The Grand Canyon

Day 26 Photo Album

September 28, 2009

Today my car needed some care; the heat shield for the gas tank had rusted loose and was dangling.  Easily repaired by the garage next door in an hour.  So my start to the Grand Canyon was a bit delayed. 

I left at noon and decided to stay for the sunset.  The park is 54 miles from Williams and it never closes.  If you arrive during the gate hours you have to pay, but the pass is good for 7 days.  In spite of the crowds and lack of parking due to construction, I got a great spot right at Mather Point. 

The glory of the canyon is not diminished by having seen it before, nor the middle of the day.  I walked a mile and a half along the rim trail enjoying every minute.  The further you walk from the parking, the fewer people are on the trail.  Remembering advice to watch where you sit before you sit (that is, to avoid scorpions, snakes and the like), I rested some on the rocks along the way.  The temperature was about 85 and there were some scattered clouds, casting deep shadows into the depths.  Shuttle buses stop every 15 minutes at designated areas, making it very convenient to get around without using the car.

I had lots of time to spare before sunset, so I had some lunch in the cafeteria and watched the commotion of employees and people.  There are many nationalities visiting and working in the park. 

I decided to go to Yavapai Point to watch the sunset.  Apparently Hopi Point is the favored spot, but you have to take the shuttle through that area and I couldn’t find a spot near the shuttle.  Loads of people are just as interested in the sunset as I am!

Though the wind had not been blowing before, it started up rather strongly as we all edged around the edges.  The funny thing about the park is listening to people scold their loved ones for getting too close to the edges for pictures. 

I finally settled down on a ledge once removed from the final edge and snapped away as the sun came out from the clouds then sunk behind the horizon.  It was wonderful to be there with so many people who were like excited children, happily anticipating the show.  Sharing a magnificence that defies words or photos.

Photos can’t compare to the experience, but I may have enough saturation to get a few paintings out of it some day. It is as if the breath of eternity silently pulses, penetrating all matter.  The longer I am there, the less I need to look.  I can close my eyes and feel the inside of the universe.