Into the Belly...

December 1st, 2008. Page, Arizona.

Antelope canyons - nestled in the Navajo reservation of Arizona, have been discovered only some 100 years back. The canyons have been formed and are still being formed by the flashfloods that carve out patterns every time they flush through the canyons. Imagine that: every time there’s a flashflood, water 10-12 feet high rushes into the canyon and creates the carvings, smoothens the rocks, leaves its mark and then gushes out. It leaves a trail of mud behind as its seal. The rocks get chiseled with every flash-flood and have a sand-stone like smooth surface. It is fascinating. And it gets better. The canyon has an intriguing lighting system – the natural light! The slits in the canyon provide magnificent lighting effects on rocks. Some months of the year the rays of sun fall into canyons in form of beams. The smooth rocks light up with colors of mauve, purple, orange, golden and red.

Antelope canyon is photographer’s paradise. The canyons are only accessible by guided tours. The trucks that take you to the mouth of upper antelope canyon ride a long path of deep muddy terrain for at least half a mile. The mouth looks like a hill cracked open mysteriously. Walking into the belly and through the canyon is a spiritual experience with serenity and mystery engulfing the visitors. With the sounds of flute echoing in the canyon during the tours, the antelope canyon is one of the most intriguing and peaceful places I have been to. Walking under filtered light and with vivid colors on a narrow path, the canyon ends suddenly and the ‘normal’ sunlight seems very intense. Like emerging from a dream into reality.

My tour was guided by one of a very interesting and experienced person. Born and brought up in Page, he was a fascinating and rich mélange of culture and global wisdom. Extremely soft spoken, well travelled and an expert flute player, the stories, the culture, the rich description he provided was a great experience.