~photos at bottom of post~

#whitesandsnationalpark #bistibadlandswilderness #landscapephotography

While in White Sands National park I met a couple who suggested I visit a place called the Bisti Badlands National Wilderness.

It’s an area in New Mexico that is truly in the “middle of nowhere”.

I decided to take them up on their suggestion.

I made the minor drive from White Sands that direction and easily found it.

I parked in the parking lot which would be my camp for the evening.

As this is a National Wilderness, I was not able to successfully fly the drone in the area. Well, at least in the Wilderness portion of the land.

I was able to fly for video purposes outside the borders. Still some great shots.

My goal would be to get out there and shoot the sunset. Perhaps the next day even shoot the sunrise.

The latter would be contingent on waking up to see if there would be any clouds. If no clouds, I would not attempt to head back out.

The portion of the Wilderness that is worthy of photography is about 2.4 miles into the actual wilderness.

This time, something told me to load the route into my Garmin Fortex 401. A wrist worn GPS unit that is supposed to help keep you on trail as well as find your end point and even direct you back from where you came.

The unit did guide me out there successfully but time was in fact working against me. Fortunately, while the skies were clear, the sunset was very pretty over the odd formations dotting the landscape.

I took out the camera and shot both video and stills. I had to work quickly.

Once the sun went down below the horizon in this vast place, it became very dark, very quickly. And I am 2.4 miles from the camp!

I am situated in the middle of various canyon type walls and it’s getting seriously dark very rapidly.

I tried to set the Fortex compass GPS to guide me back and was having little success getting it to do it’s job properly.

Ultimately, it did work…sort of…to get me through the terrain, but only “as the crow flies”. Meaning it was pointing me in which direction I must take, but it was not taking into consideration the various up and down hill issues ahead with canyons and large embankments all around.

I had to systematically figure out how to climb these things in the dark.

After falling down and getting pretty beat up a few times, I did eventually make my way out of the hills to flat ground, running into a fencing system I had not seen on the way in.

Once finding a spot to get through the fencing, off about 1.8 miles into the distance, I could see a light. I knew, since the arrow was pointing that way, it must be the parking area. A vehicle must have had it’s dome lights one.

Indeed it was the camper of new friends I had met earlier in the afternoon.

“Walk toward the light” was my overriding thought.

It didn’t lead me wrong. I eventually made it back safely (obviously much later than originally planned).

This is a serious lesson that I hope you will consider.

Be prepared.

Had I not a compass, I would have been stuck out there all night.

I was able to accept this for few reasons.

I had food (snacks). I had plenty of water still, it was not extremely cold, nor hot. And to the best of my understanding, other than Rattle Snakes (which wouldn’t be active in 45 degree temps), and I believe there are not serious animal threats.

This does not however erase all anxiety and worry. Perhaps remained a little spooked fear. Being in the dark, miles and miles from humans with unknown lurking creatures can tend to instill just a tad bit of anxiety in my mind.

If you are hiking, be prepared.

I cannot tell you how often and how many times I am out there and see people ill prepared to face such a debacle. In fact, even in my own impatience, I will make such mistakes.

Compass, headlight, maps, snacks, first aid, and fluids, proper clothing, shoes.

All at the top of the list for keeping you alive to the next day.

Some general precautionary measures go a long way in surviving the unexpected.

You know; it’s kinda like life.

Some general preparation IE reading some Bible, perhaps a little prayer here and there, maybe a study of a devotional…even some journaling. Working out, drinking lot’s of water, eating moderately healthy. Exercising some level of self discipline. All of the aforementioned do a great job in hedging you against poor choices or making the same bad decisions over and over.

In my opinion, these help keep you safe when life surprises unexpectedly with a serious loss, hardship, or challenge.

Just a thought.

Till next time,

~rob out

PS I hope you enjoy the photos and will consider sharing this post so your friends and family can see the images.