Sunday, March 26, 2017

The New Camping /Photography Adventure Philosophy was a Success ...at least in my Mind....


I am back from my Big Bend adventure, and what a great adventure it was.  I tried to post twice, while at Big Bend,  and somehow the posts disappeared into a computer "Black hole"....Decided to forgo the blog until I returned Home, and here I am.

My last post I was at Seminole Canyon ...The next morning I got up...did a hike around the rim and then left for Big Bend...arriving I was again amazed at the number folks at the park...doing a informal survey of looking at license plates at the visitors center the majority where out of state plates...talking to the Ranger at the visitors Center, he indicated that it had been like this since the New Year. An interesting phenomenon. More on this in my wrap up post.

I decided to stay  at Cottonwood Campground the first night, which is on the West end of the park, close to Santa Elena Canyon. I also booked some dispersed campsites out in the hinterland of Big Bend Heaven...lastly I camped on the East end. Usually Cottonwood has one or two folks at CG...This trip, by 4pm the place was filled up...has about 24 sites.  Again most vehicle's when I was there where from out of State. That afternoon I went to the Canyon to see where a good spot was for an early morning shot...I wanted to try and get a panorama shot if that was possible...with my new shooting philosophy that was going to be my one photo for tomorrow...returning to the CG, I relaxed outside the camper reading a book on Terlinqua. Dinner consisted of a pork steak, coleslaw and German potato salad.

Next morning was  at the Canyon site at about 0545, still dark...found my spot and waited for the sun to sprinkle some magic light on the cliffs....and it did....not a cloud in the sky...I slowed down, set everything up and worked the panorama scene.  Here it is.
Santa Elena Canyon (c)2017Horst Kelly Photographer


The rest of the day I hiked, relaxed, and hitched up and moved to my dispersed campsite...it was a mile and a half off the main road, little bumpy, but the end result was fantastic...what do you think.
Campsite (c)2017Horst Kelly Photographer

Ah, this is when I really feel close to my Maker...solitude,  magnificent views(IMHO), great weather and some of the best creations God molded together. Speaking of weather, one of the things to be cognizant of is that depending on where you are in the park, the temps can be vastly different... due to the elevation gain/loss..anywhere from 1800 or so feet to close to 6000 feet at the Basin.

Dinner the second night consisted of Salmon, spinach salad and Texas Bean salad...sat outside and watched the sun set....and listened to the coyotes..it was a good day!

The next 3 days I picked out some photo ops and went either in the early morning or in the evening...I did cheat a little on my one shot per day and got some photos of the Mules Ears and the  back side of the  Windows.  I changed campsites again and went to Grapevine that has 4 or so boondocking sites...the problem with that is folks drive in  to view  Balanced Rock and a lot of them don't adhere to the speed limit and kick up  limestone dust...not good for the "respiratory concerns"...so after 3 days I moved on. Found another great spot on the East side. Also had a small hiccup, though at the time it appeared more than a hiccup...my "smart" phone decided not to be smart and thought being a "SMARTass" would be more fun...it had a blue screen and said it was downloading, though it wasn't. Long story short I drove to Alpine to a Verizon outlet(200 miles round trip)...and the irony it took the tech no more than 3 seconds to have it running...I ask her what the problem was and that explanation took 15 minutes and I still don't understand. So I ask for the "trick" to fix since I don't want to have another 200 drive...Since I had the digital camera with me, I decided to take some shots on the way back to camp.

Though it was difficult to stick to my one a day shooting and I was only there a couple weeks or so..and it was more crowded than I had anticipated....I can honestly say it is on top of the list as one of my favorite trips.....I relaxed more, read more, cooked more meals, especially breakfasts(which I have always maintained is my favorite camping meal) and enjoyed the area more. I will definably keep "tweaking" this type of photo/camping approach....

I think I have rambled on long enough,  I will do another  couple posts on some of my observations, my thoughts on using the  Mamiya camera and the results,  Big Bend, and other stuff.
All alone in the Fog (c)2017Horst Kelly Photographer

I only posted a couple photos on purpose....the files are large, especially the panaromas and to reduce the size is a major headache for this NOT so techie Guy...so if you click below, it will take you to the 2017 Big Bend folder on my website.....I hope. :))


  2017 Big Bend Trip photo's

  Not all are loaded yet...so keep returning for the next 10 days or so...

Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it and especially enjoy reading your comments and thoughts.  Horst sends

10 comments:

  1. Loved your pics of Big Bend, but the one to me is the best is the tree in the fog...that is awesome. Glad you had a good trip to Big Bend and really liked your dispersed campsite and can see why you liked it too. Horst, I am glad you enjoyed your time out and especially your new camping philosophy...it should be enjoyment and peaceful. Take care my friend and thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the compliment of the photo's the tree shot was one of my favorites this trip, especially since it was shot with the Mamiya film camera...no light leak or lens fungus...
      I am enjoying your posts and photo's..appears you Guys are enjoying the Good Life...take care Buddy..Horst sends

      Delete
  2. Was wondering about you a few days ago. Really like your offroad campsite. There's many positive things that come from being off the grid, taking time to cook a couple meals a day, and enjoying one's surroundings without all the usual distractions. Liked all the photos. Think my favorites are the panorama of the canyon, and of course, the sunset(s). Looking forward to reading more of you adventure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you would have enjoyed the dispersed camping spots...only negative is no camp fires...but looking at the stars when the sky is wide open makes up for the no fire rule...thought of you when I was savoring the bites of my flatiron steak....

      Yup, the way the Canyon shot turned out put it at the head of my photo line for this trip,,,though that last evening shor of the storm rolling in(cloud) being lit up with the evening sun was right up there, especially since I hadn't seen it til I turned around to go back to the Campsite, :)) Hope things are leveling out for you and Wanda and that "Mom" is all well! Horst sends

      Delete
  3. Just finished up Smugmug...same place my granddaughter keeps her collection. Wish "like" buttons ;) But I'd have to like all of them. This trip sounded so relaxing. A good meal and then something stunning before your eyes. You're amazingly talented with the lens. I'll be awaiting the next trip!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a great trip....and I enjoyed the slower pace of things...next trip will be another short one up North a ways...probably in a month....speaking of talent photography, you recent post has got terrific photography! take care and enjoy your summer...You Guys heading to the Panhandle again? Horst sends

      Delete
  4. Ps I hope my photo on the right follow section isn't huge on your end...sure is on my view. Hummmmm, that crazy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is...I guess they know I'm old and my eyes can't see the small stuff anymore. :)) Horst sends

      Delete
  5. Great pics! Love the Santa Elena Canyon one. We were there on a motorcycle many years ago. Your pics make me want to go back.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a terrific trip. though the park was very crowded...a new phenomenon. still I enjoy the boondocking places and the solitude...I'm starting to work with medium format...have a lot to learn...hope all is going well with you Guys...thanks for taking the time to look at the Blog. Safe travels..Horst sends

      Delete