New year, new intentions
“The majestic landscapes of Death Valley are calling my name for my annual photography excursion there. This will be the “big photography event” on this road trip so I’m gearing up for more Death Valley adventures on my way…”
Welcoming 2025: Intentions and New Adventures
Like many, I found myself asleep long before the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve. We tucked in around 10 PM, only to be jolted awake by an impressive barrage of exploding fireworks as 2024 slipped into 2025. The loud celebration took me by surprise, since I’m used to a quieter way of ringing in the new year. Okay, I’m old and I guess this is the way it’s done in Texas.
Happy 2025!
As the firework echoes faded, my excitement for 2025 came into focus. Instead of the typical New Year’s resolutions, which, let’s be honest, often fizzle out, I prefer to set intentions. They feel warmer and more inviting, a guiding star for what’s to come.
This year, my sweet lady and I have united our aspirations: to cultivate more Art and Love within our home. She paints, bringing colors and emotion to life on canvas, while I capture the stunning landscapes of the American West through my lens. Our intention will be to create together—more paintings, more photographs, and, above all, more love and connection in the shared creative space.
Next Road Trip is a Big One!
As for my January plans, in a few days I’ll be heading to California, making time to visit family in Northern and Southern California, attend some medical appointments and finish off my tooth implant in Mexico. But between all that, I’ll be on the lookout for captivating photography opportunities along the way. The majestic landscapes of Death Valley are calling my name for my annual photography excursion! This will be the “big photography event” on this road trip so I’m gearing up for more Death Valley adventures on my way back to Texas.
My First Adventure to Death Valley’s Racetrack
When I made the photograph below, in 2015, it was my first time to the Racetrack Playa. My Jeep was almost new to me then and negotiating this 27-mile long and lonely desert road, paved only with sharp lava rock, felt like a good test of her. Upon arrival, my next task was locating those famous moving rocks. Turns out that I had to hike something like a mile or more from the parking area before running across this fine example of the mystifying legend of these moving rocks.
Photography conditions that afternoon were so good that I spent the night there, staying up late to make other photographs of these amazing moving rocks under the light of the full moon! Some of these moonscape photographs are in my Death Valley Gallery. Conditions that night were perfect, even offering me a rare moonbow to incorporate into some of my captures.
So, I’ll be going back to Death Valley later this month, sadly, not in the Jeep. Instead I’ll be in the comfort of Joy and staying mostly on the paved and less treacherous roads during the day, scouting out new photographs to share with you, staying comfortably warm in Joy’s coziness during the cold desert winter nights.
Zooming Rock-Racetrack Playa, Death Valley National Park, California
The Loosely Planned California Leg
While I’m in the Bay Area, I hope to sneak away to the coast for some camping and seascape photography. The Texas landscape is beautiful in its own way, but there’s something I deeply miss about the rugged coastline. I can’t wait to capture the waves crashing against the shore, with the sunset painting a colorful backdrop.
Sunlit Symphony of Sea and Stone.
February Family Ice-Fishing Plans are Firming Up
Mark your calendars—I'll be sharing photos and stories from my adventures beginning around January 10th and continuing until I return home at the end of the month.
And let’s not forget about February, where another ice fishing adventure in the Colorado Rockies awaits. More details on that to come!
Here I am from a couple winters ago, the ice fishing newbie.
Cheers to you and and Living an Intentional 2025!
Here’s to a powerful and magical 2025, filled with love, creativity, and breathtaking moments! Keep an eye on this space to watch my 2025 journey unfold.
Epic White Sands Road Trip
“…we witnessed the most exquisite colorful sunset I’ve ever seen at White Sands. Just when we feared that the heavy cloud cover would kill any chance of a colorful sunset, the sun dipped below the horizon and found a miraculous opening through the clouds, resulting in a stunning 360° sunset, enveloping us in vibrant hues”
Angelic Twilight
In this magical hour, time seems to pause. The vastness of the landscape is both humbling and uplifting, reminding us of nature’s grandeur and the beauty of solitude. Just before the first stars twinkle into existence, the world around fades into a peaceful hush, and the tranquil beauty of angelic twilight offers a moment of serenity that lingers long after the sun has slipped away.
Our Quick Marfa Adventure
We started our week of adventure driving over 400 miles to Marfa, in West Texas, where we enjoyed a lovely dinner and cocktails at the St. George Hotel. After that long day of driving, we opted for a low-key evening and settled in for the night. Rising early the next morning, we set out to catch the sunrise at the Prada Marfa roadside oddity and indulge in a bit of “window shopping” before continuing our journey to Carlsbad Caverns. The vibrant colors of the sunrise painted the sky as we explored this unique art installation, a perfect start to a day filled with more adventures in the stunning landscapes of the American west. Each step in Marfa felt like a delightful embrace of art, culture, and nature, setting the tone for the exploration that awaited us.
