Stormy Skies

This year in Canyon de Chelly, there has been an unusual amount of rain. Usually the rains, if they come, appear during summer months. In September, there is usually not much precipitation.

I have never seen the canyon floor looks so green. Chinle (CHIN-lee) Wash, that runs through the canyon, is bordered by lush Cottonwoods, Willow, and invasive species that the Feds brought in several decades back such as Tamarisk and Russian Olive.

Even not taking into account the rainfall, the Canyon looks a lot different today than it did back when Edward Curtis did his wonderful photographs here. Alas, so many people today do not know the history of photography and the old masters. What treasures lie there.

We started on one of the overlooks, and the first morning can be challenging for many, especially when they think the light looks flat. There is almost always light and shadow, even subtle versions.

Imaging followed, with some computer challenges that I had not seen before. Anyone who says Macs don’t have problems has never been in our workshops. PCs and Macs alike have their share!

It was raining horses and cattle, but Arnie and I told the group that one never knows what will happen. We went to one of our favorite overlooks, as the weather races through this area pretty quickly. We sat in the cars, waiting out the storm.

“Wow!” I said to Arnie, “Look at that waterfall. In the other times I have been here [five], I have never seen anything like this. Some seeping, yes, but waterfalls? No!”

The rain was sheeting across the canyon, and on the rim, the water was coursing so quickly, that it flung itself off the cliff edge.

Rain or no rain, I was getting out. I quickly donned my rain jacket, grabbed my umbrella, and shielded my camera from the driving rain whilst the others stayed dry in the cars.

Soon enough, however, one of our most adventurous alumni joined me with his umbrella.

“Could I ask a favor?” he asked.

“It’ll cost you,” I teased.

I held his umbrella for him as he set up his tripod and composed his shot.

Bit by bit, others braved the elements, as they saw what a fantastic opportunity it was to make unusual photographs. They helped one another protect lenses, Team work. We loved watching that.

As we suspected and hoped, the rain blew out, leaving a wonderful array of clouds and the sun trying to break through.

There is a little alcove along the cliff edge that I always visit. I found that three of our group had also discovered it.

I helped them with their compositions and answered questions. While they were working on their compositions, I found a ledge of sandstone and sand that lent itself to an abstract.

“Look down,” I called out to the others, including those above us who were feeling safer a little more distant from the rim edge.

“See the Wash? I have never seen it raging like that. See what you can do with it,” I encouraged.

Foam from upstream made interesting patterns in the Wash, giving it texture and drama.

Because of all the unusual rain, the mosquitoes started feasting … on US! Clearly, they had not been fed enough, but with an exceptionally dry season last year, and an exceptionally wet one this, it was to be expected. We gritted our teeth for awhile, then beat a hasty retreat to the cars and supper!

Our next location was to be in the canyon. Would we make it?

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