I take Dolce out for another run along the mesa-top with intention to depart Page today and simply blow off the slot canyons. I am struck by heavy-duty inner conflict. I talk with my partner about it and still have no resolution. The clash within me causing a pain that I cannot identify. Throwing caution to the wind and accepting whatever is supposed to be, I eat proverbial crow. I call a couple other tour companies who both suggest I contact the company that I canceled with yesterday. Last thing I want to do…get chewed out again by an angry multitasking saleswoman. I really want to see these canyons, it’s the epicenter of the entire route, the “one thing” I didn’t do in my previous excursions in and around the AZ/UT region. I make the call. Yes, they have a spot. I ask to be picked up at the campground…pause…the woman says “did you cancel yesterday?” Yes, I reply, because of the wind and rain. She grunts, guffaws and reluctantly gives me the details of my pick-up time and expectations. Woo Hoo, I’m in!
Day #11: What’s Best? ~ My visit to Upper Antelope Slot Canyon
Day #11: What’s Best? ~ My visit to Upper Antelope Slot Canyon
Some observations about the slot canyon experience:
While the slot canyon, the lighting, and the colors are an extraordinary natural phenomenon, the experience was not. I have not surprisingly dualistic opinions of the circumstances. On one side, I am grateful that nearly anyone has the opportunity to see this magical phenomenon. It has been exceptionally well marketed and is doing what good marketing should do: making a boat load of money. Where the money is going is beyond my interest although my inner skeptic suspects it is not widely spread (particularly if you pay attention to the demographic/economic scene in and around Page or ask a regular local Navajo who happens to work the desk at the RV park…just sayin’). The other part of me says that if you can’t “work for it” (as in hike through miles of deep sand to access it), compose your own photos (as in don’t ask the Navajo guide to take them for you the whole time) and revere it (as in don’t litter, don’t deface, chant your mantras and leave no trace) then keep out! There, I’ve said my peace/piece (they both apply).
Day #11: What’s Best? ~ A late afternoon MTB ride around Manson Mesa – landed me two flat tires from Tribulus terrestris aka: goatheads (massive thumbtack-like stickers). The “best” part of that is that I finished the ride by adding air instead of replacing the tubes on the trail and when I replace the tubes, I will use my bullet-proof Slime tubes so that I can ride Moab carrying one tube and no worries! Good thing my morning reading included the sweet reminder that everything happens for a reason…
While the slot canyon, the lighting, and the colors are an extraordinary natural phenomenon, the experience was not. I have not surprisingly dualistic opinions of the circumstances. On one side, I am grateful that nearly anyone has the opportunity to see this magical phenomenon. It has been exceptionally well marketed and is doing what good marketing should do: making a boat load of money. Where the money is going is beyond my interest although my inner skeptic suspects it is not widely spread (particularly if you pay attention to the demographic/economic scene in and around Page or ask a regular local Navajo who happens to work the desk at the RV park…just sayin’). The other part of me says that if you can’t “work for it” (as in hike through miles of deep sand to access it), compose your own photos (as in don’t ask the Navajo guide to take them for you the whole time) and revere it (as in don’t litter, don’t deface, chant your mantras and leave no trace) then keep out! There, I’ve said my peace/piece (they both apply).
Day #11: What’s Best? ~ A late afternoon MTB ride around Manson Mesa – landed me two flat tires from Tribulus terrestris aka: goatheads (massive thumbtack-like stickers). The “best” part of that is that I finished the ride by adding air instead of replacing the tubes on the trail and when I replace the tubes, I will use my bullet-proof Slime tubes so that I can ride Moab carrying one tube and no worries! Good thing my morning reading included the sweet reminder that everything happens for a reason…
Running from a storm on empty tires...adventure!
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