First Impressions of Grand Canyon National Park

Jordan, Matt Patt, and I knew all the stops along the way. Rick, at his request, did not. As a graduation gift, we offered him this only clue, “God, Man, Godlessness.” Beyond those three words, we offered no other hints.

With bags stuffed into the trunk of my yellow Mitsubishi Lancer, we drove west. The first hint of our destination revealed itself.

For hours, we drove on I-40 from Oklahoma City toward Arizona. If you have ever had the fortune of driving this interstate, you know that things can quickly become monotonous. Oklahoma and Texas are flat for as far as the eye can see. New Mexico shines with the setting sun. It isn’t until you cross into Arizona that you get a sense of the possibilities before you.

With each new state line, Rick’s mind attempted to piece the puzzle together. Thinking on “God, Man, and Godlessness,” I hoped he was readying himself for the awe of our first stop. Being fully aware of our destination, my excitement was difficult to contain. This journey to the Grand Canyon would be my first visit to the park. Beyond knowing the destination, the vastness and inspiration that define the park for so many people would be brand new to me. Like most people, I only knew of the Grand Canyon from photographs and books. I knew this brief trip would not be enough. A couple of hours in the park would…