Spring SB: Grand Canyon National Park (Day 1)

Today was our first official day in the Grand Canyon and it was AMAZING! After getting ready for the day we met Todd, the Volunteer Resource Coordinator for the Grand Canyon, and headed to the Park Headquarters office. There we met Ranger Perri who led us for the rest of the day. We walked a mile to the Visitors Center and before going in we headed towards the Rim. Most of us had never been to the Canyon before, and they wanted it to be special for us. Jacy and Ranger Perri decided we should close our eyes, form a straight line with our hands on the person’s shoulders in front of us, and walk out to the rim. When we reached the rim they counted to three and we all opened our eyes at the same time. It was the most amazing experience of my life! I can’t even explain in words the feelings and thoughts that were going through my head at that moment. It was so beautiful! The canyon off in the distance looked so perfect like it was a painting and not real life.

We walked down to Mather’s Point and got some good pictures before walking back up to the Visitor’s Center. We watched the Grand Canyon movie and then had an orientation and lunch. After lunch we got on the bus and went to The Village and walked around to get familiar with the area and parking lots. We headed back to the Headquarters office to get the cars and head up to the Trail of Time where we went out to another viewpoint. We took some more pictures and Ranger Perri gave us a talk about the different rocks in the canyon. We headed back to our cabins and had a short orientation with Todd before dinner. We ended the night with reflection time and everyone talked about their favorite parts of the day. Mine was definitely that first look out at the canyon. It was magical and an experience I will remember forever! I am excited for the rest of the week: watching the sunrise, going for a hike into the canyon, watching the sunset, stargazing, and working in the parking lots. Our job for the week is to help visitors with parking and although I am not sure what to expect, I am also excited to jump into our work! I hope you keep reading and following us the rest of the week!

-Ahalee Cathey