Spirit of the Canyon

Print available for this painting

Spirit of the Canyon

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine into trees.” – John Muir 

The Grand Canyon continues to be a landmark that draws several millions of visitors every year. I am happy to say that I have experienced this glorious place many years ago. My first time to the canyon, I was only 19 years old. We slept in the car right outside the canyon in order to get an early start on the day. I hiked the canyon with my significant other at the time. It was certainly a hike to remember. Hiking in the canyon in the middle of summer with 110+ degrees is probably not the wisest; but I did it and survived. We hiked the strenuous trip to the bottom in one day which also included an unfortunate 3 miles added due to taking the wrong path.

The next morning, we hiked back up. A challenging adventure for two Florida novices; not to mention hiking in tennis shoes, yes tennis shoes. You should have seen my blisters and battered toes and feet. There are now warning signs: WARNING: There are no easy trails into or out of the Grand Canyon!

I am glad I did it. Hiking is one of the most rewarding ways to see the Grand Canyon, even if it is also the most difficult. Our hike back was definitely taxing with steep trails to traverse and those wonderful switch backs that take a while before you get anywhere. A rule of thumb is for every hour it takes to hike down, it will take two to hike up and that was no exception for us. We didn’t make it out of the canyon until nightfall around 9 PM.  In the end, we hiked over 26 miles in two days in dang tennis shoes.

I did stop along our journey, not just to catch my breath from climbing the vigorous steep trails, but in awe of the magnificence the canyon has to offer.  It has long been believed that the Colorado River began carving the Grand Canyon about 6 million years ago, but a 2012 study contained a real shocker, suggesting that the process may have begun as far back as 70 million years. The Grand Canyon is recognized as a natural wonder because of its overall scale and size combined with the beautifully colored landscape. No matter the exact age, one is easily overwhelmed by its force, powerful energy and glorious spirit.

The Grand Canyon will touch your spirit forever with its indescribable natural beauty. I hope to experience this treasured gift again soon, but next time not in just 2 days and with real hiking boots and gear.

After completing this painting, the memories of the natural beauty and spirit of the Grand Canyon entered my thoughts and I titled the painting “Spirit of the Canyon”.

Have you experienced the beauty of the Grand Canyon?

Title: Spirit of the Canyon
Medium: Acrylic
Size: 30×40

“I believe in evolution. But I also believe, when I hike the Grand Canyon and see it at sunset, that the hand of God is there also.” – John McCain

Dare to Feel,

Red

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