May 18, 2005 EVENING Gouldings Camp Monument Valley, Utah

May 18, 2005 EVENING
Gouldings Campground
Monument Valley, Utah

Left mid day and started down Route 98. A few miles outside of Page we ran into the turn off for The Lower Antelope Canyon and followed it. Short detour on the way to Colarado. Pulled into a small parking lot with your classic Navajo Stick construction hut and went over to talk to the folks. We got told about the “tour” and I felt a bit strange never being one for “tours” but I figured why not it felt good and they said Henry could go although I might have to “help him down some stairs” so we paid our $35.00 and headed out. Our tour guide turned out to be April, a young Navajo Girl, who was a joy to be with. Now the tour is one I can relate to. You are taken to the “entrance to the canyon” a big hole you climb down into (see photo below). Your guide just kind of hangs out and answers questions. April really knew her stuff. As you wonder through the ¼ mile or so of canyon you run into other folks on tours or other guides. It’s all very laid back, friendly and a good time. You are free to go where ever you wish and make photographs. There is no rush to get through the canyon. They are open from 8am to 4pm and unlike most of the Indians I know do not run on Indian time. They are quite serious about the time.
I recommend this highly for photography or just a good time. If you are using the photographs for any commercial use you do need a permit from the Navajo Nation.
Ken’s Tours
PO Box 117
Page Arizona
www.lowerantelope.com
928-660-2844
They are just a few miles east of Page on HWY 98- you’ll see the signs. It is the lower not the upper Canyon you want to see.

Continued on down the road and realized we were close to Monument Valley so another detour brought us to the Mittens just about sundown. It was too late to drive the 17 mile dirt road through the valley so I made a few images from the Visitors Center Parking lot.
I believe they work well. I’ve been on the road a few times so it was a good experience to work from the parking lot along with the may other photographers who were present.
Have not mentioned work as of late but I have been making a few images ever day and think there is a lot of good stuff there. Very happy with the work from The Salton Sea

How you get in and out of Lower Antelope Canyon