En route to Antonito, Colorado, in a wash between the Conejos River and its northern branch, there’s a small farm and a hay bale wall visible through the trees from Highway 285.

In the center of the valley is a natural hot springs pool, called Hooper Pool. A mile or so from the road, they advertise with a sign that shows light reflecting in water. In the winter dryness in particular, it makes for an odd image when contrasted with the grasses and distant snowy mountains. Not exactly refreshing, or thirst-quenching, it’s almost tongue in cheek.

I love the agricultural objects of the San Luis Valley. Here an old barn with tar shingles and the shadow cast by a rusting wheel.