Adams' "spectacular and dangerous trip"

Inspiration today comes from the anonymous purchaser of the Glacier National Park poster on Zazzle.  Thank you for your support.

We have a double treat, in the form of correspondence from Adams himself.  This is a two-pager, crafted without aid of a word-processor or e-mail software -- and yes, those are hand-corrections.  I'm probably dating myself by mentioning that I have clear memories of learning to type on a typewriter, making those same sorts of corrections, and even resisting the call of the laser printer.  I had this crazy idea that a daisy wheel (yes Virginia, there was such a thing as a daisy wheel printer) looked more "real," like genuine typing.

What a tale!  Adams tells of his time in Canyon de Chelly ("Canon de Chelle" -- I suspect his typewriter lacked an "ñ" for its "Cañon de Chelle" spelling), traversing muddy, flooded roads, hauling gear, and sleeping in their car.  Apparently, nature makes even its master photographer pay some dues.

Will I be giving too much away to mention that it got worse?  Perhaps... How about a little background on Canyon de Chelly?

According to our friends at the National Park Service, "Canyon de Chelly National Monument is comprised entirely of Navajo tribal trust land with a resident community within the canyons.  A backcountry permit and authorized guide are required to enter the canyon except for the White House Trail."

"Canyon de Chelly is unique among National Park service units, as it consists entirely of Navajo Tribal Trust Land which remains in the ownership of the Navajo Nation and is home to the canyon community, while park matters are administered by the National Park Service." - Wikipedia (What would the Web be without Wikipedia?)

Adams' "spectacular and dangerous trip"