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INTRODUCTION
Edna
Fridley was a good friend of the canyon country of southeast utah for
more than 30 years. Every year she returned to the slickrockfrom her
home, back east, to wander and explore what was then one of the most
remote and isolated parts of the United States.
In
the fall of 1962, Edna set off on her last trip down Glen Canyon. The
dam, 150 miles downstream, was almost complete. Within months the
Bureau of reclamation would close its diversion tunnek and stop the
free flow of the Colorado River.
Edna
had been invited to join a party of friends to celebrate Harry Aleson's
wedding, which was to happen during the trip. She flew to Salt Lake
City, then rented a car to Page, Arizona via Zion National Park. At
Page, after checking in at the Page Boy Motel, she arranged a flight to
the dirt airstrip at White Canyon.
She
took thousands of photographs of her pack and river trips with
legendary guides Ken Sleight and Harry Aleson. But she also kept
journals, often scribbled in small spiral notebooks. Here are excerpts
from that trip— Part 1 of Edna's last journey down Glen...JS
29 Sept 1962
Have
had quite an eventful times since leaving home...Gorgeous day. Long
way from kanab to Page; arrived about 2:30. Went to airport, then to
Page Boy. Had shower, rested, went out to the dam, then back to
airport. Had to wait 1 1/2 hours for weather which cleared. Also Royce
got another run to Na-vajo Mtn. so he reduced my fare to $25—goody—then
took off. What a stuependous thrill! ARR White Canyon about 12:30 or
so. Woody (Woody Edgell, the operator of the Hite Ferry in 1962)
surprised to see me. Took me back, cooked rabbit—good-—he went to
Monticello after introducing me to Fran and Ethel Barrett.
Slept out in the front yard! til 4:30 AM when rain started. Rain lasted pretty much til day lite.
Was
isolated by creek in Farley Canyon—or so I thought. Was taking pictures
when station wagon & pickup truck drove to opp. side and some mad
woman sleaped out and started to wade the creek. After cars drove thru
found out it was the Staveleys from Mex. Hat! They had camped the nite
on the other side of White Cyn. Then started the adventure that lasted
all day...Drove to where road was washed out. Then the fun started, the
car got stuck. Some 21/2 hrs later some one-handed guy (hook) got it
started.
Went
over to Hite side on ferry—seemed simple job to get boat out BUT after
the boat was partially on trailer it all settled into the mud—egads!
30 Sept—Sunday Launched finally about 10:20 AM. Had the usual adventure.
Woody's staion wagon wouldn't start— NATCH.
The store at White Canyon...
FINALLY ON THE RIVER...
...Pushed
off. Harry on the oars but stiff up river wind necessitated using
motor-made lunch stop. Sandwiches on boat. Not too long after Ticaboo.
...water
higher than last trip I was on. Went back to Hite's grave (no cabin)
didn't stop at Roper's diggings. Hot walk. Took no pics of glyphs—just
V-shaped notch overlooking Hite's valley. Had bath in creek again. Back
to boats and on down river to camping spot, East bank, upper Rincon.
Got settled. Harry had dinner soon—sat around the fire and listened to
Dock tell about running the river with jets—more fun—so glad I could
come. Slept well.
Into Glen Canyon on U95
NEXT DAY...
Slept
out—no rain this time. Up at dawn—washed face, brushed teeth, small
jaunt, back and made coffee. Grandpa Staveley up. We both had cups and
cups of coffee until the rest arose at 8:00.
Then
had bacon, french toast—which I made. Staveleys lashed down boat while
I washed dishes and joan cleaned Woody's quarters. MORE COFFEE. Dock
Marston flew in--Dick brought him up...
At
noon I decided if I were going to explore would have to get with it.
Dock said he'd go with me. Finally took off, walked down to lookout
tower, then along cliff edge to other ruins. Spent considerable time
looking at names scratched in tower. Jacobs, Elmer Kane—Dock supplying
info on each. Both these men with EAST Exp 1891. E. Kane on 2-TALL man
6'4". BIG man physically too. FUN. When along cliff saw Harry arr. Dock
called to him. he answered—we went down the road & met him...
I say, what a character. Tries to see how quickly he can get your goat—GOT mine.
A sign on the old road...U95
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