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Painting and Paddling on the Rio Grande

bigbend

Oct-Nov, 2009 – Boquillas Canyon is the longest, most varied canyon in Big Bend National Park. The river has cut its course through the Sierra del Carmen, creating magnificent views into both Texas and Mexico. The trip is peaceful and relaxing, and allows plenty of time for exploring the side canyons and participating in plein air workshops, with gorgeous scenery as your subject.
TOTAL COST: $1625 | DEPOSIT: $300* | Make Reservation»

The Workshops

We will post more information about workshop details, and a finalized art materials list. Check back or sign up for our newsletter to get updates.

Art Materials List (example only; no glass containers)

  • paints (your normal palette or suggested list)
  • brushes
  • plein air easel (collapsible, see example)
  • lightweight pochade box and tripod
  • folding stool (example)
  • small clamp-on umbrella
  • paints, brushes, palette knife
  • solvent and painting medium
  • wet-panel carrier
  • paper towel or rags
  • latex gloves
  • small plastic trash bags
  • bungee cords
  • prepared canvas panels,
    qty. 2-4, 12x16" (example)
  • sketch pad and pencils

The River Trip

Boquillas Canyon is the tallest of the Big Bend canyons, and one of the most relaxing. This 33-mile float includes many side canyons and historical sites, and lots of scenery that will provide opportunities to set up an easel. The trip is 5 days and 4 nights on the river. In October the nights can be quite cool, so a warm jacket or sweater for evening is recommended.

We'll rendezvous at Desert Sports' office at 8 am on the first day of the trip, where we'll pack our gear into dry bags, leave our vehicles and be transported to the put-in at Rio Grande Village.

Desert Sports furnishes all camping gear except sleeping bags and pads (bring your own or rent from Desert Sports for an additional fee) and personal items. Additionally, food for meals, wine with meals, water, and drink mixes (lemonade, Gatorade, etc.) are provided. Feel free to bring your own snacks, soft drinks, and beer and wine.

The trip is rated for beginning-intermediate paddlers. If the water is high enough (we can't plan on it) a raft may serve as a gear boat. Otherwise we will be carrying our gear in our canoes. You'll want to pack light, using the packing list below as a guide.

Recommended Personal Packing List

  • sleeping bag (25° or warmer)
  • inflatable pillow (optional)
  • toiletries
  • medium trash bag for dirty clothes
  • polypropylene or other fast-drying underclothing
  • fleece jacket
  • wind breaker
  • hat (and a spare)
  • hiking boots and socks
  • light/medium gloves
  • sunglasses w/cord (Croakies or similar)
  • waterproof sunscreen
  • warm jacket
  • rain gear

*If reservations are made within 60 days of the trip, the entire amount is due at that time. If there are more than 60 days before the start of the trip, the reservation can be made with a $300 deposit; the balance is due 60 days before the trip. Prices include applicable taxes, all meals on the river, and all transfers.

Please note:

All trips are by reservation only, 6 people minimum.* 60 days advance registration is required to schedule a trip.
*We may be able to put other people on your trip to make the minimum.

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