Exploring the Faces of Carlsbad Caverns
This trip marked my fourth visit to the stunning Carlsbad Caverns while it was Terre's first time there. We took the elevator down to the Big Room, where we embarked on an incredible one-mile-plus hike. The sheer beauty of the fascinating rock formations took our breath away. The play of light and shadow on the stalactites and stalagmites created a magical atmosphere that made it impossible not to marvel at nature's artistry.
We had a blast making faces out of the various formations, snapping pictures and sharing laughs along the way. Every corner we turned revealed another stunning sight, from the towering stone columns to the delicate drapery of cave formations. Each moment was a new adventure, and we soaked in every single second of it.
In my prior visits I was delighted to learn that I could take my tripod into the caverns, which I did to help with the low light situation. This time, however, I noticed a new sign in the visitor center saying tripods and monopods aren’t allowed. When I quizzed the ranger about the new rule he said that someone with a tripod broke one of the features in the caverns, so new rules were quickly adopted. Wasn’t me… honest!
That afternoon, after emerging from the caverns, we checked into a new RV resort in Carlsbad, which turned out to be one of the cleanest and friendliest places we’d ever stayed. Those sparkling bathrooms and showers were a real treat after a day of exploring. It’s the little things that can make a trip even more enjoyable, and we were grateful for the comfort and cleanliness that the resort provided. As we settled in for the evening, we agreed that we would definitely return if we found ourselves in the area again. Carlsbad Caverns has a way of capturing your heart.
A Scenic Journey to White Sands
The next morning, we made the short drive over to Alamogordo, New Mexico, where we were excited to meet up with a group of photographers for a week of shooting at White Sands National Park. Taking a road I had never traveled before, we went through Cloudcroft up in the mountains, making a quick stop at an old, decommissioned train trestle for a photo op. The trestle, with its weathered wood, offered a captivating contrast against the backdrop of pine trees and White Sands NP in the distance.
As I framed the shot, I couldn't help but appreciate the tranquility of the scene. The soft rustle of the pine needles and the whisper of the wind made it feel like time stood still. This moment reflected not just the beauty around us, but the journey we were embarking on with fellow photographers, eager to capture the stunning landscapes that awaited us. Driving onward, our excitement built with every twist and turn of the mountain road descending into Alamagordo.
Old wooden railroad trestle at Cloudcroft, New Mexico with White Sands in the distance.
A Touch of Luxury and some Pistachios in Alamogordo
Instead of staying in our van like we had the previous two nights, we had reservations to enjoy the comfort of a brand-new Hilton hotel for the remainder of the trip. This has been my best experience in Alamogordo yet! The hotel felt like a little slice of luxury after our days on the road. We discovered a charming restaurant nearby, D H Lescombes Winery & Bistro, where we were well hosted and served. It was so good, we ate there twice. Pro tip; for Friday nights, you must make reservations 24 hours in advance.
One morning I decided not to shoot with the group because we had some errands to do and we picked up some delicious pistachios for snacking and gifting. Alamogordo is ground zero for pistachios, which is Terre’s favorite nut. Overall, we had a carefree, joyful time, soaking in the beauty around us.
Ungodly Early Mornings at White Sands
As for the photography side of things, our mornings were early and energized. Waking up at 3:30 AM to meet the group by 4:30 AM became our routine. We brewed our coffee in the room and set off to White Sands, where the park ranger greeted us and opened the gate at 5 AM. Pre-arranging our access allowed us to hike to a stunning spot just in time for sunrise—something that always excited me, as the park typically opens only after sunrise. With the special permit in hand, we finally got to capture the breathtaking scenes as the black sky lightened, creating soft pinkish atmosphere, complementing the dunes perfectly.
We finished our morning shoots about 8:30 AM each morning in time to get back to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, we would leave the hotel around 2:15 PM to get to White Sands and hike out to our sunset/blue hour spot.
Captivating Moments at Sunset
The afternoon sunset shoots were the highlight for me. One day, we were captivated by the rare sight of a sun dog, a phenomenon that painted the sky with a dazzling halo. On another occasion, we witnessed the most exquisite colorful sunset I’ve ever seen at White Sands. Just when we feared that the heavy cloud cover would kill any chance of a colorful sunset, the sun dipped below the horizon and found a miraculous opening through the clouds, resulting in a stunning 360° sunset, enveloping us in vibrant hues.
