Driving on U. S. Highway 64 west from Tres Piedras to Tierra Amarilla is a pilgrimage for us, one we make at least twice during the autumn months.  It is one of the great drives in the western United States.  When the aspen are having a good year (whether that is determined by moisture, temperature, or infestation of bag worms, I do not know), they are spectacular.  During our trip this week, I would guess that 80% of the trees had not even begun to sport their fall colors, but there were a few that had already turned in an eye-popping way, such as these at Hopewell Lake.

first aspen color

Because of the sky and light, the tree trunks looked particularly white and clear.  Here is a shot of some aspen "legs", which are such good subjects for black and white photography.

aspen legs

Ostensibly, the drive is full of aspen color, which I really wanted to photograph.  But the sky was diverting my attention.  Standing mountain waves are fairly common in New Mexico, but the eastern sky on Tuesday held one of the largest and most dramatic formations I have ever seen here.  It lasted much of the entire day, altering only slightly in shape.  Definitely not part of a summer sky, telling us autumn was definitely in the air.  Here is a sampling of the waves.

mountain waves 2

mountain waves 1

At this time of year in the high country, livestock trailers dot the highways, as cattle are being herded and loaded for their trip to warmer winter feeding grounds.  The last hay cutting of the season is also in progress.  Rolls of hay sit in the fields, drying in the sun.  Even though every movement made by human and machine is for a purpose, I have always thought the hay rolls and geometrics left by the cutters in the field are beautiful.  

hay rolls 3

hay rounds close up

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@