Arizona & Utah photography

<p>Julie<br>

Back in the 70's when I first visited MV and the canyons around page there was only a $5 permit to be on the reservation. There was no shuttle, parking lot no trails and no tours. If you wanted to photograph Antelope Canyon in those days you first have to find it. The first time I photograph Antelope Canyon I wandered around for 2 hours looking for the opening after cooking in the sun I decided to give up. as I approched the parking lot a Native American asked if I found the slots. I told him no and he then offer to be my guide for $40. I told him thanks but all I had was a credit card and $10 in cash. As I was packing my gear into my SUV he said since I missed the light If I would give him a ride to his trailer he would show me around. After grabbing some rope He showed me how to drive right up to the slot entrance. before we entered he told me I could only bring a small daypack and to leave my tripod in the car. If I did not agree he would not show me around. There was a reason why he limited me to just a day pack . Unlike the tours in the canyons today back when only a few people visted there were no ladders and you had to climb up and down the rock faces. Some of the chambers where you just walk into you had to crawl under rocks and through cracks and to get out at the other end we had to climb up a 30 foot wall to get out. In addition to all the climbing around there were snakes in the slots. So that is why they charge money for you to visit these landmarks. There are plenty of free slots you can visit and if you want to hike a few miles you can park free down the road . The good thing about that trip is that I made a good frind he invited me to party with them after the tour and I learned where the slots were and how to drive right up to the entrance. Here in Washington state we have fields of tulips this time of the year. in the good old days a few people would visit the fields now thousands visit the fields during the early spring. Before you just park in the dirt along the side of the road now they charge $10 just to park. So it's not only AZ.</p>

<p>Rick,<br>

Thanks for your insightful information. It sounds like your had a very special personalized tour! What a treat!<br>

Yes, definitely, some things are worth paying for and what you may receive in return is priceless.<br>

My original point was not that I wasn't willing to pay. It was that in my travels around the world, I haven't encountered as many "pay per view" spots as I am finding in Arizona. I don't mind paying for a guide, if it will help me get to the places I want to find, and I certainly don't mind chipping in if it helps someone in need.<br>

Julie</p>

<p>Spud,<br>

Just checked the image data which was captured in 2003 and you are absolutely correct. Looks like a file name change is in order. Thanks.<br>

Mike</p>

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