The first time I visited the Grand Canyon in 2015 I was awestruck. I was humbled by it’s vastness and beauty, and felt that I could explore it for hours without getting bored.

I have been back once since then and loved it just as much as I did the first time. My memories of the first visit were so intense I could recognize and remember where stuff was. I can still remember where on the path the above picture was taken. Something about the Canyon overwhelms me and I can’t seem to look away.

I remember vividly the walk on that morning. My sister and I decided to follow my dad after he had left, so we were trying to walk quick enough to catch up to him. We were both out of breath and freezing, laughing about how our dad must be sprinting to be so far ahead. When we got to this point, we stopped. I called my best friend on Facetime to show her the immense beauty of the sunrise.

I know recently reports have come out that there has been radiation exposure, but once you read the articles, you learn that most of the exposure applies to one building, and that mostly only employees were exposed to it. Their being exposed to it doesn’t mean that they will have health issues either.

If you can only travel to once place in your life, let me suggest the Grand Canyon as one of the options. It’s the kind of place that commands your attention. I promise you it’s majesty will take you breath away.

• summer
• travel