this week i was invited to vermejo park ranch in northern new mexico to shoot phenomenal scenery, fly fishing, and wildlife. no complaints here.
ted turner’s private home near the main lodge is quite impressive. but even more awe-inspiring is the sheer size of the property. at just under 600,000 acres, vermejo is the largest privately owned parcel of land in the u.s.
aside from the common bee, vermejo is home to elk, black bear, mountain lion, and one of the largest herds of american bison in the world.
our view from the front porch of costilla lodge.
the crew (minus the photographer)…
the art of fly fishing.
jim and i went for a drive down to one of the lower lakes to meet folks that were already there fishing.
we found their truck recently ransacked by a bear.
we must have scared it off when we pulled up, judging by the minimal amount of damage done to the refreshments.
looked like he climbed up the side of the truck-bed to get a better look.
it started to rain. and as jim and i scanned the lake, i noticed another bear heading toward us…
he got within fifty feet of me before he ran away.
back at the lodge, some of the fattest chipmunks i have ever seen hang around for handouts.
nick was the star of the bunch. he was named “nick” by the kitchen staff who noticed a chunk taken out of his ear.
believe it or not, nick actually comes when you call his name.
no wonder they’re so fat…
saturday morning before sunrise… time to head out. off to telluride, colorado!!
andrew slaton | blog 