02/21/2013 through 02/25/2013
Millions of people from all over the world have visited the Grand Canyon. Billions of words have been written about it’s beauty and awesome-ness. So, we’ll try to limit our words and mostly give you pictures.
Here are some of our reactions to the canyon:
JANE: We arrive at the canyon’s edge as night falls. I’d been told that the Grand Canyon would be amazing, but I really didn’t know it would be beyond words! How to describe standing on the rim? (and you can stand right on the rim; there are few railings here) I’m crying now as I write this, thinking about seeing the canyon for the first time – and every day after. I have to stop and struggle for the right words. It’s beautiful. It’s breathtaking. It’s bigger than you could possibly imagine. My soul follows where my eyes look and soars over miles and miles of the multicolored, impossible landscape. That such a thing could be, in this world, is awe inspiring. Looking at the Grand Canyon, you get the feeling that anything is reachable. My spirit was transported to the highest pinnacle, the lowest chasm. How could this small, fragile vessel of a human body contain a thing so huge? Wow! I have no other words to describe it.
Take a look at the slideshow. Make it big! Turn it up! These pics needed some music…
In such a place, it’s no surprise that we met some new, great friends. Eva and Robert. They were enjoying something that I have no stomach for: sleeping in the back of a pickup (with a cap) in zero degree weather and snow. And yet, as you’ll see in the photos, they were happy and beautiful! Stronger than me, they are for sure. We shared meals with them and a fantastic hike down into the Canyon with them. They were a joy! We hope to see them again somewhere, sometime.
The Grand Canyon belongs to all Americans. You should go and see it – soon!
DAVID: One of my favorite things was watching families and couples take pictures of each other. It looked trite at first, then I saw the beauty. The beauty of sharing that first reaction that keeps hitting you for days and every time you turn around. The light, ledges, shadows and sheer heights all grab you over and over. Its hard to walk away.
I am a speck. A speck in space and time. The canyon is SO big, vast, as a barrier you must travel hundreds of miles in either direction to get around it. You can’t see it all without turning or tipping your head. Neither breadth, nor height. It is not a spectacle, just to be stared at; you can walk in. You can walk WAY in. For hours you can walk down. Then for more hours, you can walk back up and out. Switchback trails go down for hours into millions of years of geology lessons and multiple climates and wildlife zones. You HAVE to VISIT yourself!
Here’e the slide show:
– Jane & David
The Voyage of the Tramper 
Simply magnificent. We have kayaking friends that paddled the grand canyon. They said it was a trip of lifetime. One couple even got engaged there. So romantic!
Jill – I’m going back with my sister and daughter someday soon. We are going to ride the river, but on one of those big rubber boats with the brawny river guide.
– Jane
We were there in November…..amazing. Great slide show and post 🙂
Thanks, Ingrid! It really was amazing!
– Jane
wow! i wanted to go before…but now i MUST go!
Womencyclists – Oh, yes, you must go! Thanks for stopping by the blog
– Jane
We’re so happy for you both! Thanks for sharing these magnificent images; your musical selection enhances my memories of that region :”) (What is the ♪♫ piece called?)
Diane – The music on the slideshow is called “Planxty Burke” played by Keith Lockhart & the Boston Pops on the Celtic Album.
– Jane
Fantastic slide show !!! I visited GC in 1976 on our post college summer trip to California (4 friends, three named Joe in a 1965 VW bus!). We did not hike down the canyon though (wish we would have). Hope the Marfa makes it and I know it could not have a better caretaker!
Joe – Thanks so much! Your trip sounds like great fun, too. I’m going back with my daughter & sister. You should join us!
– Jane
Would love to visit it again someday – count me in!!!
We hope to go back again…but fly next time. Will keep ya posted.
-David
We did a day trip on our move to CA in 1997 – swore we would go back when the kids were a little older (the twins were 5) – we would be less than 600 miles from there at our new house. Well we lived there for 9 years and never made it back. Thanks for the memories – it is impossible to describe to someone who hasn’t been there. Have fun!
Robin- The Grand Canyon is still there for you to visit! You should go and take the twins.
– Jane
What a treat. That piece of music with those photos was very moving. Thanks!!
Jerry – Thanks for your kind comment! Glad you’re enjoying the blog. We’ll keep ’em coming!
– Jane
Love looking at the Tramper Voyage site. A vicarious thrill, when I’m not stuck in a jealous mode. But now that you are in the vicinity, I hope you’re going up into the Escalante. There is a place called “The Wave” that is a MUST SEE!, if you can get in. Look it up on line. this time of year you might be able to get a next day pass–they only let 20 people in per day. It is a marvel. Keep on truckin’, my friends!
Mark, thanks for the heads-up. “The wave” May just have to drop in there? Glad the posts are fun…its work to keep posting, finding Wifi etc. But we are SO glad we are.
-David
The scale of the canyon is what is so amazing. There are six thousand foot peak summits thousands of feet below the rims. It’s truly a staggering geometric scale.
Staggering…but a dangerous place to stagger. The snow was a bit treacherous too…South Kaibab had only a few minutes of hiking down past snow…then Bright Angel gave us about an hour and a half of snowy trekking down before it was muddy then dry. Would’ bought Yaktrax for that mush had they been more explicit.
-David
What a beautiful slide show! Jim and I camped at the North Rim in 9/13. It was peaceful and beautiful beyond words. Your pictures really captured its essence. Thanks for the quick vacation. Was that a Western bluebird? I love birds! 🙂
Thanks for the compliment! I believe that was a Western Bluebird. We’ve seen them in Wyoming, too.
– Jane