Talastima (part 2)

[Michael13]

The Hopi name for this place is Talastima, and the rock formations are known as Koyemsim. On maps and in other publications this area is called Blue Canyon, our guide says this is the first question everyone usually asks, since with all the reds and whites of the rocks, someone named it Blue Canyon.

Speaking of our guide, we used Hopi Tours (4HopiTours@gmail.com). Micah Loma'omvaya is a Hopi anthropologist, cultural leader, and the last initiate in a long, unbroken line of Hopi priests. In addition to just taking us there, he showed us the areas most popular with other visitors, told us of Hopi beliefs and traditions, and answered all the questions we had for him about the area and about Hopi life. I highly recommend him!

He also will tailor the tour around your needs, he mentioned he has done night photography tours, but these require careful pre-planning. I would love to do a night shoot there- it must be magical to be there at night with no lights for miles, only stars.

I was just getting over to this, more westerly formation when it was time to leave.

While we were in the area, we also stopped by the Navajo Parks and Recreation in Cameron to get permits for Coal Mine Canyon, but were told this area is now dangerous (sinkholes) and no longer issuing permits for the area! Yikes, I wanted to see that place one more time...

 

[Jameel Hyder]

Another fantastic set. You really scored there.

 

[AlanLichty]

The tour guides sound like an interesting experience to match the beauty of the place. I really like the looming clouds in this set of images and #2 and #4. Incredible formations.

 

[Michael13]

Another fantastic set. You really scored there.

Thanks Jameel ! It's a target rich environment for sure.

The tour guides sound like an interesting experience to match the beauty of the place. I really like the looming clouds in this set of images and #2 and #4. Incredible formations.

Having the guide made it an experience, not just a shoot. The on and off weather was exciting as well.

 

[MonikaC]

Night photography there sounds really cool! Hope you get to do it (and we get to see the pictures, of course).

 

[JimFox]

Blue Canyon is how I know of that area, but I am not surprised it has an indian name as well. I would bet if you talked to a Navajo they would have a different name as the Hopi and Navajo fought over that area for a long time. I have gone to Blue Canyon by myself in the past, but a Hopi guide would be interesting to have.

Great images all of these Michael. I think #3 is my favorite. But all of them are great.

 

[Michael13]

Night photography there sounds really cool! Hope you get to do it (and we get to see the pictures, of course).

I hope so too, I miss night photography, did none this year! Shameful.

Blue Canyon is how I know of that area, but I am not surprised it has an indian name as well. I would bet if you talked to a Navajo they would have a different name as the Hopi and Navajo fought over that area for a long time. I have gone to Blue Canyon by myself in the past, but a Hopi guide would be interesting to have.

Great images all of these Michael. I think #3 is my favorite. But all of them are great.

The Navajo and Hopi are still having land disputes there. And the US govt. has complicated the situation with it's past rulings. It may never be settled.

 

[Peter Michal]

Oh, beautiful colors of the rocks!