Dear Parents,

Plans are being finalized for the Comm II camping trip to Brazos Bend State Park on October 31st and November 1st. Brazos Bend is one of Texas’ finest parks as it is host to a diverse ecology of plants, animals, and even the George Observatory with one of the largest public telescopes (36”) and two 18” telescopes available for viewing. Their will also be numerous members of the Fort Bend Observatory Club present to assist.

 

I have taken MANY great pictures in BBSP…and the nighttime activity at the observatory is unparalleled in experience. Here are a few pictures from Brazos Bend: http://www.drewloker.com/gallery.htm. The park is located just south of Houston, off of 288: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/brazos_bend/. Here is a link to the Observatory: http://www.hmns.org/see_do/george_observatory.asp?r=1

 

Itinerary:

Saturday

9:00 am                     Depart from WB in caravan of cars

11:30 am                   Lunch

12:00 pm                  Arrive at State Park and check in, Set up at camp site

2:00                          Afternoon hike

4:00                          Early camp dinner. Hamburger/Chicken? Prepare for evening activities.

6:00 – 7:00 pm          Sunset pictures over water areas.

8:30 – 10:30 pm        Night Sky pictures at the Fort Bend Observatory

 

Sunday

7:00                          Sunrise pictures/hike

8:00                          Camp Breakfast. Eggs and bacon and cinnamon rolls.

9:00                          Break down camp

10:00 - 11:30            Morning hike, then head home.

 

Items to bring:

o     Tent (extra are available…but please let me know in advance)

o     Sleeping bag and sheets

o     Camera

o     Tripod – for night time pictures

o     Insect Repellant

o     Trail food to snack on. Bring zip lock bags to secure.

o     Portable water bottles for hikes.

o     Binoculars – compact size is convenient since we will be carrying equipment

o     Entrance fee…TBD…approximate $5-10 depending on total number of participants. Will cover entrance into park, camping fees, group meals, etc.

o     Permission slip (due in advance…ASAP)

o     Plenty of rest…to be ready for a full 24 hours of nature and photography. J

o     Other? (please leave the MP3 players at home ;)

 

 

 Other details:

• Currently, I have three photo assistants who will be there to assist. Todd Hargis, a professional photographer and astronomer from Austin, Dwain Cox, a professional photographer from Beaumont and Debbie Stanford, an advanced photographer from Beaumont Camera Club. Other former 2nd year students may also be in attendance.
• I would love to have any parents willing to assist call me as soon as possible to confirm and firm up transportation details.
• It is important to work out the transportation. We will need approximate 3-4 student drivers. I will be providing detailed maps of the drive to and within the park.
• School Phone 409-617-5585. Cell phone, 409-454-4737.

 

 

_{Cut here for a tentative permission slip. A formal permission form with emergency contact information will be sent home closer to trip.}

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

My student has permission to:

 

o     Drive other students                     or

o     Ride with another student driver   or

o     Ride with parent only