Snippets of Place

Sound Byte and Image-Based Reflections

Here is my first photo of 2025. From a morning hike just southeast of Chupadero, a forward-looking view unfolds toward the Rio Grande and the Jemez Mountains. I’m reminded how unlikely this setting may have seemed just three years ago in England or for most of a transitional return to Seattle.

The following photographs tell part of the story of my most recent move.

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Here is my last photo of 2024. The Santa Fe Plaza holiday lights contrasted with the sunset glow that dominated the view from Fort Marcy and the Cross of the Martyrs. Over 400 years of multiple cultures and complex histories—and their impacts on the landscape— converged in one view. This convergence reminded me of why I chose to be here.

In December, the Santa Fe Style stood against yet another sunset. Faux authentic and commercially directed, this two-dimensional motif has merged with history to create a touristic mecca.

In November, the colorful 1830 Church of St. Francis de Assis shared the stage with snow in Golden, New Mexico.

In October, a Galisteo, New Mexico, gallery communicated a tranquil weekend mood.

In September, just off Interstate 84 east of Pendelton, Oregon, an end-of-day view said goodbye from the Pacific Northwest.

In August, I began my Ansel Adams wannabe practice at Chimayo, practicing for a soon-to-be life in New Mexico,

In July, I saw high desert lightning in the Galisteo Basin, which forever modified my urban-centric views and became the final New Mexico lure.

In June, I suddenly focused on watching a dahlia grow on a Seattle-area balcony, a miniature illustration of how landscapes change.

In May, I forged a special relationship with a tiger in an unlikely place, the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma.

In April, I was reminded of hometown assets by Lake Washington and Mount Rainier.

When I returned to London in March, I immediately pursued my favorite world-class view of the River Thames from Richmond Hill. I had never expected to be more than two hours from here.

In February, Palm Springs set the stage for my new fascination with the desert Southwest—and the interplay of the built and natural environments—which would later mature in New Mexico.

In January, the Gallagher Hill Open Space on Mercer Island, Washington, had a message: 2024 would be a bridging year.

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All photos by Charles R. Wolfe