Visiting Grand Canyon
Visiting Grand CanyonTravelling to the west two things were mandatory – visiting Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. We respected it.
The canyons are a powerful image of nature, but Monument Valley touched me more deeply.
I read about the not very friendly way Europeans dealt with Indian when the territory was parted. I read about the hard condition that most natives have to accept, in the reserves where they were confined.
Looking at the deserts of Nevada we have to think: How do they manage to live in search a hard environment?
Here, the answer is automatic: tourism. The entrance to the park is only possible escorted by local Indians, who also explore the restaurant and gift shop. That’s serious and useful work. But… before that? And the other millions that don’t have the memories of John Wayne to sell?
John Wayne was not there. Unfortunately, he will never be. But his memory stays in each rock and in each trail. The strange formations are no surprise for anyone, but give us a feeling of being in some familiar place. And the whole makes us reflect about the power of movies, that gave an universal dimension to that park.
The game of colors
Descending to the river is hard, taking time (and money or… risks). Most people follow the rim using the several marked and protected points to a view over the wide scenery.
One interesting detail is to use the frequent changes in the weather to appreciate the game of colors: the bright contrasts of the different chemical layers, giving place to the dramatic softness of the shady slopes. And with luck, a surprising scene may be captured – see Sunset under the rain or The Power of Nature
Sunset under the rain
In a rainy day, the guide spent almost all day announcing the wonders of the sunset in the Grand Canyon.
I thought it was just “guider’s conversation” but, at the right moment (American efficiency) the clouds opened a small frame and… well… even the rainbow adhered to the party.
Do not miss, and good luck.
The power of Nature
If you have my luck (visiting the Grand Canyon under deeply different weather conditions) you will have the chance to feel how strong the natural elements are.
Not only the carving of the canyon evidences the mighty power of water and wind, but the behavior of nature may provide a live performance of some of its strong powers.
Dramatic shadows, thunders, bright colors, compose a kaleidoscope hard to forget.
Grand Canyon Lodge
Grand Canyon LodgeBeing at Las Vegas, you should make a break to take an overnight stay, lodging at the Grand Canyon.
The contrast between human artificial paraphernalia (at its best in Las Vegas) and the powerful tranquillity of nature in the canyons, will surely strike you and make you think. Thinking it’s really the best sport. Bright Angel Hotel right at the edge of the canyon, or Maswik Lodge, some steps aside (more expensive), are peaceful solutions.
Unique Qualities: Fully integrated with nature and landscape.
Address: Highway 64, South Rim, Grand Canyon, Az, 86023
Memories of Grand Canyon
Eagles’ easy life
From above, everything seems small, flat, near and easy to access.
Down there, everything is far away, rocky, dusty, and hard to cross.
We made it by plane, and maybe the helicopter would be the perfect solution to shorten the distances, allowing you to land here and there, in all those several points were the views make you regret for not being down there.
“De volta da Festa”
In Portuguese we have a phrase “De volta da festa” which, literally translated is “back from the party”, that we use in all the occasions where, after a strong enthusiasm doing something, the goal is achieved, and, afterwards, we have to clean, or dismount, or pay, or…anything annoying, where everybody finds, immediately, how tired we are! I don’t know if, in English, you have something alike. If not, the explanation above seems good enough to understand the title. Well, the “Grand Canyon Party” was over, and, in our way back to Las Vegas, our Portuguese phrase applied perfectly to all the group.
Down there, the rain in the eve changed colours, the Colorado River looked different, and… Shut up, man! We are “de volta da festa”.
