La Ladera Road in Peralta, New Mexico has been my shortcut from the bottom of Meadow Lake hill to north bound Hwy 47 for years. I used to take this way on my commute to UNM in Albuquerque circa 1994 - 1995. The road itself has changed very little over the past 25 years. I have always envisioned La Llorona walking the ditch bank and one night I even saw a black swirly mass right behind my car. (No, not exhaust fumes) Needless to say, never pick up anyone on this road at night. Ever. Especially if they're wearing a white dress and have no eyes.  And should you decide to go walking after midnight, be sure to leave instructions for notifying your next of kin.

Along the ditch bank are outcroppings of ancient Cottonwood Trees that are easily over 100 years old. I drive past them every day and every day they call out to me. It's easy enough to drive by and dismiss them as "just trees", but let me assure you they are very much alive and even aware of my presence when I walk amongst them.

Cottonwood leaves hang on long into the winter and they rattle in the wind. Listen carefully to the video below to hear the whisper of the trees.

No matter how many years I experience autumn in New Mexico, it never gets old.

With the exception of the first two images, which were shot just up the road in Rio Rancho, these photos are from the Bosque in Corrales.

My family moved to Los Lunas, New Mexico (from Albuquerque) in 1982. In all these years, I have only ever shot one portrait session in the Los Lunas Bosque and that is the only time I've gone down there. 

On October 21, 2018, Johnpaul and I decided to explore the forest in our hometown. 

Cottonwood trees take on unique shapes depending on their environmental conditions. The trees in the Los Lunas Bosque are tall and thin. They appear to be dancing. There is a well maintained trail through the Bosque but the undergrowth is very thick, especially as you approach the water. On this day, the river was very low and almost impossible to get to so we didn't push our luck. The trees were wonderful though.