Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
As we neared the lakes, I noticed clouds beginning to build over the peaks behind Upper Conjilon Lake—exactly where I'd planned our picnic and photo shoot. The rumble of distant thunder rolled across the high country, a sound that never fails to stir something primitive and powerful in my chest. Growing up on the Kansas plains, I'd learned to read weather like a second language, and these afternoon mountain storms had become old friends during our Angel Fire years.
We found a lone picnic table near the upper end of the lake, perfectly positioned for both lunch and photography. While Paulette unpacked our simple feast, I set up the Lumix FZ2500, adjusting settings for the changing light conditions. The approaching storm had created that magical quality of light that photographers dream about—dramatic clouds building overhead while shafts of sunlight still illuminated the water's surface.
Upper Conjilon Lake sits like a jewel in a crown of mountain peaks, fed by snowmelt and mountain springs that keep the water cold year-round—perfect habitat for the rainbow and cutthroat trout that call these waters home. The lake's clarity was remarkable, allowing us to see into the depths where trout moved like shadows against the rocky bottom.
nmosg.com
As we neared the lakes, I noticed clouds beginning to build over the peaks behind Upper Conjilon Lake—exactly where I'd planned our picnic and photo shoot. The rumble of distant thunder rolled across the high country, a sound that never fails to stir something primitive and powerful in my chest. Growing up on the Kansas plains, I'd learned to read weather like a second language, and these afternoon mountain storms had become old friends during our Angel Fire years.
We found a lone picnic table near the upper end of the lake, perfectly positioned for both lunch and photography. While Paulette unpacked our simple feast, I set up the Lumix FZ2500, adjusting settings for the changing light conditions. The approaching storm had created that magical quality of light that photographers dream about—dramatic clouds building overhead while shafts of sunlight still illuminated the water's surface.
Upper Conjilon Lake sits like a jewel in a crown of mountain peaks, fed by snowmelt and mountain springs that keep the water cold year-round—perfect habitat for the rainbow and cutthroat trout that call these waters home. The lake's clarity was remarkable, allowing us to see into the depths where trout moved like shadows against the rocky bottom.
nmosg.com
