Grand Canyon
Today was a great day, we actually got a break from the heat. We left Sedona, early morning, and it was already 96 degrees. When we arrived at Grand Canyon Village, it was 96, but maintained this comfortable temp for the day.
Todd and I started out on the South Rim Trail, this was my first ever exposure to the canyon. The view is incredible, and actually takes your breath away. However, the mass of people was not my cup of tea. I was looking for a spiritual connection with this sacred wonder of the world, it was not quite that. We made the best of the viewing and meandering the trail, seeking solace from the crowds, for the most part it worked.
Todd and I ended up with a 7mile day. We walked the South Rim, and entered the trail head for Bright Angel. Despite my problem with vertigo, and my fear of extreme heights, we ventured out. It was at this time, that my fear of heights was replaced with my fear of stupidity.
In case you are not familiar, this trail is dangerous, the deeper you go, the more technical it gets. Clearly not a trail for small children, especially with shoe laces untied, adults in flip flops or traveling without hydration.
We witnessed parents not minding their toddlers along the South Rim. I would have put my toddler on a leash and held their tiny hand at the same time. There are hardly any rails, but plenty of drops. Unfortunate, but I witnessed a mom with her children, her 10-12 year old son was steaming ahead. The boy decided it a good idea to balance on the canyon rocks, along a hairpin turn and a 1000 foot guaranteed splash landing ledge, on the trail. My heart was in my mouth, I felt helpless and petrified for this child, I was anxed beyond belief. The mother, calmly shouted out from behind, “Zach, stop that”. I was mortified. Unfortunately, not an isolated incident, Todd and I left the trail, it was no longer pleasurable.
Later that day, before sunset, we grabbed a cocktail and chatted it up with a bartender. He confirmed that stupidity does exist, too often in the Canyon. He proceeded to tell us how expensive it is to be airlifted out of the canyon, but more important, the rescuers risk their own lives to rescue these stupid and careless folks. I sometimes wonder if it is a way to thin out the herd? Perhaps? Maybe?
Nevertheless, we returned before our trip to Page, we found a calmer and isolated part of the rim. It was spectacular. The views of the Colorado River got me happy.
Somewhere in America 