“What makes a river so restful to people is that it doesn’t have any doubt – it is sure where it is going, and it doesn’t want to go anywhere else.” – Hal Boyle
A mile below me flowed the Colorado River — and in it flowed a treasure chest of my memories. — Photo by Pat Bean
Memories of the Canyon Floor
If I could see the rapid from a mile away, it had to be one of the big ones. I wondered which? — Photo by Pat Bean
While there’s no bad view of the Grand Canyon, I must admit that my heart beat a little faster whenever the viewpoint allowed me a peak at the Colorado River a mile below.
I rafted that same river twice, once in 1991 when I paddled my way through it in a small six-man raft, and once in 1999, when I was oared through it in a larger raft by someone else’s hand.
In all, I’ve spent a total of 32 days at the canyon’s bottom. The first trip ranks No. 1 of all my adventures, including an African Safari (No. 2) and jumping out of an airplane (No. 3). Yes, I know, I’m an adrenalin junkie, or at least I was.
Ravens haunted every overlook where I stopped to view the canyon this day, just as they had haunted every camp site on the river below. This bold one that didn’t move off at my approach reminded me of the one that had stolen my tube of toothpaste on one of my Colorado River rafting trips through the Grand Canyon. — Photo by Pat Bean
I’m just as happy these days going for a quiet canoe ride on a gentle river – or doing as I was this day, stopping at every overlook along the Grand Canyon’s Desert View Drive.
Each time my stop included a view of the river, memories of the time I spent on it flooded out of my memory bank to be relived.
Once again I was holding onto the paddle boat from the water side in terror after Granite Rapid claimed me for its own. Or I was lying on my back on a beach, staring up at a slim sliver of sky watching the stars drift past.
I remembered awakening to the song of a canyon wren, and drinking in the peace of the silence that always marked the first half hour of our daily time on the river. I emerged at the end of both 16-day trips a different person than the one who began it. More peaceful, more knowing who I was, more understanding what is important in life.
Today, that was simply spending time with the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
Bean’s Pat: http://thismansjourney.net/ Rhythm of the Waves. I love Galveston, and wave watching.
*This pat-on-the-back recognition is merely this wandering/wondering old broad’s way of bringing attention to a blog I enjoyed – and thought perhaps my readers might, too. June 7, patbean.wordpress.com
Pat Bean's blog 
I love that first photo!
Thanks. Me, too. I give all credit to Mother Nature.
Would that I had your sense of adventure in practice rather than in theory. You have so many stories to tell.
What I like to tell everybody is that all my adventures began after 40, and that you’re never too old to get out there and follow your dreams. But there are also people who are nesters, and who would not enjoy my unrooted travels as I do. Their happiness is found closer to home. Two of my old good friends admitted just that yesterday as we gathered for our annual lunch — if I’m in the area. I’ve come to only believe one of every dozen people who say they want my life. I ask a few questions and they admit it’s not for them. Each of us has to decide which camp into which we fit, or which of a hundred other camps that are out there. But if you really wish for adventure, then get the heck out there. I always enjoy hearing from you Kathy.
Now that is an astonishingly lovely view and photo!
Thanks bird and cat lady. Love your blog.
Pat, this photo is my favorite from all that I have seen of yours. Makes me want to return!!
The picture of the canyon is heart-stopping and so is the thought of going through the rapids and living to tell the tale. I wonder how disappointed that crow was when he found out it was toothpaste!
Incredible photo of the canyon!
Thanks Debbie
Breathtaking photos, and to think you actually ran the river twice. We toured the canyon (but not the river!) in 2009, and I snapped a great picture of my husband looking out across one of those magnificent vistas. He died a little over a year after that trip, and the Grand Canyon picture was the one I chose as the backdrop to the song “How Great Thou Art” at his memorial service. Thank you Pat, for the memories.
And thank yoou Nancy for sharing your story.
Breathtaking. They say that Grand Canyon is one of the most unforgettable nature’s wonder. I have never been there but from you images, I could say that it is definitely beautiful. One day I wish to go there and be a part of this amazing canyon journey. Thank you for sharing and for the visit. Have a blessed day.
Thanks Island Traveler. I hope you get there soon.
Your eyes are my ticket to places
that my my heart happy, Blessed Be
What fabulous photos, Pat, especially that first one. It evokes my first glimpse of The Grand Canyon . . . I had just driven into the park and saw a crush of cars parked along the side of the road, and hundreds of people standing in a long line with their backs to me. I wondered what they were doing, just standing there. I found a place to park my car and walked over to where they were standing, and noticed the silence. It was like walking into a church during silent meditation. I found a space between two people and looked at what they were facing . . . and it was a vista like the one in your photo. We were all seeing The Canyon for the first time . . . and were awestruck into speechlessness. Your photo captures that. It’s wonderful to see it again!
Thanks Samantha … I’m glad it brought back happy memories.