Grand Canyon Trip Brought Unexpected Joy
In July, we did the Grand Canyon 4 day/3 nights rafting trip with Western River Expedition and it has shifted something within me on a very deep level.
First, let me share with you that I am not one to go camping. While I love being outdoors, I usually opt for a cozy bed at the end of the day. Since there are no hotels at the bottom of the canyon, you camp. Not only did I not have any camping experience, I had only been whitewater rafting once in my life and that was when I was 17! With all that said, this adventure . . . this Grand Canyon trip, totally out of my comfort zone, has changed my life and will forever be in my heart.
Going off the beaten path on a "trip of a lifetime" has stretched me and impacted me in ways that I truly treasure. It has been challenging for me to figure out how I wanted to share this experience because I literally get choked up when I sit and think about how amazing it was. For an experience to bring forth such emotion where tears of joy could roll down my cheeks at any moment, I know it has touched me on a soul level. So . . . while I am still not sure I have the words to express it fully, I thought I would give it a try and it might inspire you to do something out of your comfort zone that just might bring you an unexpected joy to your life.
A few things I learned and discovered while on this adventure of a trip:
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Simple things bring a lot of joy. We really don’t need a lot to be happy.
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The vastness of the Grand Canyon walls and the many colors are breathtaking. Pictures do not do it justice.
- Sleeping outside under the stars on a cot (not in a tent) is a must at least once in your life and if you are lucky, you just might see the Milky Way and a shooting star like I did and it was oh-so-awesome!
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The thrill of being in a raft in a rapid is so fun, with experienced guides of course.
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Seeing rock formations that are 1.6 – 2.2 BILLION years old blows my mind.
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Jumping off a cliff that is about 25 feet high into the cold Colorado River water is exhilarating and can bring forth the deepest scream I have ever had.
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Discovering a stream where someone has built a dam and created an instant hot tub with water at least 10 degrees warmer than the river water is like winning the lottery in the wilderness.
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Learning the ways of the river when it comes to going to the bathroom and bathing is weird at first and then becomes a “what the heck and who care’s” feeling . . . it’s just the way it is done on the river!
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Camping cots are the way to go . . . at least for me.
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Exploring and climbing rocks up into a cave to discover a beautiful waterfall is refreshing on so many levels.
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Riding in a helicopter over and through the Grand Canyon down to the water looks like fake scenery – the wow factor is way up there on this one.
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The canyon’s unique and wondrous sites bring forth a quietness that is so peaceful you can’t help but smile from the inside out.
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Experiencing the Grand Canyon from the water is so different from seeing it from above. It is like getting to know the Grand Canyon on a more personal level and then it is with you forever.
- Western River Expeditions is a top notch, A++ company with guides that feel like friends and can cook gourmet style along the river while keeping everyone safe. Highly recommended!!
When we do something different, when we step out of the box, when we go off the beaten path we can stretch our mind, body and soul in ways we never knew possible. Audrey Hepburn once said, “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m Possible.” Let possibility be a part of your life. Just because you never have, doesn’t mean you couldn’t try.
Trying something new can bring forth an immense about of joy, peace and relaxation. This trip was a life-changer for me.
Carrie - Westerville, Ohio
Arizona - Grand Canyon Rafting & Ranch 4 Day
