Arizona

Arizona definitely started it all. An unexpected trip to the Grand Canyon in 2006 lead Joe to set as a goal a full hike to the Colorado River and back. Ultimately, that backpacking excursion became his celebration for completing his Ph.D. What better way to celebrate a degree in American literature than to spend a few days living in one of this continent’s greatest natural wonders? To boot (get it?), he did so with his wife Kelly, his brother, some great friends, and one of his brothers-in-law.

The photos in these three albums were taken on two separate trips to Arizona. The first one—that celebratory one—occurred in May 2007, consisting of a classic Grand Canyon South Rim hike (the South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch and the Bright Angel Trail back to the South Rim) along with a day hike in Petrified Forest National Park.

The second trip occurred in August of 2010, when Joe and Kelly completed a full rim-to-rim traverse of the Grand Canyon. The pictures of the North Kaibab Trail are from that particular excursion.

To paraphrase John Wesley Powell, the Grand Canyon defies language. It is indescribable in its sublime beauty.

Furthermore, to paraphrase Edward Abbey, the only way to see it is, in fact, to crawl into it, tired, bruised, aching legs and all.

By all means, enjoy these pictures. And then, go see it for yourself . . . over and over again