You have read several times in this blog that Highway 64 between Tres Piedras and Tierra Amarilla bisects some of the most beautiful country in northern New Mexico. Driving this road is never disappointing.  Several weeks ago, Fred needed to deliver a rug commission to Tierra Wools in Los Ojos, and Highway 64 is the fastest route.  Naturally, the cameras and I went along for the ride, but I was totally unprepared for the sights and smells that day.  

Probably because our trips across "the pass" are frequently in spring and fall, we saw more wildflowers on this summer trip than ever before.  I had never seen it so alive. There were a number I had not seen before and was absolutely unable to identify.  That is my lame disclaimer.

Given the range of colors between bright gold and almost day-glo orange, a flower which I believe to be sneezeweed (it is related to ragweed and a member of the composite family) was everywhere.  I shot many images of the flower in groups and singles but then realized how lovely it was in a wider or broader view.

Sneeze weed - a broader view

Then there was the Rocky Mountain penstemon which I have never seen in such abundance.  They are probably considered a pest by ranchers but their presence paints the landscape.

a broader view - Rocky Mountain penstemon in field In a more rainy than normal summer, even plants on the high mesas shine.  Here is a broad shot featuring another composite family flower I am unable to identify.  (The snakeweed is not blooming yet so that isn't it.)  When I am unable to find a flower in the reference books I have, I turn to Wikipedia.  I laughed when I saw the first listing titled "Damned Yellow Composites", the phrase used lovingly by students and researchers alike to describe a rather large and tricky family.    

a broader view - from the mesa

You can see larger versions of all the photographs by going to the photo section of my website, clicking on "blog site images", and again on the image itself.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@