Another quick stop I made on the road trip was Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the border of Texas and New Mexico.
Yet another first for me. I mean, I’ve passed this park on the long drive from Dallas to El Paso a few times, but never stopped long enough to photograph.
So, on my way from ABQ airport, where I dropped Elle off, to Big Bend National Park, I stopped to stay the night at Pine Springs Campground the Guadalupe Mountains.
I arrived after dark… so the darkened outline of mountains against a big sky full of stars were all I could see…
The Milky Way shone bright and colorful.
I got a few hours of sleep, then woke before the sun to find a spot to photograph what is called “the signature peak” of West Texas, El Capitan.
This exercise reminded me how insanely difficult it is to show up, in the dark, at a brand new location, and expect to find “the perfect” location for a sunrise shot.
I did my very best, but never really felt I came away with the image wanted. Oh well… a good excuse to go back and explore this beautiful park!
I tried several locations, and then decided it was time to move on and high tail it to Big Bend!
On the way, the ranches of the Chihuahuan Desert beckoned me to stop frequently to shoot…
I was excited and anxious to get to Big Bend. Like I’ve said before, I’ve been going to Big Bend every year for the last 10+, with the exception of 2012.
It was high time to get in a good visit to this desert/ mountain/ river paradise.
andrew slaton | blog 
These photos are beautiful!
Thank you!!