Southwestern Sojourn: A Photographer’s Journal

An epic photographic journey through Colorado & Utah, then down the Green River, with over 100 photographs by the author.

Parker and his companion Jim Beasley brave hell and high water in a canoe for ten days in May. The two photographers manage to complete the journey, but not without mishap and adventure along the way. Parker documents the trip, from planning and preparation, to shooting locations and backpacking menus.

Prior to the canoe trip, Parker spent time exploring Ancient Puebloan ruins in Mesa Verde, Hovenweep, and along the Trail of the Ancients. Follow him as he photographs the fascinating masonry left by the Anasazi, stark desert landscapes, and towering natural bridges.

He meets Beasley in Moab midway through the adventure, and they pack a 17' Grumman canoe chock full of unnecessary paraphernalia, 50 gallons of water, two camp chairs and a table, food enough for a small army, and cameras to document the experience.

With an ambitious itinerary for hiking and photography, they set off from Mineral Basin on an adventurous mission to photograph the Buttes of the Cross. The Buttes were first spotted by John Wesley Powell in his famous exploration of the Green River in 1869.

Camping at Fort Bottom, Anderson Bottom and Turks Head, the explorers soon discover more adventure than they bargained for. Ten days later, they emerge bedraggled from the river, none the worse for wear, but considerably wiser about the power of nature.