BIG BEND: WILDFLOWERS, LANDSCAPES & NIGHT SKIES 3-7 MARCH, 2021

BIG BEND: WILDFLOWERS, LANDSCAPES & NIGHT SKIES
3-7 MARCH, 2021

(4 DAYS/4 NIGHTS)

with Jeremy Woodhouse

Bluebonnets on the Slope of Cerro Castellan

Highlights

Spring is an ideal time to visit the Big Bend area. Along with the chance of a wildflower bloom, temperatures are comfortable. As we will be there before the spring break crowds, we should have some places to ourselves.

The itinerary is being kept flexible so we can hit the best places for landscapes.

Photograph magnificent vistas including the Chisos Mountains, Santa Elena Canyon, Cerro Castellan, the Lost Mine Trail and more.

To ensure plenty of individual attention, group size is capped at 6 participants.

Dark Skies
Big Bend National Park is known as one of the outstanding places in North America for astro photography. In fact, it has the least light pollution of any other national park unit in the lower 48 states. One factor that makes this possible is simply the sparse human occupation of this region. The obvious impression one gets of wildness in the Big Bend is the lack of visible lights indicating a house or a town. Most urban areas have such an abundance of light that very few stars can be seen. Big Bend National Park is a refreshing exception.—www.nps.gov

Itinerary

We keep a flexible itinerary in order find the best landscape conditions and to deliver the best possible photography experience. We reserve the right to change the itinerary and shooting locations as needed. The itinerary below is just an example of what you can expect.

Day 1: March 3—Arrive at Terlingua

We will meet at at 5PM at our hotel, Big Bend Resort & Adventure, and after a brief orientation we will head out to photograph our first sunset.

Day 2-4: March 4-6—Big Bend

Based on the weather conditions, the location of any wildflowers, and the will of the people, we will always had somewhere scenic for sunrise. Locations could include Santa Elena Canyon, the Lost Mine Trail (not too strenuous), or the relatively short hike to the Balanced Rock.

Sunset might see us photographing Casa Grande through the Window, or the Chisos mountains from Rio Grande Village.

Unfortunately, as of today, because of Covid, we will be unable to hike down to the hot springs nor will we be able to cross over into Mexico at Boquillas aS both areas are currently closed.

We will find some interesting locations for you to do some astro photography. This will usually take place after dinner. During the period that we will be there we will have very dark skies.

Day 5: March 7—Big Bend | Home

We will finish the photo shoot after the sunrise this morning, after which you are free to return home or move on to your next destination.

END OF TOUR

Cerro Castellan

Santa Elena Canyon at Sunrise

Rock Window

Prickly Pear and the Chisos Mountains

Wild Flowers in Volcanic Tufa

Santa Elena Canyon at Sunrise

Arrival, Departure

Arrival & Meeting Place

We will meet at Terlingua at 5:00PM on Wed, 3 March, 2021.

Departure

We will finish the photo shoot after the sunrise on Sunday, 7 March, 2021 after which you are free to return home or move on to your next destination.

Weather

March, the first month of the spring, in Big Bend National Park, is a moderately hot month, with average temperature ranging between min 47.1°F (8.4°C) and max 82.9°F (28.3°C).

March is also the month with the least rainfall in Big Bend National Park with an average precipitation of 0.23" (5.8mm).

TRIP FULL WAITING LIST

TOUR COST: $499
4 DAYS/4 NIGHTS

GROUP SIZE: ONLY 6

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Tour Price Includes

Photography guiding during the trip
Post-processing and image critique sessions where time permits.

Tour Price Excludes

Transportation to/from your home to Terlingua, TX.
Transport within the park. Due to safety during Covid, we expect you to use your own vehicle
Entry Fee into the National Park
Lodging
Alcoholic Beverages.
Meals and snacks

Lodging

We will stay in the town of Terlingua just a few miles west of the National Park entrance. There are several hotels in the area and it is up to you where you stay. I will be staying at the Big Bend Resort & Adventure (432) 371-3382.

You should make your own booking. Single rooms are $119+tax and if you can share, doubles are $129+tax. Please contact them directly to make your reservation from 3-7 March (4 nights).

Dress for the Weather

Personal Gear List

Sturdy hiking footwear, and long pants if you want to avoid being stuck by a cactus
Layers. The days will be warm but you may feel a chill in the air at night so bring appropriate layers
Headlamp for when we are hiking in the dark
Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat
Water bottle

Photo Equipment Checklist

Sturdy tripod and ballhead
Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body.
Wide Angle Lens. Frame frame - aim for 16-35mm range or wider. Crop sensor, 10-22mm.
Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
Telephoto lenses will come in handy especially if we see some wildlife or simply for telephoto landscape images—anything in the 70-400mm range.
Circular polarizer filters are useful. Bring any ND filters if you have them.
Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
Remote cord for your camera.
Laptop if you wish to backup your photos or follow along during the post-processing instruction.

Covid-19 Precautions

Instructors will wear masks while teaching at close range
Clients are encouraged to wear masks whenever they are at close range
Where possible, we will practice social distancing. Tripods 6ft apart.
You are encouraged to wash hands frequently and use hand sanitiser.

Covid-19 Travel Hacks from Kayak.com

Tips for Flying during Covid-19
https://www.kayak.com/news/flying-during-covid-19/

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https://www.kayak.com/news/covid-19-hotel-tips/

What to know about COVID-19 and rental cars
https://www.kayak.com/c/coronavirus-travel/cars/