The Morning Sun

My story is less about what is lost and more about what was found. Several years ago I had the opportunity to spend 16 days kayaking through the Grand Canyon. After 3 years of living in Washington DC this was an incredible opportunity. To add to the experience, the group I was a part of consisted of 20 wounded veterans. The trip was incredible and there are no words to explain the experience as a whole, but I remember one day more than any other. We set up camp above a rapid nicknamed “The Whomper.” The reason it was called that was because the wave would gradually build up size and every 20 seconds it would “whomp” down. The following morning, I woke up early and decided to scramble up the rock face on the side of the canyon. I made it about 75 feet up before I stopped and sat on the ledge. While I was sitting on the ledge the sun started to rise and I watch the light slowly creep down the canyon walls. I started to feel in tune with nature like never before. The whomp from the wave, the slowly creeping sun, and the slight breeze all came together for an experience like none other. Since that day I have dedicated my life to experiencing nature. I left my life in the cement jungle behind me and live every day trying to experience more of what is left in the natural world.