I make paintings of the wilderness and in cities and little towns before dawn that bring to life that awe-filled mystery of being alive on this planet.
Hamilton Mesa is a beautiful place high in the Pecos Wilderness, one valley over the Sangre de Christo mountains from Santa Fe. Because it takes a while to drive and then hike there – and because I wanted to be there with evening and early morning light – I decided to spend a night. To save room, I just brought a hammock instead of a sleeping bag. Even so, with my cameras and tripods, plus water and some food, it felt like a significant weight on the hike in.
There was a little bit of a storm around, but the main one was supposed to be in a day or so, and I wanted some clouds as opposed to a clear sky. But it rained lightly off and on, and I had to keep my cameras covered, with one in a cheap waterproof housing so I could take photos without worrying too much. Occasionally I sheltered under trees waiting for the rain to pass, and then headed back to my hammock as it got dark.
I really thought I had it worked out. I had rain gear on so if it rained on me I wouldn’t mind, and a hat to cover my face. What I hadn’t realized, though, was how cold it got up there at night. Eventually, after shivering kept me awake, I built a fire and stayed by it’s warmth for the rest of the night.
The path to Hamilton Mesa goes through a pine and aspen forest. In the distance is the valley of the Mora river.The sunset was pretty much obscured by clouds. One never knows what it will be like each time. even when it’s not perhaps the ideal lighting conditions, it’s always amazing up there. A forest bath.In front of the setting sun is the aspen forest on the slopes of the mesa, where my hammock was.This is just after the sun set, looking southeast. Occasionally I would stop under a tree and wait for the rain to let up.Looking towards Truchas Peaks as rain blows over. Around this time i heard a very large group of coyotes; much more intimidating when you’re camping!Just as night falls in the aspen forest. The moon was pretty bright.Here’s the fire that saved me from being so cold! Looking out from the forest as the moon rose.This is the light before dawn; things are just beginning to emerge from the darkness.Walking towards the peak of Hamilton Mesa as the sun was about to rise, about 4:30.Looking east as the sun rises.Truchas Peaks, just catching the sun, as is the peak that I’m on.One camera was going as I walked around with my other one. I’m wearing a LOT of clothes.Day beginning outside the aspen forest.Real morning now, and the sun is starting penetrate into the woods.This is a view looking southwest on the way back to the car.
The inner pioneer emerges, coyotes to boot. I appreciate the compositions, esp of : Truchas Peaks, just catching the sun, as is the peak that I’m on, also Real morning now, and the sun is starting penetrate into the woods….and the vertical in the last shot. Love the storm shots, enhancing the Walking towards the peak of Hamilton Mesa as the sun was about to rise, about 4:30. Thanks—this is fun! I’ve missed the Gordelasque so this will inspire me for autumn strolls.
Another spell binding trek through the wilderness! I’m glad you love these
Wild Southwestern skies throughout the evening and on to daybreak. its surely the ONLY. way i’ll ever get to enjoy them. Thank you!
Jonathan Keeton Artist Blog 
The inner pioneer emerges, coyotes to boot. I appreciate the compositions, esp of : Truchas Peaks, just catching the sun, as is the peak that I’m on, also Real morning now, and the sun is starting penetrate into the woods….and the vertical in the last shot. Love the storm shots, enhancing the Walking towards the peak of Hamilton Mesa as the sun was about to rise, about 4:30. Thanks—this is fun! I’ve missed the Gordelasque so this will inspire me for autumn strolls.
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merci chere meghane!
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Wow! Beautiful and quite an adventure! Hope you’ve warmed up by now.
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thanks my friend!
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Lovely photo set! Some of these look like Maxfield Parrish illustrations, with such luminosity!
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thanks Barbara!
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Another spell binding trek through the wilderness! I’m glad you love these
Wild Southwestern skies throughout the evening and on to daybreak. its surely the ONLY. way i’ll ever get to enjoy them. Thank you!
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