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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 4 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 Saturday afternoon.
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.
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WHAT DO I BRING ?
Clothing
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Camping | Other
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 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.
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"It was such a luxury to have
the Food, Horses, 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.
For riders, a helmet, with chin strap, is mandatory for safety.
Bring 2 pairs of long pants, both for riding as well as around
the campfire at night. 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 safe riding in
Western Saddles, shoes with at least a one inch heal are mandatory.
For evenings around the campfire, we can utilize more comfortable,
flat and sturdy, hiking type shoes. Only 2 shoes total, please.
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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 a commercial port-a-potty
set up in our campsite. 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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OTHER
Our wonderful outfitters will transport all of our gear,
both for camping and art, by truck to each new site. This
means we are unencumbered on our daily (optional) horseback
rides. You will need a small day pack ( either a fanny-pack,
or a small back-pack) to carry water and a few other essentials
with you. Everything you bring with you on your horse should
fit into this pack, Please be familiar with the operation
of your camera.
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
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