Bandelier National Monument

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."  - Henry David Thoreau

Canyon Wall - Main Trail 

Bandelier National Monument

Some time ago I visited Bandelier which is about 30 minutes from from Los Alamos in New Mexico.   The park has over 33,000 acres of canyons and is home to more than 55 species of mammals such as mule deer, elk, coyotes, and mountain lions.  Thank goodness I did not see any mountain lions or black bears up close when I was there!   Seriously, the main loop trail in the park (which I ventured down) had fairly steady tourist traffic, so the wildlife stayed pretty much out of sight.   

Another beautiful canyon view at Bandelier National Monument

This photography blog was conceived to depict mostly pure nature scenes and wildlife, however I find the photos and information on the ancient Pueblo people that once lived in this area around 1150 to 1550 to be extremely fascinating.   More information about all that may be found on the internet.   What I wanted to share here is some photos of the settlements the Pueblo people constructed here; see below:

The cavates, or holes dug into the walls were not only to live in, but some were for storing food as well.

This flowering plant was quite high up in the rock wall  and my camera at the time was not the best to zoom in on it, but I wanted to share this photo just the same to comment on how this plant not only survived in rough territory, but seemed to thrive on this rocky environment and let its beauty shine no matter what the obstacles.   People can take lessons from nature.   Keep smiling, keep going, persevere with faith no matter how bad things seem, and something wonderful and lovely can happen .   It will also make you stronger.  Philippians 4:13 reminds us that it is the Lord Who strengthens us; we cannot "go it" alone.

Ruins of Tyuonyl Village

See the tiny people near the ruins; gives you an idea how high above them I was .... me who is afraid of heights conquered that fear from being so enthusiastic about new discoveries in this park.  The ruins were once 2 stories with over 400 rooms.

Frijoles Creek

I took many photos of this creek and definitely hope to make a painting from this shot.    Below are a couple of my paintings of another area of this creek.

 "Footbridge at Frijoles Creek"

12" x 16" oil 

Available 

Recently, when I began this painting, I talked with a ranger at Bandelier to find out more information for reference, and he said that a strong flash flood had destroyed this footbridge.   This creek flows all year, and I could not resist adding a coyote in my painting.

"To Everything A Season"

12" x 16" oil 

Available

Another area of Frijoles Creek; I turned it into a fall scene on purpose even though I was there around the end of April one year when I took my reference photos.    The mule deer just seemed to belong there.

There are many more images I could share with you, but I will save it for another time.   

My Website

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com