Weekend in Caprock Canyons

dtstanton · 10-07-2014, 01:58 PM

As I mentioned before, we spent last weekend in Caprock Canyons State Park just outside Quitaque, TX. Beautiful place with some dark, star-filled skies. The weather was perfect - clear and in the 70's with light breezes each day. Caprock Canyons is the home of the Texas State Bison Herd, and they have recently given the bison free range throughout the park - including the campgrounds if they like. Unfortunately, they didn't make an appearance in our CG for us. Oh, darn!

In fact, we didn't see them until we had hooked up and headed out of the park.

My astrophotography got a boost early Sunday morning - about 4:30 or 5:00. The moon had set and we had some beautifully star-filled skies to make anybody have an OMG! moment. I only had time to get a couple of good shots of nebulae - the Orion Nebula in one, and the Flaming Tree and Horsehead in another (click the links to see them). It was about the darkest/bestest sky I've been able to shoot under. Makes a boy glad he's got his toys.

A perfect weekend, for sure!

-Dale

bunjin · 10-07-2014, 03:09 PM

Dale,
WOW! Very, very nice!

Were you by chance on the edge of a cliff? Couldn't step a little closer to the subject matter?!!

dtstanton · 10-07-2014, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bunjin

Dale,
WOW! Very, very nice!

Thank you, Lynn!

Quote:

Were you by chance on the edge of a cliff? Couldn't step a little closer to the subject matter?!!

Actually, I was right next to our TV in our camp site. Felt more like I was on the floor of the sky.

-Dale

bunjin · 10-08-2014, 07:58 AM

Dale,

I would have loved to have been there! Very well done and exciting!

Gene · 10-08-2014, 06:17 PM

That is some spectacular photography.

Thanks for sharing that.

dtstanton · 10-09-2014, 10:49 AM

Thanks, guys. Still haven't gotten to the other camping pics.

Wannabes · 10-09-2014, 07:43 PM

Dale,

Just beautiful shots you got there - Wow! Once again envious about the camping, gotta get the Sunline out West.

dtstanton · 10-09-2014, 08:49 PM

Thank you, Matthew! Our night sky will make you feel very insignificant - as it rightfully should.

JerryJ · 10-10-2014, 04:34 AM

Really nice pics all around. Seems like you have a great camera and lenses too. Telescope too?????
Gee those are nice

dtstanton · 10-10-2014, 05:18 AM

Thanks, Jerry! It keeps me off the streets and out of jail, but I'm still out a lot at night. <G>

**JohnB** · 10-10-2014, 06:34 PM

Dale,

WOOOOOW... Some of those pics and your others are breathtaking.

I see your a camera guy and then some. Really nice work. Thanks for sharing.

John

dtstanton · 10-10-2014, 09:21 PM

Thank you, John! I'm constantly trying to improve.

dtstanton · 10-11-2014, 09:33 AM

Finally got to a couple more pics. It was a bit breezy when we got set up, so we didn't put out the awning until later.

All the spots have ample separation, and have plenty of room.

The 50 amp sites seem to be a little closer together, but might just be perspective - because the rigs are generally bigger.

Picnic tables are all covered with shed roofs, and have a wind break (?) wall on one side. Looks like they've recently re-done them. Shouldn't be any leaks. All sites are elec/water. Dump station is handy, but we don't use the TT water or tanks. The weather was perfect, and as you can see, we had some stunning night skies so we could stand around with kinks in our necks and our mouths hanging open - even without the telescope.