Wednesday, August 29, 2012

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'!


15 comments:

Linda Järve said...

So beautiful!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I've never been to the Grand Canyon. It's on my "to see" list for sure! In the meantime, your gorgeous photos whet my appetite!

Ann said...

Its in my bucket list too. I don't know any adjectives that come close to describing this beauty.
ann

Eileen T O'Neill ..... said...

Lynette,

Your photographs are breathtaking in deed. Lost for words to describe such colours and the unique vista. Perhaps almost Martian:)

A long way from the River Lagan vista Lynette!!!
I will be back there this weekend for a visit.
Best Regards,
Eileen

Pat said...

I've been catching up on your blog posts. You write so beautifully, Lynette...your words transport me to the scenes you post.

These photos of the GC are stunning. I've seen it briefly in 1975 and again in 1993 when we stopped by on a long cross-country road trip from CA to Florida and back with our 3 sons. Due to our time crunch, it was a brief look over the heads of scores of Japanese tourists and then on to our destination of the day. Not very satisfactory. Now I really want to go there and spend much more time really seeing it.

Katy Cameron said...

Oooh, can't believe I'm going to be there in less than 2 months, can't wait!!!

VioletSky said...

"the fact that we're a part of something much bigger than ourselves" - one can only feel humbled when looking out this ancient vastness!

carol l mckenna said...

Excellent photography of one of Natures's Wonders ~ I love the Grand Canyon ~ (A Creative Harbor)

Roger Owen Green said...

I've actually never been. Ought to.

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Awestruck is the only word I can come up with. I would have loved to see it, this lifetime........so lovely to see the INCREDIBLE photos you captured, Lynette. Wow. Yes, we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves. It would be great to blow up one of these images to fit an entire wall!!!!

joo said...

Breathtaking is probably the right word! Awesome photos!

Linnea said...

Thanks for the memories. I too was breathtaken when I first looked over the edge of the Grand Canyon. Your post makes me want to go back!

joy said...

wow and wow and wow. Really amazing, breathtaking and awesome. I wish I could go there and see the grand for myself. Thanks for sharing tough:)

rapunzel said...

Amazing shots! Took my breath away.

Pat said...
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