News Archives | Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers & Photographers

Pie Lady of Pie Town Calls it Quits

By Don & Barbara Laine

New Mexico has lost an institution.

Pie-O-Neer cafe in Pie Town, NM — The Pie-O-Neer was a popular spot. © Kelly Gatlin

The Pie-O-Neer Pie Bar in Pie Town, New Mexico, has closed after more than 20 years in business, a victim of the Coronavirus pandemic. The announcement was made by owner Kathy Knapp, according to an article in the Socorro, New Mexico, newspaper “El Defensor Chieftain.” She told the newspaper that she opened the pie shop for the season this year on Pi Day (March 14), but because of the pandemic closed the next day. More on Pi Day below.

One-and-one-half day Photo Workshop Announced

Take Control of Your Photography
From conception through post-processing

When: October 4-5, 2020 – just prior to conference
Where: Alamogordo, NM
Member Rate: $250 including lunch both days

Take Control of Your Photography is a 1 1/2 day workshop that will make you a better photographer: more proficient, more artistic, and more confident.

RMOWP Heads to Country’s Newest National Park in 2020

By Don Laine

Several months ago we announced that RMOWP’s 2020 conference was planned for early October in Alamogordo, New Mexico, home to White Sands National Monument. Leave it to our federal government to make a liar of me.

Gardening & Grooming

The Difference

Text and photos by Jack Olson

A little while ago I was asked about the control of depth of field for photography in a field of columbine and I explained in a newsletter article. Now I want to get into a discussion conerning Gardening and Grooming. I used to talk about gardening, and if it was ever acceptible. Some of our photographers may disagree in this but, for now, I hold the stage.

Having a Moment

Poem By Judy Lehmkuhl

I stand on the autumn-warmed tundra
Pelted by graupel falling straight down
Listening to the bull elk bugle

Dr. Faustus at Sprague Lake

By Ian King

reflections on Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park — Sprague Lake © 2012 Harry Snelson

You hadn’t exactly been making tawaf, that great, frenzied, swarming circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba in Mecca; and you clearly hadn’t been doing anything quite like the Muslim Hajj, either. Nonetheless, in a limited, quasi-metaphorical way, it is the first pilgrimage-like parallel you draw when you reflect on your visit to Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park in early September 2019.

2020 Conference Set

Mark your calendars for the 2020 conference of Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers – October 5 to 8 – headquartering in Alamogordo, New Mexico. That’s Sunday through Thursday night.

Soaptree Yucca along a dune ridge at White Sands National Monument.
© William Horton

Why Alamogordo? Mainly because it’s the closest place to some of the most scenic and fascinating destinations in southern New Mexico.

Dues are going up!

After 14 years at the same rate, the RMOWP board of directors has decided it’s time to raise membership dues. Beginning in January 2020 one year will be $60, with a second person at the same address $50.

Making Water Safe to Drink

By Peter Kummerfeldt

I often hear two statements made regarding drinking water from outdoor sources. Some claim “I never treat the water I drink in the outdoors” while others say “I never drink the water because it’s got bugs in it.” In the first instance not treating water increases the risk of gastrointestinal illness and in the second instance not knowing how to make the water safe to drink dramatically increases the risk of dehydration and the many other problems associated with becoming dehydrated in the field.

The Legend of El Patron

Book Review by Barb Laine

This is a charming, entertaining, and educational little book, written by RMOWP member Virginia Parker Staat. It brought both tears and chuckles – what more can a reader ask? Although written for children eight to 14, it’s a lovely story for all ages. It’s also a true story, and includes delightful illustrations by Andy Ramon.

Take Control of Your PhotographyFrom conception through post-processing

The Difference

Take Control of Your Photography
From conception through post-processing