andrew scott jensen

Here is a recap of my Grand Canyon and Las Vegas experiences:

I got into the canyon Wednesday night and I slept in my truck here and it was very cold.  I then woke up at 5(about an hour from sunrise) and headed out to the best observation point to see the sunrise and it was very cold.  Watching the sun rise over the canyon, and illuminate the canyon inch by inch was phenomenal.

However, it did not compare to my initial viewing of the canyon.  I got to the rim when there was just enough light to vaguely see this wonderful place.  I was overcome with awe and a realization of just how small I am.  Driving up in the night was perfect because I did not see anything that would spoil the chance to see the canyon for the first time at sunrise.

After watching the sun for about 2 hours, I had breakfast and then hiked down into the canyon at around 8:30.  I hiked down close to 2 miles, and every step was incredible.  The way back up was a good challenge.  The first step back up the trail got my heart rate really going, and it stayed high the whole way up.  This was an amazing cardio workout to say the least.

I cut my visit at those two things.  There is so much more to do there and I will wait to do it again with Chelsea.  I plan on going back there very soon, and taking a few days to see much more of the canyon.

Leaving the canyon was the hardest thing about it all.  I just couldn’t turn my back on such beauty.  I reluctantly headed out, not without making one last stop over the rim for some last minute viewing.  As I drove away I truly felt like I was leaving a part of me behind, it was almost saddening to leave.  I can’t explain what happened to me out there, but it was a surreal and very spiritual experience I will never forget and try very hard to relive.

From the Canyon, I headed to Vegas.  Along the way was the Hoover Dam.  From the 4 mile marker to the Dam it took 2 hours!!!  2 hours to drive 4 miles, and I had to pee like a race horse.  It was a less than desirable experience for sure.  Driving right over the Dam was a good conciliation for the traffic.  I saw it from right atop the Dam, right where they shot some of the Transformers movie.

As for Vegas, I was not impressed at all, in fact I really didn’t like being there.  Maybe it was because last minute planning doesn’t work there.  Everything has to be booked in advance.  I spent nearly 3 hours driving around the strip trying to get a hotel room and figure out the complicated driving instructions at each Hotel/Casino.  I was going to stay in Vegas until Saturday, but nothing could have convinced me to stay.

I think the main reason Vegas was so unsettling for me was its stark contrast to the Grand Canyon.
I experienced such raw, natural, unaltered beauty at the canyon.  Vegas was the exact opposite: man made, fake, and ugly.  I went from experiencing something that clicked with the core of my being to something that made me sick to my stomach.

This is a harsh review of Vegas, I understand.  But, I am a person who is awed and moved by the beauty of our environment not by flashing lights and pop culture.

I may go back, I may not.  If I do, I will plan ahead and attempt to see Vegas in a different light.

As for the canyon, I will go back, and back again, and back again until I die.  I just can’t express what being there did for me.  I will try to figure it out and put it down on paper if I find the words.