July 4th, 2009    Page 3

During the peaceful moments, the size of the canyon humbled its interlopers. Looking up to the world, we could no longer see the searing sun. Instead, its light danced between the canyon walls and illuminated majestic ripples in the sandstone. We had entered another world tucked away in the Earth’s furrow. Only the sounds of soaring birds and rushing water occupied the penetrating silence between the gently curving walls. We were aliens in an alien world, slowly wading past the unknown. Just as this ancient Fertile

Crescent served as a way station for migratory animals of three continents, we globe trotters found ourselves like the rippled layers of sandstone—entwined in an unexpected adventure.

Waterfalls of various heights (nothing too demanding) punctuated the minutes of peacefulness. Eroded by the forceful gush of river water, the stones were smoothed until slippery. I am not a climber, yet up I went. The motivation for adventure drove my ascent. Fear climbed with me, but so too did courage. A poorly planned foot and the force of the water occasionally threw me into the pool below. Each tumble was unexpected and quick. The acts of falling is lost from my memory for they happened so fast. Instead, I only remember the water engulfing me. These were the frightful times. Yet with each cascade ascended, joy fueled by adrenaline pushed us forward in excitement. Our destination was still far off—but quickly approaching.

After a long two hours on this “easy” rated trail, we arrived to the end of the river. Here, a towering waterfall cascaded from a cliff fifty meters above to slam into the river’s floor, crushing the rocks into pebbles. At this juncture, the canyon opened up and the sun penetrated the canyon to bathe us in its warmth. Some inclined on the pebbly shore for the sun to dry them temporarily. And others, including myself, decided to stand below the waterfall.