HOW DO I GET THERE ?
Students coming from a distance will fly into Albuquerque, New Mexico Airport, where you can rent a car for the four to five hour dive to Chinle, Arizona - in the heart of the Navajo Nation.
(e-mail addresses of fellow participants will be provided for those interested in arranging ride-shares).
Other airports within driving distance are: Denver, CO; Flagstaff, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. Plan to arrive on Saturday afternoon, for check in to the BEST WESTERN hotel and our opening group Dinner at 7 PM that night. We start bright and early Sunday morning, returning late Friday afternoon.
Best Western Canyon de Chelly Inn:
http://www.bestwesternarizona.com/hotels/
best-western-canyon-de-chelly-inn/
Please note: AZ will be in a different time zone than NM during the Fall, but the Navajo Nation stays with NM time.

Click for Map

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE ?
The Canyon is at an elevation of 6000 ft. in the 'High Desert' of the Four Corners Area. This means there will be a greater temperature spread between night and day than is experienced at lower elevations. We have chosen what we believe is the very best time of year for this trip: Days are Sunny, but not hot / There is usually no rain / The magnificent Cottonwoods are just starting to turn a breathtaking golden color while all other trees are still a beautiful green. The Gold & Green trees set off against Red Rocks are spell-binding against impossibly brilliant blue skies. Stars at night are awesome in clear skies. AVERAGE TEMPS: Daytime will be a pleasant 50's-60's-70's / Night-time: High 20's to Mid 30's.

WHAT DO I BRING ?
Clothing | Toiletries | Camping | Other | Art Supplies

Photo: Our Camp by Jackie Stoken, 2003 Participant

CAMPING SUPPLIES

We will be group camping at one central site throughout the canyon. Please familiarize yourself with the set-up of your equipment before arrival. You will need to bring a sleeping bag and a soft mat to put it on, as well as a pillow. The nights can be surprisingly cool once the sun goes down, so a warm sleeping bag is important. An individual light, such as a flashlight, is essential - a reading light is optional. The best kind are battery operated Please do NOT bring a kerosene lantern.

"It was such a luxury to have the Food, .... Potties, Equipment transport and Trash all taken care of - Deluxe Camping!"

• Sleeping Bag
• Tent small (with rain protection)
• Mat (Double Thermarest recommended)
• Pillow (small)
  

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CLOTHING

A sturdy hat, with chin strap is good for sun protection. Bring 2 pairs of long pants for around the campfire at night, as the nights can be chilly. Shorts can be worn comfortably for our stationary 'art-times' but are optional. You should have both short as well as long-sleeved shirts, and a light jacket, & sweater, for evenings around the campfire. Pockets are wonderful! At this time of year, we are not likely to encounter rain but a Poncho is a good precaution. Bring enough changes of underwear and socks to last the week. For evenings around the campfire, we can utilize more comfortable, flat and sturdy, hiking type shoes. Only 2 pairs of shoes total, please.

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• Hat

• Pants/Shorts

• Jacket

• Rain Poncho

• Underwear

• Shoes

by Diane Young 2006 student

ART SUPPLIES

Since this trip is designed for experienced plein aire painters, we assume you are already familiar with the materials you will need for this outdoor, wilderness, painting experience.

As you can see from the picture of the truck on the left, your equipment needs to be compact, and well protected for the bumpy ride to our campsite. Duffle bags are good.

For those of you flying into Albuquerque, you will not be permitted to fly with thinner so we will have a few cans of this available for group use. Also, we have three french easels available for rent ($50.00) if some of you find traveling with your own easel inconvenient. Please reserve these when you register.

There are virtually no art supplies available in Chinle. Your last opportunity to purchase supplies upon your arrival will either be an art supply store in Albuquerque on your way to Chinle on Saturday.
List of Art Supply stores in Albuquerque

• Portable Plein Aire Easel
• Paint Box
• Palette
• Clip on umbrella (optional)
• Stool (very small)
• Container for Thinner
• Paints
• Brushes
• Wet paint carrier
• Extra canvases (small)
• Rags/ paper towels
• Sketch book (optional)
• Pencils / charcoal (optional)

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Photo: Canyon Hygiene, by Susan, Participant 2000

TOILETRIES

Drinking water will be hauled for us by the outfitters, and must be used sparingly as it is a precious resource in the West. Personal hygiene can be well maintained by daily 'sponge baths' in the privacy of your tent. In addition to soap & water, we recommend 'Baby Wipes' or pre-moistened towelettes. Our latrine will be an out-house. Sunscreen is essential as the sun shines very brightly dry in the high desert air. Insect repellent is a good precaution to have against occasional flies. Chapstick can be important in the desert air. Please bring sufficient amounts of any medication required as you'll be some distance from a major metropolitan area. Bottled water is provided.

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• Towel

• Washcloth

• 'Wet Wipes'

• Personal Toiletries

OTHER

Our wonderful outfitters will transport all of our gear, both for camping and art, by truck to each new site. You will also need a small day pack (either a fanny-pack, or a small back-pack) to carry water and a few other essentials with you. Please be familiar with the operation of your camera. It is suggested that you bring plenty of batteries and memory sticks for your digital camera, and plenty of film if this is what you prefer. It is suggested to leave your laptop at home. There is no electricity and the sand and wind is not good for laptops.
Sunglasses are an important protection against the bright light. A small notebook and a couple of pens/pencils can be very nice to keep a written journal with spontaneous sketches, in addition to your regular sketching materials which will be transported by truck.

Photo: Three Amigos, transportation of supplies, by Susan Participant 2000

• Day Pack

• (Optional) Camera

• Canteen

• (Optional) Binoculars

• Sunglasses

• (Optional) Notebook
  

• Sunscreen / Chapstick

• Flash-Light / Lantern

• Insect Repellant