Jagged — The Story
The beautiful and unusual jagged peaks of the Organ Mountains are not too far from where I live. Their formation seems to call out, come and visit, come and explore. No matter when I go, the clouds seem to part into this wispy pattern once I am in the park and on the trails. Maybe it’s the height of the mountains that guides the wind and cloud currents in such a way as to open them up into this beautiful pattern of formation. The jagged edge of the mountains is repeated in the sharp points of the desert plant.
Skeleton Tree — The Story
Once again I found myself at Organ Mountains and on the trail witnessing the beautiful and powerful contrasts of the remains of a tree set against the jagged edged mountains and wispy clouds. Seeing it all again my mind takes me there to re-experience a perfectly wonderful day in New Mexico.
Yucca Guardians — The Story
Baylor Canyon Pass in the Organ Mountains is always a pleasant hike. The views are gorgeous and there are many desert plants to enjoy and learn about. On this particular day I was on my way back to the trail head and noticed that the clouds were making an interesting linear pattern that worked geometric magic with the guardian like Soaptree yuccas standing along the trail.
Golden — The Story
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field.
I will meet you there. Rumi
Meeting Love
drinking deeply of Spirit air
glowing Love
Diamonds in the Winter Sun — The Story
Climbing up one side of the Dripping Springs Trail into the sunshine, it was hard to miss the lovely diamond-like sparkle of these dried grass seed heads.
Over The Basin — The Story
One of my favorite places to explore are the trails in the Organ Mountains. On this particular day I was hiking up Baylor Pass trail from the Aguirre Springs side. The temperature was perfect and there as a light cloud cover but little breeze. As I got closer to the top of the Pass I looked out over the Basin and toward the Sacramento Mountains. Lovely colors were developing in the afternoon sun. Even the Sotol, with its dried spent flowers, added a lot to the visual impact.
Baylor Pass Trail — The Story
It was a beautiful, crisp fall day for hiking and photography. As I climbed the trail toward the Pass, I could see the distant Sacramento Mountains and the haze that clung to the base. The distinctive White Sands were there but the haze nearly hid them. From 4,865 feet at the trail head to 6,430 at the Pass in about 2 miles. Starting from the East side near the Aguirre Springs campground, there were many desert plants to enjoy as I hiked. There was also evidence of the wild creatures of the outdoors, the 4 legged variety.
Hike to The Narrows Begins — The Story
Our hiking group had read about a trail in the Organ Mountains that we decided to try. It wasn’t an official trail, so we knew we’d need to do a fair amount of exploring…just our kind of hiking! The beautiful views started right off and I could see some fog moving in. That was unusual for the Organs. It just might prove to be a wonderful day for photography!
Fog Ahead — The Story
Sure enough, as we made our way around the hill, we could see a heavy fog cloud moving in. The dried Sotol flower stalks marked our way. I wondered if the fog would lift a bit to show the jagged Organ Mountain peaks.
Fillmore Canyon — The Story
Sure enough, as we hiked along, the jagged peaks started to show through the heavy fog.
Canyon Slope — The Story
We kept hiking, making progress, not really sure how we’d find this new trail. And as we walked along we could see the fog was stubbornly hugging the jagged peaks.
Fog on the Jagged Peaks — The Story
The beginning part of the hike goes through a lovely desert garden, almost like a botanical garden. Here we had a field of dormant mesquite bushes, some cactus, and Sotol plants. And still the fog covered peaks.
Fog Lifting Over Jagged Peaks — The Story
We could see more of that botanical garden now and it made a lovely setting for the fog covered mountains.
Peaks Revealed — The Story
Our hike for the day was almost over. You can see the Modoc Mine tailings off to the left. And, finally, most of the signature jagged peaks of the Organ Mountains were in view. The fog had been unexpected today, yet it gave us a beautiful treat in a place so full of everyday beauty.
Jagged Silhouette — The Story
I had hoped to re-shoot a special scene at Aguirre Springs in the Organ Mountains. But something quite different greeted me. This view of the very distinctive, jagged peaks in silhouette, with the bright light of the setting sun behind. And just enough clouds to add special interest. Well, I guess I’ll come back another day and try again for the other shot!
Cloud Ribbons — The Story
Change the angle of the camera just slightly, and a wonderfully different view comes alive. This one with clouds in sort of a ribbon formation. Still brightly lit from behind by the setting sun.
Hike to The Narrows — The Story
The “No-Name Hiking Group” decided to try the hike to The Narrows once again. We were determined to earn our badges, make it to the goal. And today was a lovely day indeed. This is the start of the trail.
Fillmore Falls — The Story
Just a short, brief detour. The visitor center volunteer had a sign up that the falls were flowing, so since they are right on the way to The Narrows, naturally we paused to see them.
The Narrows — The Story
1700 feet elevation gain and 3.3 miles later, bushwhacking a bit here and there, slipping on snowy parts of the trail, we had made it! The Narrows! Time for lunch!
Sky Patterns — The Story
Coming down the trail from our visit to The Narrows, we had time to pause and really enjoy the grand views. Those wonderful wispy clouds were all around, ready for us to make up stories about what we saw in them. Distant mountains were many shades of blue-gray. A perfect hike!
Stark, Yet Beautiful