I have always wanted to go to this wonderful place in Canyonlands, but it is not on any map and you have to find a nice park service employee to tell you where it is. I searched the web without luck looking for directions until I found a photo and emailed the photographer for directions. He was kind enough to forward me the GPS coordinates and with that info Steve (naldslc) and I set out to find Ancient Kiva. We arrived at the spot and were as close as 30 ft from it but no Kiva, just an 800ft cliff looking out into the canyon below. We spread out and starting looking and finally Steve yell out he had found it. We were within 30 ft OK but we needed to be 500ft below. After a mile of following the cliff line we came to a point were we could descend into the canyon and to the Kiva. It took 2 more trips, which included a few other DPCers, before the light was right, but it really needs to be a winter shot. Anyway this is the picture I ended up with. This all took place during the Moab GTG which was a blast and Steve followed me down each trip. Thanks Steve, it was a great time.
Although I was ready for an epiphany I never had one. I guess my time to find religion has yet to come.
By the way for you doubters on the holy aspect of the photo:
A kiva is a room used by both ancient and modern Puebloans. Among the Ancient Pueblo Peoples of the Pueblo I Era and following, it was a subterranean room, usually round, and generally believed to have been used for religious and other communal purposes. As the culture developed, some were also built above ground.
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thanks for the nice story behind your photo.
must have been a real adventure to find this holy place.
congrats on the top 20 finish, could have been rated higher imo, anyway great photo
i think this was photographed before, the sky is amazing and so is the scenery, but the lighting in the cave to the right, or whatever it is, is too harsh
Simply put, amazing, I'm fortunate to have experienced this wonderful place. First off, I love the playing with light throughout this shot. Shadows are playing nicely for you here without loss of detail; the clouds are dramatic and create an old west feeling that takes me back in time. Tones are perfect IMHO, focus in spot on and composition is perfection. WELL DONE!
Nice photogarphy. Looks like you worked for this photo with a hike. sky is nice with the birds and clouds. It's a little harsh in shadow in spots, but it works.
I understand the journey to epiphany can sometimes be a long one. THIS is worth whatever you had to go through, imho. Excellent exosure, unique subject. Those Anasazi had a view while they meditated, I think.
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