The picture of my sister and I with the dog is actually a wolf named Teka. He was born into the hands of a man named Many Bears who we met one day while out hiking. Many Bears gave us a great tip while visiting Sedona.

He told us that if we posted a sign in our dashboard that read that we were there for spiritual or health reasons, not purely recreation, and that we do not wish to contract with the State of Arizona, we would not have to pay the parking fees in all the parks. So we did that and we parked for free everywhere we went! It always pays to get to know the locals!

I also got a chance to see the Grand Canyon for the first time. The word “awesome” may be over used, but it really is the only word to accurately describe the GC. Pictures can’t do it justice, although I will post one anyway. The vastness of the Canyon is hard to comprehend. The depth is hard to conceive.

While there, my sister became intrigued by a book about all the deaths that have happened in the GC (yes, it’s a bit morbid, I know!). But what was fascinating was all the different ways people died. More deaths from heart failure than falling. And because of the elevation differences, people can die of heat stroke and hypothermia – all at the same time of year.

I heard a few people at the GC say they felt insignificant as they looked at it. I had just the opposite experience. I felt connected and grounded in a way that made me appreciate being alive. In a way, it made me more determined to have my life be significant and leave a legacy for others.

All in all, it was an inspirational trip. Exactly what I was looking for.