grand canyon national park - north rim

date hiked: august 3-4, 2006
distance (total): approx. 20 miles - on the rim and in the canyon
highest elevation: over 8000 feet
elevation gain: approx. 1500 feet from the supai tunnel to the rim
time: varied - for the 4 mile round trip to the supai tunnel and back to the rim = 2 hours 28 minutes

this was my (annie) second trip to the grand canyon. it was kelli’s first visit. it amazes me that although i knew what to expect this time, new things surprised me…and the same things shocked me all over again. i originally chose to go to the north rim because everything i had read about it appealed to me. it is less populated, only open part of the year, and greener, without an imax theater. i was deeply affected by my first visit, i couldn’t imagine not going back to the north rim again. almost ten years later, i am sure of the ability to be “spoken to” there…if one is silent enough to feel it.

i was shocked to see the destruction the latest fires had caused driving into the north rim on hw 67. i knew the north rim had been evacuated just weeks prior to our visit due to the fires, but to see the forest covered in blackness is in such contrast to the surrounding green. that was something that still shocked me…the green. it is so green…both on the rim and in the canyon. i love that you drive through green meadows and forest…almost a tease of what’s to come. it is somewhat misleading…there is a deceptive trickery in it all, as you begin to wonder, “the grand canyon can’t be here, can it?” i like to pretend that it is the only approach that befits such a miraculous place…i like to imagine it is the entrance that is preparing your worthiness. silly, i know.

kelli and i hiked in the canyon to the supai tunnel on the north kaibab trail. after almost a mile, you reach the coconino overlook. it is one of my favorite places within the canyon. it is the place where i believe you can learn about yourself, if you are willing to be honest. the first time i sat at the overlook, i performed a private ritual. (i know this post must be sounding weird, but stay with me.) most people carry a lot of baggage around…they carry it so that it affects them consistently, along with every person they connect with. people don’t do it on purpose…but it is there. my feeling is…once in awhile, you find a place where you can set your bags down…and choose to leave without them. the coconino overlook is one of those places for me…it offers me a knowing, silent, comfortable reasurrance. this time, i felt, “yes, i know i left a lot of shit the last time i was here.” and then, “thanks…can ya handle some more?”

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