Post Archive by Year

Colorado River near Page, Arizona.

The Colorado River last week near Page, Arizona.

Funny, between a backpacking trip to the river in the Grand Canyon, and two separate trips to the Page area – I have photographed the Colorado River a lot this year.  It didn’t start out as part of a plan at the beginning of the year, just sorta worked out that way.

Desert sunflowers near Page, Arizona.

I usually don’t post on the weekends, nor do I post snap shots captured mid day, but I thought it was worth doing a quick post to get the word out on how great the wildflowers are in Northern Arizona right now.

Heavy rain in August has lead to what most people are telling me is an unprecedented Autumn wildflower bloom.  I do know this, the wildflowers were way better then they were this past May – better then I have seen in the desert for a number of Springs.  And there were fields with a variety a species including common spring flowers like verbena and primrose.  In some areas, the desert sunflowers were just thick.  In the wash where Antelope Canyon crosses under the highway is by far the best field of Sacred Datura I have ever seen!  And as local were pointing out – the wildflowers that normally get cooked by rising spring temperatures are continuing to look great thanks to the cooling fall temps – I thought they were getting better as the week went on.  So if you are in the area, check it out!

Upper Antelope Slot Canyon and night, Page, Arizona.

I have visited the Page Arizona area many times over the years, but until May, had never ventured into the Upper Antelope Slot Canyon.  The stories of the crowds of people kept me away.  On my May visit, I figured if I was going to be offering a photo tour in the area, I should at least visit the areas most popular attraction.  I must admit, the canyon itself was stunning.  But, the huge crowds and chaos ruined the experience for me.  At times guides were yelling at guests to stay out of the view – it was crazy, and not the kind of environment in which I like to spend my time.

After that experience, I really didn’t think it would work to bring a group to such a crazy canyon.  But, while in the canyon I got talking to a couple of the Navajo guides and learned that another Navajo was doing an occasional night tour into the canyon with very small groups.  This sounded like the perfect solution, and after a bit of leg work, was able to make the arrangements.

I must say, this was a far better experience!  Looking up at the stars through those beautiful red rock walls was magical, and hearing one of our Navajo guides quietly chanting to himself added more to the experience!  Definitely one of the many highlights of this trip!

Leah photographing in a slot canyon.

Back from a great trip to Arizona. The slot canyon photo tour went great – I really had a fun group of photographers that made a cool experience just that much more enjoyable! Funny, I thought escaping the long days of the Alaska Summer might make the hours a bit easier, but with such an enthusiastic group we kept an aggressive pace including a 19 hour day that started with a 5:30 a.m. meet for sunrise at Horseshoe Bend, included an extended stay in our own slot canyon, followed by a boat tour on Lake Powell, and finishing with a night shoot until mid-night in Antelope Slot Canyon – it was a blast!

Having an amazing slot canyon all to ourselves – and spending time in the Upper Antelope Canyon at night with a small group might have been the highlight.

I’ll have more photos to share over the next couple of days.  If you are interested, stay tuned – I intend to offer the same tour next year.

Horseshoe Bend on The Colorado River, Page, Arizona.

I have been doing some pre-tour scouting for my Slot Canyon Tour that begins tonight.  I must say, I knew this area had received a lot of rain, but I’m shocked out how many wildflowers there are in places.  Much better then it was in May – better then I have seen in a couple of years.  I have heard the same is true on other areas as well.

I checked out the Horseshoe Bend today as we plan on a sunset / sunrise here.  Back when I first visited this spot, you had to really know where you where going.  Today, it is signed, with a paved parking lot and a well marked trail.  There are also lots of people including tour bus!