There are times when I remember some of the places I have visited and I great lost in my mind. I remember the feelings I had, the scenery that I was given, the sounds of wildlife, the crazy weather and last, the feeling of wonder. It was like I was a five year old trapped in a twenty year old body. The one memory that really stands out for me would be the Grand Canyon.
We went for my birthday and had everything planned. We were gonna stay in the park, do some hiking, get away from people back home and just relax. After all this was a celebration. Throughout our trip I remember how barren Texas was as we drove through it. How many homes were abandoned and falling apart. It was nothing but flat land everywhere your eyes touched. It made me wonder how a state so big could be so alone. For miles there were only spurts of people. It was utterly amazing and terrifying. If somewhere this big can have so much open space it made me wonder if it was what the Earth used to look like before it became beautiful and wonderful. Of course Texas has lots of opportunity when you get to the cities but otherwise it is nothing but unbearable land everywhere.
Once we had gotten through Texas we made our way towards the final destination. The area became suddenly engulfed in trees and wildlife. I had never been so amazed. It was like a magic trick to my eyes. One second you’re driving in nothing but barren land and next thing you know you’re surrounded by forests. I felt like I was in a world that only few knew about. It felt incredible to get out of the car and set up camp. My blood was on fire and I was itching to see this amazing place that we had wondered about. I wanted to see it with my own eyes.
Mother nature though seemed to have other plans. Once we had settled down and went to bed for the night the clouds had started rolling in. By morning it was raining, cloudy, and foggy. For the entire day you couldn’t see anything and it was incredibly disappointing for me. I wanted to see this magical world. Yet it was hiding from my vision. For the entire day we walked around the park in cheap rain ponchos with our cameras trying to be careful that the rain didn’t ruin our precious babies. The day passed without much to show. Really it was almost good since I did some of my shopping there but I did feel like I was being letdown by this wondrous place. I was here to see its magnificence, to be able to enjoy it would make my spirits lift.
It seemed that mother nature heard my call for something magnificent to appear for me. Once we got back to the campsite and started to settle along with the drizzling rain that seemed to be playing games with us, I saw him. The big bad elk that owned the area around our campsite. Now they do warn you to not go near the Elk since it was mating season for them and the elk that was around the area can be dangerous since he is a fifteen pointer and is very protective of his females. Yet that moment my brain switched off and my photographer side took over. I grabbed the camera and with delicate footsteps and many pictures from different lengths of space between me and him I made my way through the forest to the creature. I felt like this was right. I wanted to see him up close. I wanted that one shot. Moving so he could see me but staying far enough away I made my way to the male elk who had decided to lay on the grass. Immediately he noticed me and I stayed still as he watched my movements. What seemed like hours passed as I gently moved my camera up to my eye and took shot after shot. All the while he seemed content with my presence. Not agitated, just curious. Once I was done I made slow movements away and shared my success with my father who was waiting for me back at the car. It was incredible. It was what I needed.
Soon the night came and went and the next day we planned to hike. We had gotten intel from the locals about which trail to go on since we wanted mostly scenery. Kibab Trail. Supposedly difficult to do, goes all the way into the canyon to the river, and is gorgeous. Definitely a must do but, only if you’re ready to get your ass handed to you. I knew instantly that we were going to go hike this trail. I wanted to see some scenery and that is what I was gonna get. With determination the next day we got up, packed up our gear, and watched the weather. Still upset that it hadn’t completely cleared but trying my hardest to stay optimistic we set out to the bus that would take us to our destination. The bus ride was nerve wracking. I had yet to see it. It was almost like a game. Would it be visible? Would we be able to get some pictures? Oh please let it happen.
Like some spell once we got off the bus I instantly felt giddy. It was right there and it was beautiful. Oh my god. The clouds had rolled into the canyon itself and made it look like a blanket over the canyon. It was so spectacular. I couldn’t stop laughing at the sight. It was real. It was in front of me. It was so much more then what I had imagined. Pictures never do the Grand Canyon justice. Filled with happiness, giddy, and overwhelmed with the feeling that this was going to be so worth it we went on the hike. The hike was worth every step. As you hiked every turn was a new piece of scenery. It was a new piece of the world revealed to your eyes. I have never seen something that spoke so much to me. The Grand Canyon is a sight to behold. It is a sight that I wouldn’t trade for anything. We did our hike and once we were done, we were exhausted. First, showers, next campfire and some food.
I still remember the memories like it was just yesterday. I saw so many wonderful things, I captured so much beauty, I felt like I could stay there for forever. Packing up to leave was so hard but we had to get home to go back to work. If you ever get a chance to see it, go see the Grand Canyon.
It may just leave an impression you will never forget.
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