Antelope Canyon

3/30/07

When you've been saturated with images of a special place and then finally make your own pilgrimage there one of two things can happen. Either you stand in awe that here you stand in this very special place, or it just won't stand up to you expectations. Happily I can say that I stood in awe of Antelope Canyon - at least the lower canyon impressed me, the upper one left a bit to be desired.

This day at least started out bright. Charly took us first to the lower canyon, however the steam from the coal plant on the hill above sufficiently blocked the sun from view. We meandered through the canyon admiring the twisted and curves, the striations and colors - hoping the steam would drift away and the sun would shine in on us. And finally our patience paid out, the sun streamed into the canyon reflecting off the walls and sand, to create that wonderful glowing effect I had so wanted to see in the previous slot canyons I had adventured in - that I had witnessed in Bryce.

Around mid-day, we made our way to the upper canyon and the circus that ensues there. Seems most people head to the upper canyon - this is were the iconic images of Antelope Canyon are taken. The undulating walls, the shafts of lights streaming from above, the open passages. But because of these images, people flock to this spot to huddle around each shaft of light as the tour guides throw dirt in the air to make the shaft of light stand out against the walls. There was yelling, screaming, pushing, and a bit of shoving. I somehow got mingled into the crowd and as the party ensued, I glanced around hoping his calm frame could pull me out of the madness. I finally broke free of the crowd and made my own way quietly following Charly through the canyon.

Later in the afternoon, we made out way back to the lower canyon for a few last minute shots. A tribal member, wandered through the canyon, playing his guitar - serenading the few photographers, exploring this less visited canyon. It seemed to add a special touch to the afternoon, the day, and my trip.

Canyon X

3/29/07

When the four of us tourists asked our guide, Jackson Bridges, why this canyon was named Canyon X. He replied that they were looking for a name on the way to the site. They came up with Canyon X because it was the mysterious canyon.

Few people go to Canyon X. Charly and Overland Canyon Tours, who have the rights to lead tours here, limit the number of people they take to this out of the way slot canyon to help keep its pristine appearance. And so it remains a bit mysterious.

But it is worth a mention, for the twists and turns within the canyon rival those I would later see in Antelope Canyons. If only we had a bright day to see the walls glow in all their wonder. And if you are hearty, then the trip might be worth it. The road is not an easy one, criss-crossed with washes every rain seems to take a little more earth and road with it. Nor is the hike into the canyon easy, a descent through an unimproved crevasse.

Even though the day turned chilly and I needed to take refuge in my new friends' RV to warm up, the trip was well worth it to me. Jackson is quite a knowledgeable fellow (check out his website http://www.jacksonbridges.com/) and the scenery inspiring.