A natural wonder that does not disappoint
The Grand Canyon not only exceeds expectations, it transforms your perspective, according to teacher–traveller, Sue Bennett.
Reality of an abyss
On a recent trip to Arizona, I had an amazing opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon. With sparse knowledge from long-gone geography lessons, I anticipated a panorama of jagged cliffs reflecting the sun’s heat, disappearing into the abyss below. However, reality far exceeded my expectations. I was both astounded and awed by the sheer scale and depth of these majestic, imposing cliffs.
We arrived at sunset, and standing at the rim, watched the fading light slowly dissipate in the shimmering mist that enveloped the landscape. The interplay of light and shadow, enhanced the hues and tints, shifting from deep reds and oranges to the soft pink, purple and blues. This breath-taking landscape stretched as far as “the eye could see” and reminded me of the vastness of our world and my solo, tiny, speck of significance.
Huge scale
Mesmerised, I gazed over the edge and scanned the contours of the chasm, marvelled and reflected on the power of mother nature. Carved by the Colorado River, this ravine runs for 445 km, varying in width from 500 metres to a staggering 30 kms. Plunging to a depth of 1,828 metres, the layers exposed, each one a testament, the chiselled rocks telling a story of Earth’s past in a canvas of colour.
As I immersed myself in the moment of silence and stillness, I felt an ambience of peace and solitude. There seemed to be intangible connection to the vastness of the craggy tapestry that evoked a sense of belonging and harmony, at one with nature. In this ambience of tranquillity, I too joined other transfixed tourists and watched the sun slowly disappear below the horizon.
Forging a memory
Gently, as darkness increased, I drifted back from a sublime, reflective reverence. Rejoining my companion, my thoughts and emotions reflected in her eyes, a mirror of unity, understanding and affinity. No words needed, or adequate to describe our connection. Just like the majestic strata of the canyon, we silently acknowledged a relationship of shared moments, each layer a memory forging the bedrock of friendship.
Descent and return
To really experience and appreciate the Grand Canyon, I was lured into exploring the trails like many who had gone before. As the cool air evaporated the following morning and the sun began to spread its warmth, we left the rim and journeyed into the expanse below. Following a well-maintained track, we found the hike at first, moderately easy. But as we descended, the climb became more challenging, any sheltering vegetation became sparser, and temperature increased. The frequent stops to photograph the colours of the walls in the shifting sunlight were a welcome opportunity to stop and chat to hikers going back up the trail. Loaded up with sleeping gear from their overnight camp on the bottom, a sense of achievement echoed their excited descriptions. Once again, I was reminded that facing challenge and sharing an experience, bridges diversity and unites people.
After some hours, and with limited time available, we reached our “turn back” point and prepared to return to the top. The ascent was strenuous, and we needed to stop many times to catch our breath and rest our fatigued legs. I admired the other climbers, loaded with heavy backpacks who keenly shared their experience. The sense of camaraderie along the trail buoyed the tired and the exhausted. Recommendations for other climbs were exchanged and appreciated by locals and visitors alike. The trek back to the top was hot, tiring and long. It was not an easy undertaking, but the sense of achievement as we finished was worth every step. It was rejuvenating and I felt a heightened sense of wellbeing and perspective.
Respect
The Grand Canyon, one of the world’s natural wonders, deserves the respect that has inspired adventurers and artists for centuries. Visiting this stunning geological formation, was for me, a once in a lifetime event. It left a footprint, an intricate sketch in my mind as the disconnect from the matrix (rules, technology, expectations etc) nurtured a self- awareness of the importance of maintaining connections to both nature, self and others.
Susan Bennett is an Australian who has worked in education across 8 countries in managerial, advisory and curriculum writing roles. Her interests include working with groups who share her values in social responsibility. She is passionate about travel and seeks out opportunities to broaden her understanding of cultures and sharing her adventures with others.
The beautiful and stunning feature & support images kindly provided by Susan.
