i’m not a fan of new years celebrations. getting dressed up, paying inflated party fees, and sipping head-ache inducing champagne, is not my idea of ending or beginning any year. so, a last minute decision placed me in big bend national park, alone, to ring in ’09.
i climbed to the top of the dodson trail, on the outer chisos mountain loop, and received a clear view of the year passed and the year to come.
my new year suite… a perfect little spot in the high mountain desert. ocotillo surround and protect my tent.
first cup of coffee of 2009. what a beautiful morning… and hey… no headache! i traded my tuxedo from the night before for the “german tourist” look – wool hiking socks and chacos. sexy, huh?
the mountains were magical as always. it was a real treat to spend the first hours of 2009 in quiet reflection.
i hiked up to cattail falls, a highlight of every one of my dozens of trips to this great park. the flow was just a trickle… like usual. but it was cool and calm in the small canyon.
as i hiked down from the falls, i was again rewarded with an amazing view. i am hopeful for 2009. cliche or not, i am hopeful.
andrew slaton | blog 
Andrew, you captured some great images at BBNP! It was nice meeting you at the Window trail head on your way to Cattail falls. We will definitely check out the falls next time we go. Hope to see you in Dallas.
Jack and Kim Smith
I’m hopeful too, that you bring your ass down to Colombia and come hang out you damn wizard… Cool drawings though, I must say…