Y is for Yucca

Adopted as New Mexico's state flower in 1927, the Yucca has over forty varieties growing throughout the southwest and Mexico.  These strange plants have to be pollinated by specific Yucca Moths.  They have beautiful white flowers reaching to the sky, hence the spanish name "lamparas de dios" which translates to "lamps of the lord".  Post # 25 on ABC Wednesday. 

X is for X-tremely hard picture to catch

This picture was taken on the 4th of july, 2008 during a thunder storm in Tucumcari, New Mexico.  Because of the delay it took 25 shots with my digital camera before I finally got this shot.  I understand there is now a lightning sensor for your camera.  My wife has a picture of lightning and fireworks in the shot on the same 4th of July. Post # 24 on ABC Wednesday.

W is for Windmill Workers

Yes, they really do work way up there on that little platform.  There are windmills all over New Mexico, so windmill worker is probably a good job.  Post # 23 on ABC Wednesday.

V is for very large array (VLA)

The VLA (very large array) is the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, one of the world's largest Radio-Telescope array.  Each 230 ton antenna is 82 feet in diameter.  The 27 radio antennas are arranged in a Y shaped configuration on the plains of San Agustin about 20 miles west of Magdalena, New Mexico.  Well worth a visit.  Post # 22 on ABC Wednesday.

U is for Underwater.

This picture was taken last summer at the Albuquerque, New Mexico Zoo.  The Polar Bears were playing in their pool and there is an underwater window.  The picture could have been better if the glass in the window was cleaned a little more often. Post # 21 on ABC Wednesday.

T is for Three Rivers Petroglyphs

 18 miles north of Tularosa, New Mexico on highway 54 is where you will find Three Rivers  Petroglyphs. This is truly an amazing place, with a small campground and a trail up a small rock covered hill where there are over 20,000 petroglyphs (yes 20,000).  When you get to the top of the hill they seem to be everywhere, in front of you, behind you, and on each side. The site is overseen by the BLM, and their brochure states that the people who did the petroglyphs are unknown, but there are two distinct styles, one is scratched and the other is chipped.  Take a year and travel around New Mexico, you will love it.  Post # 20 on ABC Wednesday.     

S is for Sunset

The sunsets of New Mexico are spectacular, I chose three of my favorites.  The first is from Percha Dam State Park about 17 miles south of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.  A great spot for bird watchers.
The second shot was taken at Hidden Valley R V park in Tijeras, New Mexico about 5 miles east of Albuquerque, New Mexico.  
This last picture is from Rockhound State Park in southern part of the state about 30 miles from the Mexican border.  One of the better places to camp in New Mexico.  I have taken many pictures of sunsets from all over this great state and they never cease to amaze me.  Come see for yourself.  Post # 19 on ABC Wednesday.