While you are driving on New Mexico highways these days, don't be surprised if you see people stopping abruptly, jumping out of their vehicles holding cameras and phones, or arms sticking out of moving cars with iPhones in hand.  Something is definitely afoot.  Amidst all of the political turmoil and disasters in the world, it is a true joy to see nature giving the best show of the decade.  The cottonwood trees are the most phenomenal gold - almost blinding - along the riverbanks of the Rio Ojo Caliente, the Rio Chama, and the Rio Grande.  The foliage creates rivers of its own.  I cannot recall a year when the color was so brilliant.  It is indeed an autumn to remember.

The first three images below are from Ojo Caliente.  Rogue thunderclouds moved across the sky, yielding a combination of striking sun and shadow, as I explored the woods.

cottonwood tress - Ojo Caliente 1

cottonwoods at Ojo Calietne 2

cottonwood tress - Ojo Caliente 3

The color is certainly not exclusive to the river valleys.  Even in the city, shades of red, peach, green and yellow present themselves in places as mundane as the Whole Foods parking lot.  A woman rolled down her window when she saw me with my camera and said "Aren't they beautiful?  I wish I had my phone with me."  An excellent reason for having a camera (or an iPhone) with me at all times.

fall colored ivy at Whole Foods

When we were graced with rain last week, I took the opportunity to head outside between showers and shoot rain drops on aspen leaves.

aspen leaf with water droplets

Wherever you are, I hope that you are able to get out into the richness of nature this week.  If you are in New Mexico, perhaps you will be able to follow autumn, as it heads south along the Rio to the central and southern parts of the state, with cameras in hand (or not), even if just to take deep breaths of air filled with the smell of leaves and soil and water working their magic.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@