Big Bend 2015

Looking back through these makes me want to hit road again. Maybe catch the wildflower bloom this year...

There is no other place in the world like the South Rim at Big Bend. Your images do it justice. Nice work!

Many thanks bsmotril. I didn't 'discover' the place until a couple of years ago on a long spring break road trip, but I've been back several times now. Bizarre, beautiful place. My first real stay was just after hurricane Odile came blasting through, and the desert was in bloom. Hard to stay away after that.

Aks6674 wrote in post #17862092
Looking back through these makes me want to hit road again. Maybe catch the wildflower bloom this year...

Like your shots.

I talked with one of the Rangers last year, and they tell me that the Bluebonnets were at a 20 year high. I really don't have any good pics of them, either, but there were literally miles of them.

I don't recognize the first image - where was that taken?

bsmotril wrote in post #17862265
There is no other place in the world like the South Rim at Big Bend.

Ain't that the truth. If all goes well, I'll be there in four weeks. I haven't visited in the early Spring yet, so hoping for weather that isn't too challenging. Also spending a night or two in Marathon. They've got a Target Marathon now, and a few other spots worth a visit. Plus Davis Mtn SP is close enough for a day trip.

The cliff is actually Burro Mesa, as seen from the Ross Maxwell near Sotol Vista. The pano is from the rim of course, the third is from near Sam Nail looking back towards the Chisos. The last is on the road up to the lodge; it rained like crazy the night before, then we woke to these amazing clouds on the ground down in the valley. Wish I'd been on the rim for that morning, though the night would have been downright miserable in a tent.

I usually try to get there around a new moon if I can.

Aks6674 wrote in post #17863771
The cliff is actually Burro Mesa, as seen from the Ross Maxwell near Sotol Vista. The pano is from the rim of course, the third is from near Sam Nail looking back towards the Chisos. The last is on the road up to the lodge; it rained like crazy the night before, then we woke to these amazing clouds on the ground down in the valley. Wish I'd been on the rim for that morning, though the night would have been downright miserable in a tent.

I usually try to get there around a new moon if I can.

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Ahhh... thanks. I would have thought that fourth image was the Ward Spring Trail. I'll have to make a point on this next trip to branch out even further. I'm going to walk the Chimneys Trail this time.

Have you visited any of the trails down towards Boquilles yet? I'd welcome any recommendations.

Also, for number 5, is that a single exposure? I'd like to give that a try. Funny, too, that I thought I was only one on the planet that planned a Big Bend trip around the new moon. I've been so proud of myself. Ha ha.

Finally, love these last two images, 5 and 6. Amazing work.

Thanks a lot.

I really haven't seen much down Boquillas way yet, I've only walked the little trail into the canyon and driven a little ways down some dirt roads. I'm really still very much a newbie to the place; the chimneys is also in my list for next time.

And yes to the single exposure. I tried blending multiple exposures once, but I'm no good in Photoshop proper - it never really came close to looking right. Someday I'll really put some effort into it, but for now the single shot with or without light painting is mostly good enough for me - I'm not trying to sell them, after all.

Here's one more from the Luna Jacal.

Aks6674 wrote in post #17865288
I really haven't seen much down Boquillas way yet, I've only walked the little trail into the canyon and driven a little ways down some dirt roads. I'm really still very much a newbie to the place; the chimneys is also in my list for next time.

And yes to the single exposure. I tried blending multiple exposures once, but I'm no good in Photoshop proper - it never really came close to looking right. Someday I'll really put some effort into it, but for now the single shot with or without light painting is mostly good enough for me - I'm not trying to sell them, after all.

Here's one more from the Luna Jacal.

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Excellent, and another cool image.

FYI, I'd recommend checking your spare before hitting the dirt roads. I was given some great advice that nothing short of 10-ply off-road tires are needed, and it turns out that the off-road tour guide, who has been doing this for the past 10 years out at Big Bend, turned out to be correct. I was 26 miles into the back roads when tragedy struck. This was a genuine pucker-moment.

Those are amazing! I need to head out west!

Beautiful set!

Thanks all, and S2kAtTracks I do recommend it. Here's one from the top of the Lost Mine Trail.