G is for Grand Canyon

Though I have been lucky enough to visit several times, I am simply unable to come up with words that adequately describe Arizona's Grand Canyon.  

'Stunning' is a good place to start...'majestic' is also a true and undeniable description...yet neither of these begin to describe the visceral impact one feels upon registering its amazing beauty. 

For me, 'breathtaking' is as close as I can come to explain the sense of reverence I felt gazing into the Canyon's  cavernous depths. My breath, indeed my whole being stilled with awe the first time I saw this natural wonder, with its contours so intricately sculpted over millennia by the erosive forces of wind and water.

My eyes were all that moved, greedily taking in the vibrant colours, the statigraphic layers...the sheer magic of this place that is so unlike anywhere else on earth.

Before I ever saw the Grand Canyon from the ground, I saw it from the air, a large gash on the earth's surface that is shocking in its size.

 Of course, my camera and I were happiest to be right there peering over the edge of rocky ledges in an effort to gauge the full scope of its depth.

I was both amazed and delighted with the ever-changing mood and mystery of the Canyon as the day's light changed it from minute to minute. Layers that had been sharp and bright early in the day were later washed golden and hazy in the late afternoon sun.

 If I stood patiently enough, I could see the light change from minute to minute in its inexorable sweep across the Canyon, an elemental journey that has taken place in this spot for more years than we can begin to comprehend.

It is easy to be at peace here, where nature proceeds unhindered and all we humans are required to do is observe the process and accept with grace the fact that we're a part of something much bigger than ourselves.

I am linking up to ABC Wednesday...do stop by to visit many more takes on the letter 'G'!

http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/