September 2, 2005 - Beneath the Surface

I caught sight of this place as I exited page. I guess we all have different definitions of “recreation”. For some it’s Coor’s, Miller’s, or Foster’s.

Sometimes 99% of what goes on happens beneath the surface or behind the scenes.

This was wonderfully evident at Antelope Canyon. I’ve seen photographs which inspired me to visit this place myself.

Upper Antelope Canyon has been open to the public long enough for there to be crowds today. Several tour companies fun trips there, squeezing dozens of people into the canyon hourly. The canyons rest within the borders of the Navajo Nation which runs their own tours. I chose this option.

Lower Antelope Canyon has been open for a much shorter period of time and is operated by another Navajo family. The lower canyon is more rugged, requiring several ladders to negotiate steep drops. Because of these additional challenges, Lower Antelope Canyon was much quieter. I visited the lower canyon first, while waiting for my 11:30 “photographic” tour of the upper canyon. Though I enjoyed Upper Antelope Canyon (it was quite magnificent) there was no tranquility. I took the advice of our guide and I took off my sandals to “draw energy” from the canyon. I believe it helped but I didn’t find the peace of the lower canyon. When I returned in the afternoon, I found myself walking slowly through the narrow pathways, lightly sliding my fingers against the smooth walls. I stayed ‘til closing, way past the time when the light no longer reached the floor of this powerful, yet peaceful place.

I would have passed right by Horseshoe Canyon if I hadn’t caught a tip from one of the Navajo guides. There is a tiny sign for it on the highway. And, it’s not until you walk the ¾ mile trail to the rim that you catch the view…my jaw almost dropped down to the water, hundreds of feet below.