Photograph Texas: the Big Bend & Hill Country November 2-8, 1997 - photography trip

PSA Journal, August, 1997 by Donald H. Lyon

Big Bend National Park, on the Texas-Mexican border, is a hidden oasis. You have seen many beautiful images but probably did not know where they were made. In November, it is a desert and mountain Eden because summer rains bring the "second spring." Flowers, cacti, birds and animals are plentiful and exotic -- many are more familiar to Mexico than the US. Landscapes are classic southwest themes -- buttes and mesas with stately agaves in the foreground. Temperatures are balmy, skies are dramatic and conditions near perfect for the curious nature photographer. Join me and six other PSA members on this PSA Travel Adventure.

I'm Donald Lyon, professional photographic guide. I'm experienced at teaching photography workshops, presenting at PSA Conferences and serving as a camera club judge. I've made regular photography expeditions into this part of Texas since 1972 and I'll set the stage for you to do your very best work.

Sign up now and here is what I can do for you. 1) We limit the group to just seven people in a 15-seat van -- so there is plenty of room for camera gear, yet the van is small enough to go anywhere and stop anytime. 2) I've photographed this area many times so I will take you to the right places at the right times for great photography. I know the animals, the plants, the geology and the history of the area which I'll share with you. 3) I'm an experienced camera club judge following PSA definitions for Nature and Travel competition. My passion is creating story telling travel logs and nature essays. I'll be there to help you do your best photographic work. 4) Photographers get hungry on a regular basis -- often miles from the nearest cafe. I prepare tasty picnics that are also picture perfect. Other meals are in attractive local restaurants serving regional food and drink. You'll order whatever you like and I'll pay the bills. 5) Remembering what and where you photographed is normally one of the trials that photographers endure. On your PSA Travel Adventure, as on other Close-up Expeditions, I'll be recording the photographic episodes, adding scientific names and other tidbits. These field notes become suddenly invaluable as you attempt to organize and present your images.

Besides Big Bend National Park, we'll explore the fascinating Hill Country around President Lyndon Johnson's beloved ranch and tiny Luckenbach of country music fame. We finish our explorations in beautiful Spanish-colonial San Antonio. Our trip begins on Sunday, November 2 in El Paso with a morning departure from the Best Western Airport Hotel. Experience the big sky country of West Texas, then, at aptly-named Alpine, marvel at the changing geography. By late afternoon we drive up the steep sides of Chisos Mountain. Our lodge is perched in the shattered volcanic basin and surrounded by rugged peaks and dramatic views. We have four nights at serene Chisos Mountain Lodge.

Big Bend National Park, where mountains force the Rio Grande to make a great bend in the Chihuahuan Desert, is home to spectacular wild scenery. One day takes us into the narrow chasm of Santa Elena Canyon. The road to Boquillas Canyon is lined with cacti rarely seen outside of botanical gardens -- Living Rock, Bishop's Cap, Lizard-catcher, Big Nipple Cactus, and the hallucinogenic Peyote -- all are exquisite under the macro lens. The habitat is striking, adding an exotic element to our pictures.

Wild pigs, or Javelinas, are often seen in the early morning. Many birds not seen elsewhere within the United States are here due to the park's location astride the Mexican border and close to the Continental Divide. The basin around the lodge is a prime birding area -- Peregrine Falcons are observed. Many interesting trails lead out from the lodge area. Perhaps the greatest attraction for photographers in November is the dramatic wildness of this rugged landscape. The variations in elevation, soil and water encourage an incredible diversity of plants and animals -- all of which add interest to our images.

On Day Five, we drive from the mountains of Big Bend, through Marathon and long stretches of West Texas prairie. There are many scenes of ranches, windmills and clean big sky country. Beautiful San Antonio will be our haven for two nights.

The nearby Alamo is still remembered -- a lovely restored Spanish Colonial Mission. Other buildings show the influence of early Spanish, German and American settlers. A focal point is the lovely Paseo del Rio or Riverwalk, where gardens and outdoor cafes add color and a "south of the border" flavor. San Antonio was the starting point of the historic Chisholm Trail cattle drives.

We'll explore the Hill Country one day -- settled by German immigrants, there is a solid prosperous air to towns like Fredricksburg, Wimberly, and Stonewall. Luckenbach lives up to its image and the ranch of Lyndon B. Johnson preserves a working 1900's farm. The La Quinta Market Square Hotel is our home for two nights.

Who should go? The itinerary is designed for PSA-style Nature and Travel photographers -- and anyone who is curious about the natural and cultural history of this part of Texas. We grade this trip as "easy" with most photography done close to the van. We'll be up early and out late, with siestas in between. There are many hikes around the lodge in Big Bend for those inclined. Photographic assistance is offered on any level -- beginning photographers and new members especially welcome.