It had been an event day already!

After a trek of 30 miles over less than pristine dirt road out in the middle of the high desert, I finally arrived at Chaco Canyon National Historical Park in New Mexico.

This place is the location of more ancient Puebloan structures than any other place in the United States. It seemed that everywhere you turned, you were confronted with the reality of those who called this place home and those who called it sacred.

Their spirits walk in this place, and you only have to stop to feel their presence.

After a day of wandering around these ancient ruins, I decided to set up camp at my campsite.

As I drove to the campsite, clouds began to build, reminiscent of the late afternoon Monsoons the Southwest is known for.

I set up camp and returned to the roadside table near Fajada Butte.

This place is also ancient. Near the summit, a series of stones might have been used to record celestial events such as the sun's and moon's locations at certain times of the year, serving as a visual map of the sacred spaces in the canyon before me.

As I stood near the foot of this lonely butte, with the wind whipping around me, I took out my camera and began to set up.

The sun began the last of its journey in the daytime sky and lit up the clouds above me. I stood mesmerized, amazed at the colors displayed in the clouds above.

I shook myself out of my reverie and began taking some photographs, amazed at the light play before me.

I could see gently falling rain, highlighted by the golden light. The dark and thick clouds were painted in hues of purple and red. The butte below stood tall and glowing in the golden light.

It was magical, and it was one of the most fantastic sunsets I had ever witnessed. I stood there, alone, Mother Nature and me, painting the sky in colors I never before dreamed possible.

And here is the photograph which I feel captures the magic of the scene, the beauty of nature as only nature can display.

I hope you enjoy this photograph as much as I do. It is among my favorites!

Peace,