Our National Parks Odyssey: Metamorphosis, Part 2

By Andrew Slaton

Image © Andrew Slaton

As Wyoming’s towering mountains began to thaw, we hit our stride, spending more time apart while fully immersed in our new roles as business managers. We found our rhythm and refined each of our responsibilities. I handled mechanical work, drove when needed, and managed web development, while Ellen oversaw employees and customer service. She managed nearly everything behind the scenes.

There was not much time for us to explore the Winds together, which was difficult because that is the main reason we base camp there for much of the year.

Image © Andrew Slaton

As summer waned and fall approached, GOTCO slowed down. The timing worked well, as I had two workshops to prepare for and lead in September: Grand Teton and Telluride. I needed to transition back into my role as an educator.

It was refreshing to return to the photography work I know and love. By the time I returned to Gertie and the family after two fall workshops, GOTCO was nearly ready to shut down for the season. It was a challenging period, but ultimately rewarding. We saw the results of our hard work and gained confidence in launching and managing new ventures. This experience has made us excited about the future of our businesses and any new opportunities that may arise.

After winterizing the vehicles, issuing final paychecks, and saying our goodbyes, we decided to take a long break in Moab, Utah. Moab has become our place for rest and rejuvenation, and we truly needed it. It was time to reconnect and for me to return to shooting daily.

Image © Andrew Slaton

If you have been there, you know the landscapes around Moab are strikingly dramatic. I have spent significant time exploring the back roads and am in the final stages of developing an off-the-beaten-path workshop in the area. Moab marked a return to the “normal” lifestyle we needed.

So what is next? The short answer is that I do not know. What I do know is that we are committed to the transformation we are experiencing. Change is essential for us, whether it is a change in scenery, plans, or personal growth. While there are constants in our lives, we thrive on continuous evolution.

Image © Andrew Slaton

We are working on an exciting new video project about my process as a landscape photographer in partnership with some major collaborators, though it is not finalized yet. For now, I can share a general plan.

After New Year’s, we will head to New Orleans and Florida. I will be leading a workshop in the Everglades in February, which I always enjoy teaching. If you are interested in photographing this unique landscape, with its diverse wildlife and plant life, consider joining me this winter.

After that, we plan to explore the Florida Keys, the Gulf Coast, and other lesser-known areas. In the spring, we will briefly travel through the Midwest before returning to our summer and fall base in the Wyoming Rockies, where the buffalo roam and the skies are clear.

About Andrew Slaton

Andrew Slaton is an award-winning photographer who has completed assignments for more than 50 clients and specializes in lifestyle and outdoor imagery.

He is a Red River Pro who produces limited edition National Parks prints on archival Red River Papers using fade-resistant pigment inks.

You can support Andrew and Ellen’s journey by adding one or more of his prints to your collection. You can also subscribe to a collector’s edition featuring prints from each of the 59 National Parks he plans to photograph.

Contact Information
Visit Andrew’s website to view his work, order prints, and learn about upcoming workshops.

Watch Andrew and Ellen’s videos on their blog.

Learn more about GOTCO Shuttle.

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Your comments are welcome below.

Original Publication Date: January 02, 2020

Article Last updated: May 01, 2026

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