Sunday, October 09, 2011

the grandness of the canyon

When the Gardener suggested I go along with him to his business meetings in Arizona, and that afterwards we visit the Grand Canyon as a sort of 40th anniversary trip, I agreed with the proposal. I have to say I wasn't all that enthusiastic ... for some reason the Grand Canyon has not been on my list of places to see before I leave this earth. I always assumed my great love is the gentle beauty of our mountains here on the east coast.
So off we went--and I had never been farther west than Colorado. I agreed it would be interesting to feel the dry heat of 102 (Phoenix) and to see if my lungs still allowed me to exercise at 7000 feet and above. And would the vertigo I experienced several times this year come back when I stepped out over the great expanse?
 Can you guess? Yes. We had a wonderful time, in spite of a monsoon type rain both afternoons we were there. The mornings were cool, crisp, and clear. We got going early, knowing the rain would be coming. Watching the storm come in was breathtaking in itself. Of course I learned that photos and films cannot show the beauty that being there allows you to see. We had to stop and be still while we tried to take in the majesty all around us. It was not a place for yelling and joking. We noticed that others, if talking, were doing so quietly. We know all the explanations for how such a place came to be, but there is no doubt the Creator had His hand in it. We were in awe.
Only blogger knows why this post is all in caps tonight. Connecting to Little Red House for Monday Mosaics.

32 comments:

  1. Beautiful! When did you go? I love your description of a storm rolling in. I get an idea, even without a picture.

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  2. Wonderful photos from your trip to the Grand Canyon. It is a place I think everyone should try to see.

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  3. Fantastic pictures! I have never been to the Grand Canyon, but would love to see it. Your pictures are stunning.

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  4. Stunning photos of your trip. Glad you had a great time and the vertigo was not a problem.

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  5. I would love to see the Grand Canyon. It must have been amazing. V

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  6. Someday! We like to go to Nevada, but fly in and out. Someday we'll rent a car and go to the Grand Canyon. Your post made me even more determined.
    Blogger gave me a hard time this afternoon, with messages about incorrect tags - and I never, ever tag.

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  7. I must say I would have had the same reaction as you did about going, not exactly enthusiastic, but your photos really opened my eyes. I know that photos never do a place justice, but they are truly magnificent. I guess it is something that you just have to experience for yourself.

    Thanks for sharing.

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  8. We have been to the grand canyon many yearsago and I still know what I thought when I saw ir for the first time. It is so overwhelmingly beautiful and like you say it is like you talk softer as if not to disturb nature. Thank you for showing me and letting remember this beautyRiet

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  9. When we lived in Phoenix, we would go up to the GC often, especially when out of state guests visited...it is so beautiful during each season, yes, they actually have seasons that far north, my favorite was right after a light snowfall.

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  10. Oh, I'm so glad you have experienced the Grand Canyon! It is a breathtaking marvel....and really must be seen in person at least once in one's life! Perhaps the post is all in caps to celebrate just how amazingly marvelous God's handiwork truly is!

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  11. Oh how very lovely! That is so great that you had the chance to visit this great area and that you felt ok!! Wonderful mosaics!

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  12. Wow, thats great!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Have a nice week,
    Markus

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  13. Absolutely wonderful pictures! They take my breath away! Thank you! Cathy

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  14. Dotsie,
    What stunning pictures. I have never been to the canyon. I have flown over it several times. I love the southwest and could have spent more time in Sedona.
    Happy 40th!
    Carol

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  15. Love your pictures. I was at the Grand Canyon when I was a teenager, but the day was foggy and we really couldn't see a whole lot. I guess I better get back there someday!
    Have a great week.
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek

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  16. What a fun trip and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! That's why blogger did all caps - in celebration of your wonderful day!

    Love the photo's - I've never been! So glad that you enjoyed yourselves.

    Leann

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  17. Hi Podso
    What amazing photos, looks like a place everyone should see once in their lifetime. I'm glad you went and shared the beauty of the canyon with us.
    Judith

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  18. My feelings about visiting were similar to yours. What could be more beautiful than the eastern mountains? However, I stood at that great canyon and was awestruck. Your photos bring back pleasant memories of a lovely trip.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  19. Beautiful, beautiful. The Grand Canyon is GRAND, isn't it!!! Have a delightful week.

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  20. Wow and wow! First to congratulate you on your 40th anniversary! And then the awesome trip. Beautiful pics!

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  21. What a wonderful anniversary trip! The Grand Canyon is hard to describe and impossible to capture in photos! But to experience it is life changing! It's truly a wonder! Beautiful photos, my friend! Happy Monday! ♥

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  22. Anonymous3:31 PM

    I am so glad you went..wonderful photos!!

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  23. Oh wow the views are stunning!

    Fall Colors

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  24. Your photos are gorgeous, I have never been to the Grand Canyon, but that will have to be the next place my husband and I go. The dry and the color reminds me of the Badlands in North and South Dakota. I listened to what the guides had to say about how the caverns and hills came about, but like you, I see the Creators hands in it all, too. And I don't thing it too millions of years for Him to do it. I'm thinking the Great Flood of Noah's day could have done all of it. I will be showing my Black Hills photos on Wednesday.

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  25. What stunning photos & scenery! I've never had the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon~ it's on my bucket list :)

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  26. Very beautiful! Thank you for posting!

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  27. Hi Dotsie...

    Ohhh my...truly majestic! I have been to the Grand Canyon twice. It is simply breathtaking and awe-inspiring! Oh yes...there is no doubt in my mind, of the Creator's mighty hand in the creation of the Grand Canyon! It sounds like you and your honey had a wonderful time! Your photos are really beautiful! Thank you for sharing them with us! Now I am wondering when you made the trip? I'm sorry that it's belated but...Happy Anniversary wishes and blessings to you and your dear husband!

    Well dear friend, I so enjoyed your visit today! Thanks sooo much for the sweet note...you made my day!

    Love ya,
    Chari

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  28. Dotsie, I know just what you are talking about when you say the Grand Canyon was never on your list of must sees (and, for the same reason... I prefer the gentler mountains of the east) but I ALSO know just what you mean about the awe and amazement. That sign says it all...

    I remember (in my early thirties, post-trip to Colorado) just putting my camera down after trying to capture the awesomeness and coming up so short. Your photos are BEAUTIFUL, but it is the 'feel of magesty' that we are frustrated with not being able to capture. You do have it in your mind's eye though! And, you have shared it with us through your eloquent words and your wonderful photos ... and I do so appreciate that!

    Yes, I did wonder where you were! ;) blessings ~ tanna

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  29. I can only imagine the beauty! I feel like you and visiting the Grand Canyon has never been high on my want to do list. My husband would love to visit. Everyone I talk to who has been there says the same thing... it is amazing!

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  30. Anonymous10:49 AM

    Gorgeous shots - and such a wonderful place!
    Hugs,
    Zuzu

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  31. The landscape is awe-inspiring! Perhaps I'll see it one day.

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  32. Both my sister and her family andmy husband's sister and her family live in Arizona so everytime we visit we try to take a trip up to the Grand Canyon. It never ceases to amaze me. One of my favorite visits was when snow was on the ground and crowds were sparse. I'm glad you decided to go with ypour husband and share in all the beauty.

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