Big Bend National Park – A Kathy Adams Clark Workshop – Nov 2013

Many people love Big Bend National Park for many reasons. For me, it is magical. It is a place I visit to renew my soul, to set aside the burdens of everyday life and to fulfill that wish to experience something new and spectacular.

I wasn’t planning to go to Big Bend this November. Randy and I are in the midst of a very hectic remodel of the little cabin out in Willis. I didn’t see how I could get away, but with a little encouragement, I did sneak away for a much needed bit of R&R.

Early Wednesday morning, Kathy and I headed for the Chisos mountains in her BMW. Yes, I said BMW – my first time to drive one and I’m spoiled. What a sweet driving machine. The 10 hour drive became a fun adventure learning what that little jewel of a car can do. I’ve never driven a more responsive, better handling vehicle EVER. Great start to a fantastic trip.

Photography for me started early Thursday morning with a short star trail from the balcony of my room.

 

Next was a breakfast meeting of all of the participants. What a great group of people to spend the next few days with at my favorite place on the planet. We were a small group – Kathy, Preston, Lori, Jean, Jon and me.

During breakfast, Kathy briefed us on the plans for the workshop with a lot of flexibility built in for weather and individual preferences. What we didn’t know is that Kathy had a hidden agenda – to wear our butts out! And that she did. We were all dragging by the end of each day. The days were short and we made the most of them starting before sunrise and then continuing into the night.

I came home with more images than I expected, my batteries recharged and my attitude adjusted. I was ready to get back to the remodel project with enthusiasm and renewed energy.

My favorite images are in the galleries below …

Landscapes

 

The Fishy Stuff

Night, Night

 

Critters and Plants

Please note that no critters were harmed in the making of the Sad Puppy photo. In fact, that poor little sweetie was rescued by our very own animal rescue professional, Jean! Please don’t leave your pet in the car. Even though it was November, the outside temp was over 80F and inside that car was unbearable.

 

Extreme HDR

 

Painterly Stuff