Grand Canyon

Sitting in the van, on the bumpy road of the Hualapai Indian reservation, I conjured up thoughts of how the trip would pan out. Me and 19 other classmates, four guides, one teacher’s assistant, and one professor, traveled down that dusty road towards the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. We had five rafts, 23 paddles, enough delicious food for six nights and five days, and dry bags galore, all neatly piled into the backs of two trailers and two vans.
We cast off, hitting the rapids right out of the gate. This was to be a journey of personal discovery for us all. Everyday we all woke up, prepared breakfast, then paddled through beautiful rapids and flowing river, all day.
Pulling into camp, we all explored the lower canyon made up of streams and beautiful curry colored rock, though some friends and I usually went off to find our own adventures. One particular time is the exploration of a waterfall, which the guides talked about during breakfast. The five of us walked behind camp and followed a stream, until we saw the opening of a cave. Entering of course, the top was open and daylight poured through. Trudging on, the sound of falling water vibrated throughout, and eventually showed itself, like a unicorn trusting us enough to show its purity. My friend Kelsey and I climbed up the side, while everyone else admired from the ground. While we both stood next to the rushing water, we noticed a small nook large enough for three people to crouch in behind the water. Crawling in, we were about ten feet off the ground huddled next to each other. The cold water cascaded in front of us, like a picturesque dream. My friend Toy ended up climbing up the side as well, and I guided him towards the best way in. Mystics say that venturing behind a waterfall is one of the holiest places on earth, I agree.
As the whole group paddled through the Grand Canyon, the river eventually opened up into Lake Mead, seventy-five miles from our starting point. Our lives were forever changed in all directions. Stories were told, eyes met, and trust was found. Ah, the life of a student at Prescott College.