Just outside of Page is the Glen Canyon Hydro Dam. Some of the old base jumping video clips are shot here, with getaway boats waiting Bungie jumps were popular as well.
One of the places we wanted to be sure to visit was Antelope Canyon, again just outside of Page. This site is world famous for its two-sectioned slot canyon carved through the sandstone. First thing in the morning, we were there early, and took to the Lower Canyon as it was much less busy. We got into the first small group of four, and by moving quickly down the first section, we had plenty of time for photography by staying a little ahead of the groups coming in behind throughout the morning.
A couple fo sights just outside the Visitor Center
We slimmed down the backpack, and gently eased in.
Some of the shallower steps in a narrow section.
Cory was one of the guides showing groups through. As photographers, Jackie and I were allowed to purchase passes letting us go individually at our own pace.
Jackie finds a pool of light in just the right place
Minute by minute as the sun moves, the shadows and colors change. As the sun rises, the beams reach deeper in to the slots.
Another of the Guides plays his flute, which reverberates along the passages and vaulted ceilings.
When we finally emerge after a couple of hours enjoying and photographing the light, we head out east towards Monument Valley, and then to Valley of the Gods, where we plan to camp for the night.
Since my last visit to Monument Valley a few years ago, there have been a few wonderful changes. Some pretty good architectural design is apparent in a new building for artisans to sell their jewellery and pottery, and the Visitor Center has been dramatically expanded. It's well integrated into the landscape, and is respectful of the land and the history.
There's a 17 mile self guided drive in the Tribal Park of Monument Valley, and while bumpy, it's absolutely worth it every visit.
On the road a little while later, Mexican Hat Rock at Mexican Hat.
Now we've arrived at Valley oif the Gods, and it's time to do a video of the backroads before heading up to Muley Point on the rim to camp for the night.
Here you can see the stereo camera mounted on the nose of the SUV.
After driving up the Moki Dugway, we travel sandy roads to get to Muley Point. Pretty good place to camp with a view I think.
After dinner, we sit by the fire with drinks and popcorn. A little while later, there's this brief flicker in the nearby shadows. Time and time again it comes, and is gone. Well, it's a little field mouse coming for bits of dropped popcorn!
We set up a camera and wait to see if we can get a better look at our small friend...
Some other campers along the ridge use their headlights to walk their sleeping bags over to a cliffside campsite spot
Night Skies in the Utah Desert
The camera actually records 3D images at 1080i HD resolution, but for them to play on the web, I've made them smaller and gritty, just to give you a taste of the vastness and color of the areas.
Originally I tried putting the vids right here in the webpage, but they work much better on Youtube...
