An Uplifting Journey Downcanyon

Mike Buchheit, June 1, 2006

Hiking the Kanab Drainage by Mike BuchheitDuring a recent ten-day Colorado River trip through Grand Canyon I was reacquainted once again with the seemingly endless array of magical destinations that await the hardy traveler. Elves Chasm, Deer Creek Narrows, Blacktail Canyon, Whispering Falls; each casting it's own spell on the awestruck visitors. One could truly spend a lifetime below the rim and barely scratch the surface of all there is to explore.

My two-dozen companions and I shared everything from turbulent rapids to moonlit nights (not to mention a nasty little gastrointestinal bug, just to keep us honest). Needless to say there was ample subject matter for this slightly overwhelmed landscape photographer. Indeed, I found my greatest challenge was deciding what not to shoot given the finite nature of both time and photographic supplies.

I'm happy to report that I did come away with a few great shots. However, the real "keepers" are the fresh memories of the sublime, serene, and sometimes-spooky world that plays host to the lucky few that run the Colorado River each year.

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