Workshops and Base Camp Trips
Canyon de Chelly, Arizona
Trip A: October 16th to 22nd, 2011
Trip B: October 23rd to 29th, 2011
The Four Corners area of the Southwest is one of the most spectacular and interesting regions in the United States. At the joining of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, tributaries of the Colorado River carve intricate canyons through colorful, stratified sandstone. Canyon de Chelly is one of the most beautiful and unusual of these extensive canyon lands and none has a richer history of Indian habitation. Over 2000 years of Native American culture has left thousands of archaeological sites. Throughout the Canyon, the rock art constitutes an extraordinary gallery of the visual imagery of Anasazi, Hopi, and Navajo cultures. The canyon walls and a varied vegetation form a rich range of colors, patterns, and textures.
This year will be my twenty-fourth consecutive year of running Canyon de Chelly trips. In addition to my instruction in photography, our guides, their families and their friends, will share their knowledge of Navajo culture and spirituality. This trip is suitable for hikers of moderate ability and photographers of all levels of experience and ability as well as for people interested in other artforms and in Native American culture. We will be camping out throughout the week, basing our camp in Canyon de Chelly, with a possible camp in Canyon del Muerto as well. From these camps we wlll travel mostly on foot, carrying light day packs. Photographic instruction, Native American culture and natural history all will be integral parts of our observations and learning. Instruction will be informal, and I hope to make use of trip members to share a broad range of expertise.
Be prepared for warm as well as cool weather. October is a particularly beautiful time in Canyon de Chelly. While generally temperatures are moderate, ranging from 40 to 80 degrees F., extremes are possible, even an early snowstorm. Food is provided from Sunday dinner through lunch on the following Saturday. Besides myself as leader and photography instructor, the staff will include cooks and Navajo guides.
The trip cost is $1100 for the week. For a reservation, send in a non-refundable deposit of $200, with the balance due June 1st. After I receive your deposit, you will receive a departure bulletin with more specific details about the trip as well as suggestions for equipment and reading about the Canyon. I will be out of the country during parts of July and August, and may not be able to replace participants in case of cancellations. Therefore, refunds are available only until June 15. After that refunds will be at my discretion. If you have any questions, please write, phone, or fax. I hope to hear from you soon.
GARY TEPFER
31700 Owl Road
Eugene, Oregon 97405
Phone: (541) 344-3497
Email: gtepfer@efn.org
Chuska Mountains, Workshop and Base Camp
May 13–19, 2012
The Four Corners area of the Southwest is one of the most spectacular and interesting regions in the United States. At the common meeting point of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, tributaries of the Colorado River carved intricate canyons through colorful, stratified sandstone.
Our base camp is located near Cove, Arizona on the east side of the Chuska Mountains, west of Shiprock, at a sheep ranch operated by the family of Harry Walters, our guide. Harry was Head of the Navaho Studies Department and Director of the Hatathli Museum at the Navaho Community College in Tsaile, Arizona. His family will be our hosts for the week. The Workshop and Base Camp will emphasize Native American Culture, Natural History, and Photography. We will spend the week exploring the surrounding desert and mountain canyons, hiking daily from our base camp and learning first hand about Native American prehistory and history, as well as Navaho culture today.
Instruction will be informal, and the trip will be suitable for anyone interested in Native American culture, natural history, and photography. Good physical condition and an ability to hike in dry and uneven terrain is necessary.
Springtime is beautiful in the Chuska Mountains. Be prepared for warm as well as cool temperatures. Food is provided from Sunday dinner to lunch on the following Saturday. Besides myself as leader and photography instructor, the staff includes Harry Walters and cooks.
The trip cost is $1100 for the week. For a reservation, send in a non-refundable deposit of $200, with the balance due February 1st. After I receive your deposit, I will send you a departure bulletin with more specific details about the trip including suggestions for equipment and appropriate advance readings. In case of cancellations, refunds will be up to my discretion, depending primarily on my ability to fill your space. I know this will be a popular trip and there will be limited space, so make your reservation soon. If you have any questions, please write, or phone. I hope to hear from you soon.
GARY TEPFER
31700 Owl Road
Eugene, Oregon 97405
Phone: (541) 344-3497
Email: gtepfer@efn.org
