So much has been written about the Grand Canyon, I don’t know what I can add. One hears what a mystical and transformative experience seeing it is, that one stands there expecting to be suddenly and profoundly changed. It is hard for the experience to live up to the hype and yet … it is so breath-taking.

We were lucky to arrive just in time for sunset last Sunday. We watched the tips and peaks turn from red and brown to gold, as the lowering sun struck the rock. At one point, the full moon rose, adding to the charm. Vishnu’s peak, oddly named because it so resembles a breast, was the final piece of rock to remain golden, right under the full moon. It was like mother earth’s breast, rising up to meet the full mouth of the moon. Quite spectacular.

We then returned for sunrise the following morning and the entire canyon was filled with white mist. We watched the mist lift and reveal the treasure of peaks and canyons below as the sky brightened.

We shared the whole experience with my sister and brother-in-law which made it even more special. One does feel more profound standing there on the lookouts, staring at the millions of year old rock that seems to wave on and dip forever. It is a bit of a cliché to say it reminds you of just how small and fleeting your own life is, but it does. In fact, the entire landscape of the southwest does that.

So now I have seen the Grand Canyon. I am glad. It was special. Words are inadequate so I will stop.