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 