On the final night shoot, there were no clouds at all, allowing the light to transform into a soft, angelic glow. The experience was nothing short of magical, and it was incredible to soak it all in. This may be my favorite photograph from the trip.
The soft enveloping angelic light on our final twilight shoot
Saturday Morning Reflections at White Sands
Saturday morning marked our last shoot of the trip. We wrapped up a bit early so we could enjoy breakfast before embarking on our 10-hour drive back to Austin. Each moment we spent at White Sands was filled with wonder, capturing the breathtaking landscapes that the American West has to offer. The ethereal beauty of the white dunes, the dancing light, and the vast open sky offered an endless canvas for my camera.
As I wandered through the rippling sands, I felt a renewed sense of inspiration. Every angle revealed something new—the way the sun sculpted shadows, the way the colors shifted with the sun's ascent. It was a privilege to immerse myself in such an otherworldly environment, allowing me to not just take photos but to truly experience the landscape.
This trip didn’t just yield images but rekindled my love for landscape photography. Each click of the shutter was a moment paused in time, each captured scene a testament to the raw beauty of nature. I left White Sands with not just new photographs but a deeper appreciation for the stunning vistas that define the American West.
As we finally set off on our long journey home, the memories of this trip filled my heart with gratitude. I look forward to revisiting these enchanting landscapes, both in person and through the lens, time and time again.
Shooting Fall Colors in Texas
Lost Maples Natural Area
Early fall color at Lost Maples Natural Area
In the past week, I’ve had the pleasure of embarking on two lovely adventures specifically aimed at photographing the stunning fall colors. First, I traveled to the enchanting East Texas region to capture the serene beauty of the Cypress swamp, where vibrant hues of orange, yellow, and red reflected beautifully in the still water. This week, I had the opportunity to explore the picturesque hill country of Southwest Texas at Lost Maples Natural Reserve, where the diverse foliage painted a breathtaking landscape that was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Who knew Texas could be so incredibly beautiful?
Spooky alcove in the cypress swamp from last week’s adventure.
It was somewhat surprising to me when the park ranger at Lost Maples mentioned that I was a little early for peak color this year. In the places where I’ve experienced fall colors before, specifically the eastern Sierra of California and Colorado, the vibrant hues have typically faded by now, falling into late November. He explained that due to this year’s weather patterns, it’s been unusually warm, and they haven’t had sufficiently cold nights to trigger the leaf change process properly. Interestingly, I was there just two nights ago, and we recorded the lowest temperature yet, which dipped down to 38 degrees. This should be enough to begin the change and initiate the stunning transformations I was looking forward to witnessing.
Even though I arrived a bit early for the peak color season, there was still an abundance of breathtaking beauty to be discovered during my hikes at Lost Maples. The vibrant hues of the foliage, although not at their most vivid, still created a stunning backdrop that enhanced the natural splendor of the area.
If you don’t mind, I’d also like to offer a shameless plus for my 2025 calendar, now available. It includes my favorite photos from epic locations I’ve captured in the past year!
Lost Maples Gallery
First Visit to Caddo Lake State Park
My intention was to create dark, mysterious images that evoke a sense of intrigue and curiosity in the viewer. Through careful composition and lighting choices, I sought to capture the haunting beauty of the cypress swamp.
Capturing the Mystique of Caddo Lake: An Epic Photography Trip
Caddo Lake, located on the border of Texas and Louisiana, is a destination that has long intrigued photographers, nature lovers, and adventurers alike. Known for its enigmatic atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, the lake is adorned with majestic Bald Cypress trees that rise from the water like ancient sentinels. My journey to Caddo Lake was a much-anticipated bucket-list item, allowing me the opportunity to immerse myself in some of nature’s world of the bizzare. After a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Austin, I arrived at Caddo Lake ready to embrace everything it had to offer.
The Campground Experience
Upon my arrival, I set up camp in the designated campground, which would serve as my home base for three nights. The camp was well-maintained and conveniently located just a short walk from the edge of Mill Pond. This proximity was invaluable, providing easy access to the water and the iconic landscapes I intended to capture. The sound of the wind rustling through the trees created a peaceful atmosphere, setting the stage for the photographic adventures that lay ahead.
Cypress at Mill Pond
First Evening: A Guided Boat Tour
On my first evening, I decided to hire a local guide for a boat tour. Captain Danny was recommended and he only guides photographers so he’s experienced and will take you to the good stuff. This decision proved to be a pivotal moment in my trip. As I boarded the boat, I was filled with anticipation about the sights and experiences that awaited me. Captain Danny was happy to answer my many questions about the area and took me along the winding waterways among the cypress, exploring the unique ecosystems of Caddo Lake.
