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is a community of monks dedicated to the goal of living the contemplative life envisions as a life free from all attachments. The Monastery is located along a dirt road besides Chama River outside of Abiqui, New Mexico. The monastery chapel was praised by Thomas Merton as the most perfect monastic chapel he had ever visited. Approaching the Monastery grounds are 12 distinct wood carved crosses depicted the Stations of the Cross, against the backdrop of the red rock formations. This image is of the First Station . The writing underneath the cross reads: “Jesus is condemned to death. Jesum autem flagellatum tradidit, ut crucifegeretur. Mt 27:26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified”
I love to walk as the sun rises, and one of my favorite sunrise walks was when I Iived in the vicinity of one of the New Mexico moradas in Taos. As the sun would rise over the building and light begin to light up the structure it brought a sense of peace and wonder. Moradas (dwelling or abode) were created in early New Mexico territory when there were a shortage of priests, and Penitents for gatherings in absence of a formal church. There is a path that goes out from this morada that also has the white cross depicted in Georgia O’Keefe painting.
San Francisco de Asis Mission Church, Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico
© Kathryn A. Hayden
Suggested media (surface): canvas
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Taos, New Mexico
© Kathryn A. Hayden
Suggested media (surface): archival print, canvas
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Taos, New Mexico
© Kathryn A. Hayden
Suggested media: Archival print, canvas
© Kathryn A. Hayden
Available for sale, Amore Gallery, Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico
© Kathryn A. Hayden
Suggested media (surface): Pigment print on laminate, canvas
© Kathryn A. Hayden