Bill Belknap's self-proclaimed love for anything Native American started him on his travels on the Colorado Plateau. This region soon became a major influence in his life. As a young teen, Bill set off by himself in his Woody station wagon to the Hopi, Havasupai, and Navajo lands. The ruggedness and the beauty of the Plateau that he so eloquently captured in his photographic images touched him deeply. It was here that he would meet his wife Fran, establish many lifelong friendships, and begin his long involvement with rivers. Bill, both alone and with his family and friends, made frequent forays to the Colorado Plateau, country that encompasses portions of the four corners states: Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.