Just getting back from Utah and had myself an adventure! Last year, around the same time, I found myself in Southern Utah for 5 days. Exploring the truly incredible landscape that is that part of the world. One in particular slot canyon in Escalante National Park eluded me. Hiking by myself the waist deep and cold water thwarted my attempt at this place last year. This year…while the water remained and was a longer slog, I was able to successfully enter this magical place. Getting to the entrance of this slot greets you with brown water….and judging by my experience last year, and the fact that the low the night before was around 20F…very cold. I brought my waterproof pants again and seal skinz (socks) to be able to make the adventure more comfortable (oh, and long underwear under the pants). This time around there was a group of 3 women that had hiked down just in front of me. They weren’t expecting the water like I was but one of them was adventurous enough to want to give it a shot. As we ventured deeper in to the slot it narrows further and further until the choke (where I was stymied last year), except this time the water level was slightly lower, I wasn’t 5 weeks off a knee injury, and there was the fact that I wasnt alone. My excitement once stepping up in to the main chamber was palpable. Not only did we make it in but there were NO footprints. We were the first ones in since either the last flood or the crazy dust storm the day before could have filled them in. Either way…wow! My accomplice spent about 15 minutes with me and then I was alone…for the next 2.75 hours. Over the course of the whole experience inside the canyon I heard voices two different times…both inquiring as to if there was anyone in there (I left extra supplies outside the entrance to lower my load). Both times they failed to make the journey. Sollitude! This allowed me to study and shoot at my own pace without having to worry about any sort of pleasantries :p As the time passed and the sun a bit too vertical the amazing glow in the canyon eventually washed out…and then it was time to go. Getting back in the COLD water was a necessity but the warm sun once exited was very welcome. So was the victory beer back at the car 🙂
Some behind the scenes shots with my phone are added…and yes…a few more photographs to come (plus the rest of the trip; Goblin Valley, San Rafael Swell & Bryce Canyon).
Aloha!
aF
