Fossil Forest HoodoosColorful hoodoos in the small and unique Fossil Forest in the badlands of northwest New Mexico.

This trip was instigated by my friend and fellow photographer, Leland Gersbach.  It seems he can't get enough of the badlands of New Mexico.  Well, neither can I.  It was a 9 day trip with a variety of destinations, Din-Na-Zin Wilderness, Ah-Sle-Shi-Pah Wilderness and, Fossil Forest, White Sands National Park in New Mexico, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas.  Quite a diverse desert landscape from the hoodoos and eroded features of the badlands in New Mexico, to brilliant white sands, and the mountains in Texas.  All quite unique in their own right.  The weather was generally quite pleasant except for the literal "blue norther" that blew in at Ah-Sle-Shi-Pah.  Thirteen degrees in the morning with rain, sleet and snow that night will get your attention.

We met Cecil Whitt, who's photographs were the actual inspiration for our initial foray into the badlands of New Mexico, at Din-Na-Zin.  Cecil's photography is superb.

Leland also persuaded, cajoled, friends and fellow photographers, Zoe and Terry, into meeting us at Guadalupe Mountains National Park.  Zoe's first camping trip since Girl Scouts... I think the jury is still out on any further camping adventures with less comfort than the Holiday Inn.  The company and food was far better than you would normally experience camping! A lot of fun, plus Zoe and Terry actually made it to the top on Texas!

  Smith SpringThis was a beautiful day in the Guadalupe Mountains at Smith Spring.