impressions of a hole in the ground
I got back from my little trip last Thurs. went to work Fri and spent the rest of the time catching up on rest and cleaning.
If you haven't bee to the Grand Canyon, I encourage outdoorsy folks to put it on your bucket list.
Wow. There were a few travelers with us that said, "well, it's just a hole in the ground" or "it's all rocks". I found it to be a profound spiritual experience. If you've ever seen that t-shirt/poster of the universe that has a small arrow pointing at a small star with the caption that says "you are here" - well being at the rim of the Grand Canyon looking out at it sprawled in all it's glory before you presents a very similar feeling - only I felt it in my soul rather than in my mind. It's pretty humbling.
For myself, it also reminded me I have a "thing" about heights. I also encountered quite a few people who were either too brave or stupid to pay attention to the safety railings. It was with great restraint of my apparent maternal instinct that I didn't grab them by their shirt collars and drag them to safety and shake them silly. (restraint + the fact thay were complete strangers and had free will + the fact I'd have to approach them close to the edge and endanger myself and OMG it was high!).
After a day though I began to acclimatize myself but then saw how easy it'd be to simply place oneself in danger while looking for that perfect photographic shot. -To try and capture the colors, the shapes, the total experience of what was seen. One may try for a lifetime but never be successful. It was so much more than scenic as it involves all one's senses. I have never longed for wings so strongly.
I have nothing but absolute admiration of our van driver who kept her eyes on the road and was not distracted by the views or the few sharp drop offs next to the road.
It was a aweful (full of awe) experience but I am grateful to be returned to my woodlands - trees, lakes and rivers - GREEN.
well, that's my 2 cents. :)
If you haven't bee to the Grand Canyon, I encourage outdoorsy folks to put it on your bucket list.
Wow. There were a few travelers with us that said, "well, it's just a hole in the ground" or "it's all rocks". I found it to be a profound spiritual experience. If you've ever seen that t-shirt/poster of the universe that has a small arrow pointing at a small star with the caption that says "you are here" - well being at the rim of the Grand Canyon looking out at it sprawled in all it's glory before you presents a very similar feeling - only I felt it in my soul rather than in my mind. It's pretty humbling.
For myself, it also reminded me I have a "thing" about heights. I also encountered quite a few people who were either too brave or stupid to pay attention to the safety railings. It was with great restraint of my apparent maternal instinct that I didn't grab them by their shirt collars and drag them to safety and shake them silly. (restraint + the fact thay were complete strangers and had free will + the fact I'd have to approach them close to the edge and endanger myself and OMG it was high!).
After a day though I began to acclimatize myself but then saw how easy it'd be to simply place oneself in danger while looking for that perfect photographic shot. -To try and capture the colors, the shapes, the total experience of what was seen. One may try for a lifetime but never be successful. It was so much more than scenic as it involves all one's senses. I have never longed for wings so strongly.
I have nothing but absolute admiration of our van driver who kept her eyes on the road and was not distracted by the views or the few sharp drop offs next to the road.
It was a aweful (full of awe) experience but I am grateful to be returned to my woodlands - trees, lakes and rivers - GREEN.
well, that's my 2 cents. :)