Grand Canyon

Image by Ann Halpin

My sister came to Arizona last month to be with me during the first couple of weeks after Don died to help me through the grieving process. Before she left, I took her on a one-day tour of the Grand Canyon. We signed up with Detours of the West and off we went with 6 other people and a guide.

Image by Ann Halpin

Our first stop was Sedona, where they dropped us off in uptown (aka, tourist area). While Sedona is know for its beautiful red rocks, I am not a fan of the tourist area of town. I was very glad to leave it to drive through Oak Creek Canyon. This is a spectacular drive along Oak Creek with the abundance of trees and foliage. You could almost imagine yourself in a different state. That is one of the beauties of Arizona.  As you get into the high country, the plants and trees change and temperature decreases.

This was my third visit to the Grand Canyon and my sister's first. The Grand Canyon is awe-inspiring and so vast that it is difficult to truly comprehend its width and depth. There is a peace that settles on you as you drink in the beauty of the formations and the stark cliffs of the canyon. The layers of sedimentary rock give definition to the walls with different hues of red and brown.

Image by Ann Halpin

Those warm earth tones and vastness of the canyon brought peace to me as I stood there gazing at it. It reminded me that there is much beauty and wonder in this world. Don and I once took a quick trip up to Page in northern Arizona to do a delivery and we both marveled at the sunrise over the barren rocks and desert scrub. The dry, rocky Arizona landscape offers a sense of wonder and peace.

On my sister's next visit, we're heading back to the Grand Canyon but for an overnight stay. I want her to see the Canyon at sunset, as the colors softly change as night approaches. And to see it at sunrise, when the Canyon walls slowly move from shadow to brilliant bright colors.

If you have not been to the Grand Canyon, I urge you to consider a trip. Come in the spring or fall, when there aren't as many tourists and you can more easily secure lodging in the park, along the rim. Or in winter, when the air is cold and crisp and there may be snow to provide a different view. If you don't want to do the drive yourself, there are several excellent tour companies that offer 1-2 day Grand Canyon tours from Phoenix and Las Vegas.  I used Detours of the West and they were excellent.

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