Before we could see images of the Grand Canyon, imagine what the journey across a plateau with forests of shrubs, pinyon and ponderosa would be like, without having an idea of what lies ahead. Then you reach the edge and can go no further. You find a massive gaping channel, a break in the earth. A missing piece. Gone. But it’s no scar. Instead it is a painted palette of the geologic layers representing the great regressions and transgression of ancient oceans that laid down the sandstones, limestones and shale. Filled with color that changes throughout the day and seasons. A palette that has been shaped and carved so that there are endless angles, points and curves and colors to capture your attention.

On a plateau – you are at the top. From there it is all down. In and out you try and traverse the rim, try and get a feel for the scale. It keeps going. It wanders not in a straight line but in infinite angular contours demarking the edges. A jagged edge of rock of resistant Kaibab limestone. Cliffs drop hundreds of feet and makes the first step into the canyon itself, one of magnificent, almost perfect proportion. It gives you the first perspective to survey and realize how grand it is.