Descent and return
To really experience and appreciate the Grand Canyon, I was lured into exploring the trails like many who had gone before. As the cool air evaporated the following morning and the sun began to spread its warmth, we left the rim and journeyed into the expanse below. Following a well-maintained track, we found the hike at first, moderately easy. But as we descended, the climb became more challenging, any sheltering vegetation became sparser, and temperature increased. The frequent stops to photograph the colours of the walls in the shifting sunlight were a welcome opportunity to stop and chat to hikers going back up the trail. Loaded up with sleeping gear from their overnight camp on the bottom, a sense of achievement echoed their excited descriptions. Once again, I was reminded that facing challenge and sharing an experience, bridges diversity and unites people.
After some hours, and with limited time available, we reached our “turn back” point and prepared to return to the top. The ascent was strenuous, and we needed to stop many times to catch our breath and rest our fatigued legs. I admired the other climbers, loaded with heavy backpacks who keenly shared their experience. The sense of camaraderie along the trail buoyed the tired and the exhausted. Recommendations for other climbs were exchanged and appreciated by locals and visitors alike. The trek back to the top was hot, tiring and long. It was not an easy undertaking, but the sense of achievement as we finished was worth every step. It was rejuvenating and I felt a heightened sense of wellbeing and perspective.