OH SNAP!
"It's the Seguin High School Photography Club!"|
After twenty five years of rattling around in the Big Bend region of west Texas, it would be unwise of me to rule out ANY weather scenario for the second week of March. I can say the average high runs around 70 to 75 degrees. The average low is in the 40 to 45 degree bracket. This does not however rule out occasions I can remember spending three days in Alpine watching it snow, snow and snow. Nor does this overlook the times I have worn short sleeves and gotten mercilessly sunburned in March. Based on my experience and knowledge of the area… my most scientific assessment of the weather is: “Be prepared for anything, cuz’ anything could happen.” Be advised, cold
evenings, brisk mornings and mild days are the norm for the area. This
doesn't preclude the possibility of some very serious cold
weather… (in which case, we will run unabashedly for cover in
Alpine or Fort Davis.) More than anything. remeber these three things:
Nearly 40% of body heat is lost through the head, 60% of whatever is left is lost through the extremities, arms and legs. Basically, loose synthetic fleece outerwear… covered by a light wind breaker is warmer than a single “thick” coat. Having a warm hat… or a hood… that covers your head and ears is a very good thing and wind pants or cotton warm-ups… which reduce heat lost from your legs are a nice extra. I am not suggesting parents should run out and buy these things… I am suggesting participants carry enough clothes to provide for nasty turn in the weather. Even two or three year SHSPC members can tell stories of how the weather can change dramatically within just minutes. When loosely translated the word the Comanche had for Big Bend meant: “The place where God put the left-over rocks!” Big bend is a very rocky, very rugged and very austere environment. Because of this, certain types of “fashion oriented” clothing items are not only out of place but could be down right risky! Anything which exposes too much skin is likely to result in either a sunburn, wind chapping or hypothermia. Shoes should be closed toe sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Sneakers are okay but not really suitable for any hiking which will likely occur. Protection from the various spiny plants and cactus Big Bend offers should be taken into account. For the most part, shorts are not appropriate for the region during March. We will certainly be doing lots of driving and most likely lots of walking, seemly comfort pre-empts fashion in consideration of clothing for the trip. About sleeping arrangements and our group equipment needs in Big Bend. We will be spending two nights in tents and then two more nights in cabins at the Crow's Nest. Separate tents and cabins will be provided for the girls and the boys. Mr. Burns and myself will be attending the boys. Ritchy Kerfoot will be accompanying the girls. Each student will need to bring their own sleeping bag. If you do not own or have access to one, I have several I am glad to loan. We have a well outfitted field kitchen and can easliy accomadate upwards of about twenty people in various tents, both single, double and group. Generally speaking, we have all the equipment we need including a equipment trailer. I've done this a time or two. The sun can be harsh… sunglasses aren’t an “extra” in Big Bend, you MUST have a pair. Bring a hat with a brim. Chap Stick is another thing you’ll either bring, or will buy at a gas station on the way. The air will be very cool and dry… moisturizing lotion is suggested. It is not my intent to send alarm or any sense of peril to parents who will read this… but it is my intent to attempt to make your student’s trip as pleasant as possible by making sure they are prepared and have some sense of what to expect. Under most conditions, days will be warm and evenings mild. If you have any questions please call or send an email. You can find my contact information at the parent, student, teacher contact link on the spring Break 2009 main page! |