Friends Travel Adventures

FRIENDS TRAVEL ADVENTURES Explore the Beauty That is the Delight and Challenge of the Slot Canyons

In the far northern part of the state, the blue waters of Lake Powell lap against soaring red sandstone cliffs that hold within their labyrinthine range not only the secrets of ancient deserts and oceans but also a scattering of unique formations called "slot canyons."

Formed during a cycle of erosion that began many millions of years ago, the slot canyons are the destination of a Friends of Arizona Highways Photo Workshop scheduled for May 17 through 20 and led by Michael Fatali, an expert on the slots (see Arizona Highways, January '91) who has a solution for every photographer's puzzle they contrive.

In addition to sharing a pro's tips on solving the problems of photographing the slot canyons - metering, reciprocity failure, contrast control Fatali will critique workshop participants' work and introduce them to some of his favorite spots discovered over the years, his "mystery canyons," remote and unnamed fissures and defiles not found in any guidebook.

Other highlights of the workshop include spectacular Antelope Canyon, a hike through the narrows at Waterholes Canyon, and a trek to Buckskin Gulch, a tributary slot canyon that feeds into the stunning Paria Canyon Wilderness.

Following are other trips in upcoming months.

Photo Workshops

Monument Valley/Canyon de Chelly; February 20-24; Jerry Sieve.

Ghost Towns & Missions; March 6-9; J. Peter Mortimer.

Photosampler Tours

All trips visit the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Canyon de Chelly; April 24-28, June 5-9, October 9-13.

Backpacking with the Friends

Paria Canyon; April 27-May 2. Grand Canyon Rim to Rim; May 15-19.

WHEN YOU GO

Friends of Arizona Highways offers a variety of ways to explore the wonders of Arizona. Photo Workshops led by our master contributing photographers provide picture takers of all skill levels with hands-on instruction to help them take photos like those in the magazine. New Photosampler Tours visit a greater number of scenic spots than Photo Workshops, offering plenty of tips from the accompanying photographer. Friends Backpacking Tours focus on Arizona's most popular destinations. Scenic Tours with Ray Manley are organized primarily for mature adults. Assistance is provided by Nikon, Hasselblad, Fuji, and Image Craft. For more information, call the Friends' Travel Office, (602) 271-5904.

Arizona's glorious seasons are the focus of this special collection of photographs. Award-winning nature photographers capture the white beauty of winter, blooms of spring, hues of autumn, and gold of summer in this tribute to Arizona's seasonal splendor. Scenes such as the Grand Canyon, San Francisco Peaks, Sonoran Desert, and Canyon de Chelly are accompanied by the gentle prose of Raymond Carlson, an early Arizona Highways editor. The 128-page, 9" by 12" hardcover book is $19.95 plus shipping and handling. To order, use the attached card or call toll-free nationwide, 1-800-543-5432. In the Phoenix area or outside the U.S., call 602-258-1000.