Page 33 - NyghtVision Magazine Volume 4 #1

we weren't about to take a vehicle with 200,000 miles and prone to overheat across the country or Falcon: Not at all. I mean, JD and I "get it." We've never talked about it, but I promise you, when
even farther than around the corner. So, we rented cars often and we knew the manager of the rental one of us invokes the Spider Sense Rule, I'm joking of course since we don't have a rule, we stop and
office in Greensboro. When I was told there were no cars, I called him. He got us one. But I had no regroup. If the sense of impending problems does not go away, we stop, turn around and get out. I
idea what we would get. At first I thought having convertible would be cool. Once we left Cedar City, ended up in a gully that was so deep JD couldn't see me when I was photographing a creek that ran
my mind changed quickly. through.
Francois: So, you had no idea........ Francois: So that's what happened. You invoked your Spider Sense and the two of you left.
Falcon: Not at all. The weather in Vegas at that time of year is always unpredictable so we had Falcon: No. It wasn't that simple. I really wanted to stay but the more I pushed it the more present
brought heavy winter clothes just in case and if I recall JD has actually suggested we bring gloves and real danger seemed. It was like I could feel it looking at me. I remember I said something to JD
and hats. We left Vegas and drove north. When we got to Cedar City we stopped for lunch at Del like, "We have to get out of here......." He asked why and I guess he could sense that I was really seri-
Taco - there aren't any in the southeast so for us it was a treat. If I recall, it was cooler in Cedar City ous. What was really strange was that as soon as we crossed the small wooden bridge, I was fine. The
than Vegas but beyond that we had no reason to suspect what would happen. sense of danger was gone. It's strange - even now I can remember how I felt.
It wasn't long before we started climbing a steep road and soon we were a good mile above Any way, we left the park and headed out. That was when we found Wells-Fargo.
Cedar City. There was snow everywhere and signs warning drivers to use chains and snow tires were Francois: Isn't that where you created that iconic image of the lens hanging out of the car?
placed every few feet it seemed. Falcon: Yes. We had
Francois: But that didn't stop you - at least not at first. stopped to photo-
Falcon: No. graph some deer that
Francois: So, why did you finally stop? I'm baiting you - I am sure you know that I am. were very near the
Falcon: Yes. Of course. car. I photographed
Well, we reached a point where the road was extremely narrow to begin with, and, only the JD's lens reflected in
center section was plowed. We passed a few trucks coming down as we ascended, but we didn't see the side-view mirror.
a single car. Still, we kept going. I am not sure he real-
Then, all of a sudden, it was like the front of the car was pushing against a glass wall. I felt a ized what I was doing.
cold chill and I had a vision of the car - and us - down at the bottom of a canyon. I realized that we Francois: Well, this
had no cell service and even though we had just filled the gas tank, if something happened, we would conversation leaves
not have enough gas to last till we were found - if we ever were. Add to that the fact that we had no so much unanswered
food to carry us over and it became clear that we were taking a terrible chance. and so much for me to
But I pushed on. Finally, my heart was racing and my "inner voice" was screaming to stop. think about. At some
Francois: I have been told that you refer to that "inner voice" as your "spider sense." point I want to know
Falcon: Yes. In honor of Spider Man, a favorite of mine when I was a kid. why you take chances
Francois: Really? I wouldn't have guessed. like this, but, for the
Falcon: (laughing) I can do without the sarcasm. moment, I will just
Any way, we managed to turn around - let me tell you that that wasn't easy. And we headed thank you for your
back down towards Cedar City - we even stopped along the way to create some photos - I love the time.
ones of JD in the snow. Falcon: You are wel-
We decided to go to the Zion National Forest so we got off on Route 17, merged onto Route 9, come.
and headed there. It was late afternoon by then and admission to the park was $25 and it closed in
a matter of hours. There was no point to going in. On the way back to the Interstate, we saw a sign
for Silver Reef - I turned to JD and asked him if he were up for an adventure. Being his usual long
winded self, he said "Yeah." Off we went. Right: The sun sets
Francois: What's it like when you do that? I mean, there must be a reason why you do it - no? over the edge of
Falcon: (laughing) Because we can. Because it's there. the gully where
Any way, we went down every road we could find after we left the cemetery and the old Falcon and JD
mine. At the far end of Silver Reef, which I guess is technically a part of Leeds, Utah, we followed were working. Dix-
Oak Grove Road into the Dixie National Forest. I remember crossing over a small wooden bridge. ie National Forest,
My Spider Sense was screaming but we parked the car and got out any way. Once again, my Spider Utah.
Sense got so bad that I told JD we had to leave.
Francois: I'll bet that went over well.
Wynter 2014 | 33
32 | Behind the Scenes: An Interview