The Amazing Canyons : Grand Canyon, Arizona.

All ends will reconnect in time - ReachingDelphi

We stood there, Doc and I, speechless. I felt I was on another planet. In front of us stood magnificent million-year-old rock structures of various colours, each formation layered like a delicious cake. (If it were a cake, everyone in the world would be able to enjoy a tea-time special.) I am talking about the great Grand Canyon in the United States. Among those ancient rocks, I felt so small. It was a simple reminder of how tiny we are in the presence of Mother Nature.  

 

Just you, me and mother nature. Speechless. 

What is the Grand Canyon? In short, it is a river valley in the Colorado Plateau that exposes uplifted Proterozoic and Palaeozoic strata. (The Proterozoic and Palaeozoic periods ran for millions of years, causing great geological changes and shaping how the Earth looks today.) Recent studies of the caves in the canyon indicate that the Grand Canyon gradually came into being about 17 million years ago. The multi-coloured layers we see today are the different types of rocks that have eroded and been exposed to the elements over the centuries.

 

Cherish the amazing world we have inherited.

So just how huge is the Grand Canyon? Overwhelmingly huge, to be honest. To start with, its 446 kilometres long. Putting this into perspective for someone from my part of the world, this is similar to the distance from Ipoh (in Malaysia) to Singapore, or from Bangkok to Sukhothai (both in Thailand). Its width stretches between 6.6 kilometres and 29 kilometres. Caution! Do not look down if you are afraid of heights – it’s over a mile (1.6 kilometres) deep. On that note, those who wish to satisfy their adrenaline craving should check out the bungee jumping packages.

 

What is life, I am so lost?

There are over 1,000 documented caves at the canyons, but only 30% of these have been explored to date.

 

Canyon caves.

The Grand Canyon is home to diverse wildlife and endangered species (mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians). The earliest people in this region were the Native Americans, and they still inhabit the area today.

 

Come,  follow me.

Anyone can visit the canyon at almost any time of the year. Just head to the Grand Canyon National Park, which is in the beautiful state of Arizona.

View from the helicopter.

Depending on where you are travelling from and the time of the year, you have the choice of visiting the South or North Rim. Doc and I travelled north from his sister’s place in Arizona to visit the South Rim first. It took us nearly five hours to get to the park by car. We stopped for a short lunch – and coffee break at Flagstaff on the way, naturally 😉. You could also get there through a tour package there, which is what my parents and sisters did many years before.

I'll be there, I will. 

 

Once you reach the park, you will have several ways to explore the majestic landscape. Here are few:

• Sightseeing on your own or with a guided tour
• Trekking
• Bus rides within the park
• Helicopter rides
• Canoeing/rafting

 

I am so tiny in your presence.

A few weeks before this trip, Doc made a helicopter tour reservation (aviation is one of his passions). If you have time, I do highly recommend this option. Though your wallet might end up a little lighter, you will not regret the opportunity to see the canyon from a birds-eye view. The breath-taking sights and the exhilarating feeling we experienced together during this one-hour ride will forever be etched in memory.

 

Magnificent mother nature.

Our scenic flight took us through the beautiful Kaibab National Forest, which I learnt was home to the world's largest stand of ponderosa pines. Then we were treated to a feast of varying views of the canyons – North, South and East. We also pointed out the Colorado River snaking its way in and out of the canyons, eroding its steep sides as it has done for millions of years. Since our trip was in the winter months, there was a chilling breeze. I guess that was why we did not see any rafters along the Colorado that morning. But let me know if you spot any.

 

A view of the Colorado.

Light snacks and meals are available at designated areas in the park. We bought ourselves a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and some coffee to go with it. What, more coffee?  Of course! Anyway, back to the peanut butter sandwich. Frankly, this was my first real American version of the sandwich, and after having one, I realised why kids (and adults) are so hooked on it. I would go for seconds if I were not, in the canyon terms, as old as the rocks.

 

Peanut butter sandwich & coffee. Come on, I am hungry.

We definitely needed that extra coffee to stay focused on the road, because on the way back, we decided to take the windy but scenic route back via Sedona, which was a little longer. 

  

Scenic drive on the way back.

 We made a few more exciting stops on the way.  Yabba dabba doo!

Get your Kicks! 

Doc loved flying, so naturally seeing these aircraft parked at the Valle Airport reminded him of his Cessna days and, me of Top Gun. Take my breath away.........

I know which one I would choose.

 We also spotted a few vintage cars at the gas station. 

Blown away!

“Grand” understates the canyon’s splendour. Some may regard this place as just a bunch of old rocks. Not so for us. It is the home of the ancient spirits. You can hear them in the blowing wind. Listen to them for a moment. Just being there face-to-face with this mighty geological showcase of colourful layers of rocks is most certainly the experience of a lifetime. It is a blessing and a privilege to be able to view this natural wonder. We are so blessed!

The soul of the rocks has seeped into me. My wish is that the stars of the canyons keep you and me company and guide us all through darkest moments of any day. Those shining diamonds assure me that everything will be okay. All ends will reconnect in time. Counting stars, reaching Delphi, searching for wisdom and peace of the ancient world.

All ends will reconnect in time - Reaching Delphi 💗💗💗