There is nothing which is more likely to get me in the hurling mood than a good walk on the edge of death. Knowing that “science” and “engineering” have rendered my fears moot is no compensation for the feeling that I may descend to my death at any moment. Is it really worth the $25 + to soil myself when that is something I can accomplish at any time with a 12-pack of Milwaukee’s Best costing $5? Honestly, I’d rather go bungee jumping.
Between naps, I watched a fair portion of Ken Burn’s documentary on the National Parks last night. Most of what I saw related to Teddy Roosevelt, John Muir, and the early development of the parks system. Anyone watching could not fail to get their point that the idea of a park set aside for the use of all the people was a uniquely American innovation. Prior to that, large reserves of land were the province of royalty or nobility. Only in America would someone think about setting land aside for everyone to enjoy.
The Grand Canyon is one of those parks. I’ve been there and it is more than everything it is cracked up to be. Everyone should go see it once in their lives. Hike down in it, raft through it, or walk on the puke inducing porch if you must, but just standing on the rim will do it too. There are some things beyond our ability to create or comprehend, and despite all efforts to control or enhance it, the Grand Canyon itself will consistently surpass them all.