On my afternoon/sunset shoot with Captain Danny.
The first thing that struck me was the overwhelming presence of wildlife. Egrets, blue heron, and cormorants flitted gracefully through the air, while the stillness of the water provided a perfect backdrop for photographing these elegant birds. The interplay of the setting sun with the reflections on the water created stunning images that felt almost otherworldly.
Lovely pair of egrets
Treetop full of cormorant
A hawk encounter-good omen according to Native American lore.
As we journeyed further into the heart of the lake, I was fortunate enough to glimpse several larger birds of prey. A bald eagle soared overhead, its wings spread wide, while a hawk perched majestically on a nearby cypress branch. Capturing these moments required patience and a keen eye, but the thrill of witnessing such magnificent creatures in their natural habitat made it all worthwhile. Each click of the shutter felt like a tribute to the beauty unfolding before me.
The Colorful Fall Foliage
One of the highlights of my trip was the vibrant fall foliage that surrounded Caddo Lake. That’s what I really went there for. The rich colors of yellow, orange, and red provided a stunning contrast against the gray-blue of the eerie spanish moss hanging gracefully from the cypress trees. Each tree seemed to have a story to tell; their twisted roots and gnarled branches added an element of mystique to the scenery. I spent hours wandering the trails and exploring the lakeside, searching for the perfect composition to encapsulate the essence of this enchanting place.
Haunting Alcove
Be sure to visit the Caddo Lake Gallery for more photos!
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an ethereal glow across the landscape, I found myself captivated by the sheer beauty of Caddo Lake. The twilight transformed the environment, creating a magical palette that seemed to breathe life into the stillness. The reflective surface of the water mirrored the kaleidoscope of colors above, inviting me to take more photographs and capture the fleeting moment.
The Search for Morning Mist
One of my primary hopes for this trip was to experience a low mist over the water at dawn. I envisioned a serene landscape where the fog would gracefully embrace the towering cypress trees, adding an element of mystery to my images. However, despite my vision, the weather during my visit never became cold enough to produce that desirable mist. This was a small disappointment but did not detract from the overall experience.
Instead, the sunrises were equally beautiful in their own way. I woke early each morning, coffee in hand, to observe the changing light and its impact on the lake. The stillness of the mornings, combined with the soft glow of sunlight breaking through the trees, presented new photographic opportunities. I focused on capturing the beauty of the cypress trees, their reflections in the water, and the delicate interplay of light and shadow.
Reflecting on the Experience
The three days spent at Caddo Lake were deeply fulfilling, both personally and creatively. The combination of beautiful landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the tranquil atmosphere provided an ideal setting for photography. Each moment spent on the lake felt like a gift, rewarding my dedication and passion for capturing the beauty of the natural world.
Despite the absence of the mist I had hoped for, the experience was not hindered. Instead, it encouraged adaptability and creativity in my photography. I found images emerging from moments I hadn’t initially anticipated—the golden light filtering through the trees, the gentle ripples of the water under a soft breeze, and the playful dance of birds across the sky.
As I packed my gear into the van my last morning and prepared for the ride back home, I felt full. At the same time I feel that returning to Caddo Lake next Fall is something I need to put on the calendar now. It was that good!
Bucket-list Photoshoot in a Cypress Swamp Just Ahead
Fall beauty in a cypress swamp.
There have been numerous times, going back several years, when I've thought I would never actually have the opportunity to shoot in a captivating and eerie Cyprus swamp. Over time, I've seen a variety of random images depicting these stunning cypress trees adorned with long, hanging Spanish moss, and I've always held a desire to capture the beauty of such a scene, but it always seemed so far away and out of reach.
Well, I recently hired a knowledgeable guide for both sunrise and sunset photography shoots along the picturesque Texas-Louisiana border at a unique location called Caddo Lake. When I mentioned this exciting journey on Facebook, I was pleasantly surprised by how many people responded, sharing their own memories and experiences from visiting the area as children. I also spent some time researching this guide online and came across some amazing videos showcasing his skills as he expertly navigated the swamp through narrow openings between the trees; watching him made it clear that this could be a very unnerving experience for many, but to be honest, I'm genuinely looking forward to it.
My trip is scheduled for the first week of November, and even though the campground there is almost completely sold out, I was fortunate enough to find a couple of available spots and managed to snag one for three nights. Stay tuned for updates, as I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes!