Thursday's Child: The Grand Canyon

Thursday, April 28, 2011
This month I’ve been writing about beautiful outdoor destinations we’ve visited.  I’ll end it with one of the closest, yet most spectacular, sights we’ve ever seen – the Grand Canyon.

I had a hard time both writing commentary for this post and choosing pictures to accompany it, for the simple reason that neither words nor pictures do it justice.  Before we went, I had seen hundreds of photos of the Canyon.  It looked beautiful, and I was looking forward to seeing it.

But nothing prepared me for the spiritual nature of this visit.  If you’ve been there, you probably know what I mean, and if you haven’t, you’ll just have to go yourself.  The depth of the gorge, the reach of the canyon to the horizon and beyond, the striking and ever-changing colours – and still it adds up to much more than the sum of all these parts.

We were thrilled to visit the Canyon with our daughters when they were 10 and 7, and I wouldn’t have changed that for the world.  We listened to a ranger talk about the history and geology of the area, we hiked into the gorge twice, and we watched the sun both set and rise over the canyon.  But if I ever get back, I’ll set aside the time just to sit, and to watch, and to take it all in.


24 comments:

Joanne said...

I think I would be so floored by this wonder, I'd definitely have to take that time to sit and absorb the beauty. Mother Nature knows how to stop us in our tracks, doesn't she?

Carol said...

Gorgeous shots! It really is a most breathtaking place. We never made it to the Grand Canyon because of snow.

Janet Johnson said...

Beautiful! I was 10ish (I think) when my family went to see it. I have to admit that I did not appreciate its wonder then. As an adult, I really want to go back and spend actual time there. I can only hope my kids will appreciate it more than I did. :)

Valerie Gamine said...

What amazing views!! Yet another place I would love to visit someday. :D

Ruth said...

It is completely indescribable, isn't it. I sat quite still for the sunset and found it very moving. (And a little chilly, to be honest!!!)

chow and chatter said...

wow its simply a wonder of the world amazing

Anonymous said...

God is SO good! I mean really.. just looking at those pictures leaves me in awe!

Mimi said...

In college we backed packed down into the canyon and camped amid waterfalls. Spectacular! It's not called The Grand Canyon for nothing.
Mimi

Katerina said...

Yes, this is something I will definitely visit in my next trip to the States!

Claudia said...

As a family, we consider this one of the finest road trips ever taken. Your photops capture the marvelous colors of the terrain - the grandeur is inescapable.

Anonymous said...

I have never been to the Grand Canyon! But I would absolutely love to go. My husband and I love taking road trips together, and this is one place I think we need to go to one day soon. Great photos!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Everyone I know who has visited the Grand Canyon has the same opinion... spectacular!

My husband has mentioned many times that he would love to see it. Maybe someday.

art is in the kitchen said...

Sublime! Nothing compares to the majesty of the Grand Canyon! Aren't we blessed to have such a place to enjoy in our midst!

Anonymous said...

The photos are beautiful, but you're right - you need to see it in person. I never went as a kid, but got there about 4 years ago and loved it!

Anonymous said...

I've been to Arizona...four times? But I've never been to the Grand Canyon. My parents went last fall (it was my Dad's first time) and they gushed exactly the same way that you are right now. I would absolutely love to see the sun rise and set there someday sooner than later!

Kimberly said...

Since I live in the neighborhood, I've seen it a few times and it just does not look real! It is so gorgeous and absolutely amazing. The first time we went, my children were small and they were more interested in the friendly squirrels than in the beauty of the canyon itself.

Jackee said...

It IS an amazing phenomena, isn't it? :o) I don't think I appreciate it enough, living so close and all. Plus I'm always stressed about keeping toddlers away from the edge instead of studying the beauty. :o)

Thanks for sharing, Beth! I loved your pictures.

Xinmei @ Pudding Pie Lane said...

My dad flew over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter. To say that I am jealous would be an understatement. It's absolutely amazing isn't it? :)

Velva said...

You are right, there are no words or photos that can truly express the Grand Canyon-it is something that you have to experience. Amazing. Thanks for sharing.

Velva

Bkloss said...

Oh this was perfect for me to see...since we're moving to Arizona in a month! Thanks for sharing ;D

Jeanne said...

I know I would feel the same way about this incredible place. I've been to Arizona a few times, and visited Canyon de Chelly, but I haven't made it to the Grand Canyon yet! I know it would be the perfect place to sit quietly and just absorb the surroundings. Thank you for sharing your adventures!

Anonymous said...

You are so right about what a spiritual experience the Grand Canyon imparts. My favorite moment of my visit there was to get up early enough to watch the sunrise. I can't wait to take my family there--Hubby has never been.

Amie Kaufman said...

I was almost nervous visiting the Grand Canyon. I was so worried it wouldn't live up to my expectations, which were high indeed. It absolutely exceeded them. I'll never forget that visit.

Sue said...

We went to the Grand Canyon (first time for me) in November. It was breathtaking. It snowed, and was so beautiful.

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