Few things help clear the mind, the heart and the spirit like spending the day at 8,000 feet. The Mount Charleston Wilderness area an hour outside of Las Vegas gave up some of its secrets today as I hiked the Cathedral Rock trail high above the valley below. Not only were there hawks floating in the wind currents around the high cliffs, but ground squirrels chattered along the trail as if to say, "It's a good day to be alive." Yes, it is a good day to be alive. A good day to appreciate the glorious heaven we have here on this earth. A good day to sit on a log and let the cool breezes brush your face. And a good day to praise God for all of His creation. Thank you, Lord, for high ground that lifts us up for your kiss of sunshine.
Few places call to me in such a deeply restorative way as the Grand Canyon. As I traveled across the country from Nashville, Tennessee to the Western deserts, my only "required" stop was this chasm of colors, sounds, smells, and physical exhileration. Though driving a 20-foot U-Haul truck with a tow dolly, nothing was going to deter me from racing from the entrance gate to Bright Angel trail, one of my favorite descents into this magical place. Of course, cameras were standard equipment, but almost more important was the Native American flute that hitch-hiked down the trail to the spots I knew to be incredibly acoustical in sending the soft songs across the canyon. Gently, the restoration of heart and soul begins.
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