Two-Tailed Swallowtail Butterfly

A two-tailed swallowtail drinks from a claret cup cactus blossom high in the Sandias.

Sunlight on La Luz

In the middle of one of the boulder fields on La Luz.

View from La Cueva Overlook (including The Thumb)

One of the most beautiful views in the world, at least as far as I’m concerned. Seeing this requires either a 4.5-mile hike up or a 3.5-mile hike down La Luz and it’s worth every aching muscle. I’m so grateful I was able to do this hike yesterday — especially since I hear the Sandia Wilderness (of which this is a part) will be shutting down in 8 days, due to the high danger of fire.

Exploring the Waterfall

A boy climbs a rock near the base of a small, unnamed (as far as I know) waterfall in the Jemez.

Chihuly Rose

A Chihuly rose at the Albuquerque Rose Garden.

Albuquerque Railyard

Old windows, graffiti, a busted-out window pane and door, and weeds at the Albuquerque Railyard.

End of the Line

Three trains — two Rail Runner commuters and a Santa Fe Southern tourist train — at the end of the line in Santa Fe.

Scott’s Oriole

A Scott’s Oriole, singing away at the top of his little lungs.

Curve Billed Thrasher

I’m so grateful that it’s spring, that color is finally returning to the natural world, and for all the birds in the Sandia foothills right now.

Cholla Silhouette

Walkingstick cholla in the Sandia foothills, silhouetted by last night’s colorful sunset.