High on life in the Grand Canyon





Written November 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I couldn't possibly pick a single inspirational moment of this trip. From the first full day walking in Zion, to the climax hiking down into the Grand Canyon at the end, I just remember the whole experience being utterly fantastic. I can pick out a few top highlights though...Their are some great walks in this trip. Particular favourites of mine were Angels Landing in Zion and Delicate Arch in Arches NP. Angels Landing takes you up steep switchbacks for an hour before requiring you to scramble up a sharp ridge with sheer drops either side, and only your sense of balance and some handily placed chains to keep you on the mountain. Once I got to the top, the view was matched only by my sense of achievement. Bryce Canyon was breathtaking. Every corner we turned gave a new and even better vista. Kodak made a lot of money out of our visit, I have no doubt. We did a couple of walks here, including one taking us down into the canyon amongst the hoodoos. I think we all agreed that visually, Bryce was the trip winner.But the best part of all was the Grand Canyon. After 8 fantastic days, I think we were all a little afraid that GC might be a tiny bit of a disappointment. How wrong we were. The moment that the helicopter entered the canyon, and the earth disappeared from underneath us - I will never forget. And as for walking down into the Canyon to Plateau Point and back up, I have never before felt so high on life. I hope I remember the feeling I had as I made it back to the top for the rest of my days.
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