keith_enix

Yes Allan, I am completely mad!! No offense taken whatsoever. I

guess my original posting was a little confusing. The original shot

will be done with my Nikon. The Holga question was more of a

curiosity. This class requires a number of technical assignments

along with a final portfolio. One of the tech. assignments is to use

an alternative camera. My instructor specified a Holga, and since I

would already be set up with the candles and all, I just wondered if

it might work. By the way, the model becomes the Mrs. in May, so she

is getting used to being the subject of my photographic madness!

<p>

Keith

Me Again,

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Sorry, I had a brain fart when I entered my e-mail address on my

original posting. This one has the correct address. Thanks Tom. I

am going to try the shot tomorrow night.

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Keith

Hi Nana,

I just came back from a week long backpacking trip this spring in the Canyon. Couple of suggestions and a warning. Some of the postings suggested that you hike the Bright Angel trail. I agree, just DON'T try to go to the river and back in the same day. You are looking at a hike of somewhere in the range of 18 miles round trip. This includes a vertical drop in elevation of about a mile (not to mention the same vertical rise coming back up!) You will see signs everywhere from the Park Service that will say don't do it. Also, the last time I checked, the Bright Angel trail was closed to the river due to rock slides caused by flash floods.

Having said that, the Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa is a beautiful trip with many photo opportunities. Spend some time exploring the Mesa. Round trip is about 6 miles. Pack a lunch with plenty of high energy snacks and about a gallon of water, maybe some Gatorade. Take your time. This IS a thigh pummeling hike.

Another trail to look at would be the South Kaibab. Again, don't try rim to river and back in the same day. It, along with the Bright Angel trail are the two "Corridor" trails into the Canyon. Watch out for the mule poop! They see the most use and as a result are the most well maintained. There is no such thing as an easy trail into the Canyon. I have never hiked the South Kaibab from the rim, but I understand there is a place called "OOOH AHHH" point on the South Kaibab trail that is great for photography.

If you are in good shape, a trip down the Bright Angel trail to Indian Gardens (about the midpoint of this trail) with a side trip out to Plateau Point would be a good one. About 9 miles round trip. Plateau Point is a really nice overlook of the Colorado River (Still about 1500 feet below you!)

If you do decide to hike below the rim, I would strongly encourage you to visit the Backcountry office and discuss your plans with them and see what they suggest.

Last suggestion, visit the website www.kaibab.org. This is an incredible site covering the canyon. There is an extensive list of trails and suggested day hikes along with on line photos to give you some ideas of what to look for.

I just reread my message and realize that I sound like somewhat of a worrywart. Sorry. You may have more hiking experience than I have and this was just wasted time but inexperienced hikers die every year in the canyon. If you are experienced at hiking then you already know this stuff. If not, then I feel better having said it. Biggest thing, take PLENTY of food and water. Take your time. Have fun. On inner canyon hikes, get an early start. Be prepared for radical weather changes. I have been snowed on at the rim and saw 103 degrees at the river.

Happy Trails!

Keith