We Slept Soundly Under the Stars in the Grand Canyon
September Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Comfort”
Starry night skies bring us comfort.
Sleeping on the floor of the Grand Canyon in autumn is comforting. Mind you, it’s not necessarily comfortable—not like a cozy bed. It is comforting—it soothes away stress and frees the mind of troubles.*
My husband and I backpacked into the Grand Canyon for the third time in 2012. We followed a loop route over varied terrain and had an adventure we’ll never forget.
The colors and varieties of stone, landscape, and water created an incredible panorama. The trails wound up canyon walls, along ridge lines, through dessert sand, beside creeks and waterfalls, and down into valleys. We saw birds, lizards, snakes, cacti…and no human beings.
After all that hiking, slumber was easy. We laid down light pads, and the stars came out to twinkle us to sleep. Our nights in the canyon were private, safe, and soothing. We awoke refreshed, readied our backpacks, and returned to the trail.
A twist of fate on day five transformed our adventure. My husband sprained his ankle, just before the trail descended to the Colorado River. He was taking dazzling photos instead of watching his step.
He hobbled in agony for a few miles before we fortuitously encountered a group of women with a satellite phone, and they called for help. Rescuers would fly in for my husband the next day. I asked if I could come too, but the phone disconnected with no answer!
It was a long night by the river amidst the other campers. We assembled our tent and crawled inside. I tossed and turned, tentatively planning to hike out of the canyon alone. Through the small tent window, though, I could see the stars, and their shimmering presence gave me courage.
Emergency responders helicoptered in early. When I asked if I could come, they said it depended on our weight. We must have been light enough, because I was permitted to climb aboard, and they flew us to the hospital. There my husband received treatment and walked away in a supportive boot.
Although our adventure didn’t end as imagined, we will always remember the comforting night sky and the soothing peace it brought us. We haven’t returned to the Grand Canyon since that trip 10 years ago, but we will. One day soon, we will.
*Note: Always be prepared for weather changes when sleeping in the Grand Canyon, especially without a tent. Here are valuable tips for dealing with surprises like a sudden downpour, strong wind, or excessive heat.
Many thanks to Ellie Jacobson for inspiring this story with her awesome September Challenge.
