Falling For Arizona

The wind blew west as dark clouds gathered overhead. They hung low and rumbled as they darkened. Dan looked up when lightning flashed, and droplets hit the hot ground. Steam rose as he refused to leave the house. The storm felt off, since monsoon season had ended a month ago. The rain stopped, leaving the sand burning hot. It was not a good sign, but it would make the desert bloom in all its glory. This was the day to visit the Grand Canyon, and it was already off to a rough start as a storm rolled over the rental. Rain began to fall heavily. Dan waited for Abby to wake up for their adventure, but the weather suggested they might have to reschedule. Darkness settled in like dusk as he watched out the window. The storm should pass, he thought, but after ten minutes it was still pouring over the dry landscape.  

Abby woke up, walked out in her pajamas, and looked from the rain to Dan. She went to get the bread for breakfast. The toaster sat on the side as she put the bread in and looked at Dan again.  

"The rain will not last forever, and we can still see the Grand Canyon today," Abby commented.

"The last time it rained in the off season, things went terribly wrong on our vacation," Dan replied.

"Rain does not mean anything about the day, which is what you make of it," Abby replied.

"I hope you are right and want to make the most of this trip," Dan commented.

Dan rose and headed back to get dressed as rain and lightning continued around the house. Storms always brought back the accident, when his father lost control. Abby never seemed to mind, and she made him sunny-side-up eggs. He sat with her, smiling as he ate and let the storm fade from his mind. As the rain settled and the lightning disappeared, the sun returned. Dan washed the dishes while Abby prepared for the day.  

They packed their backpacks with everything they needed, including filled water bottles. They were ready for the hike. The rain had stopped, and the ground was drying as the heat returned. Dan and Abby started down the wet road. Dan drove as the desert turned into forests. Abby fell asleep as the drive grew more beautiful. The hills and mountains drew closer, and Dan enjoyed the ride. The rain was far behind them as he put the morning out of mind. The day was going well, and the hours passed as large trees appeared and the national park entrance came into view. The first visitor center sat outside the park. It was large and filled with overpriced items, but Abby found a shirt she wanted, and Dan bought it despite the price. They got the information and bought the pass before entering. The ranger smiled as Dan still felt the ominous mood from earlier. Abby woke up, surprised and excited, as the arm lifted from the gate. The adventure was about to begin.

The parking lots were the first part of the adventure, and finding a space took time. It was early, but the lots were already full. Dan grew irritated and wanted to leave, but they took the farther lot. Abby pointed out a free space, and Dan parked. She kissed him before getting out of the car. A small path led the way as they put on their backpacks and started. Dan looked for dark clouds, but the day was still sunny and warm. They found another visitor center and asked about the buses around the park. Abby wandered into the gift shop and found a lovely magnet that Dan bought before they entered the park.

The bus stop was huge, and it took a while to reach the right place. They took the blue line into the park and toward the trails. The ride was crowded, and they stood and wheezed before the hike even began. The day was still going well, though Dan said he saw a rain cloud in the distance. Abby got off at the stop near the village and its small shops and restaurants. She asked for a popular trail and was directed to one that led down into the canyon. The map said it was eighteen miles long, but Dan chose a shorter version. They went down the path, taking in the canyon's grandeur and scale. Dan watched his step and the sky as Abby moved through the narrow path between other hikers and the donkeys. The climb grew tiring, and Abby just wanted to turn around. Dan was fine with going back up the switchback. Then Dan slipped on the moist rock. He fell on his butt but jumped back up, wanting to finish the hike.

Each step grew harder as he realized he had twisted his ankle. Abby took pity and helped him climb the hills. They stopped often in the shady spots to sit and rest.

"I knew from this morning that this was going to end badly for me," Dan stated.

"It could have happened at any time to anyone; just enjoy the day," Abby replied.

They sat on the rocks, tired, as the trail seemed endless. Dan accepted Abby's suggestion to ride the bus around the rim as he hobbled up the hill. After some time and exhaustion, the final path came into view as they crossed the last arch and time ran short. With one last burst of energy, they reached the top and headed to the local place to stay. They were directed to the shop, where they bought the ankle wrap. They sat in the lobby, and Abby wrapped it up. Dan hobbled outside to the bus and found a seat.

The ride felt good, with air conditioning and relief for his ankle. Abby took in the amazing sights, and Dan mostly sat back and watched. He wanted to give her a wonderful vacation despite his pain. The sights were epic, like the vastness of space. Each one made them feel small in a big world. Abby helped Dan along, guiding him from bus to bus. Time drifted as sunset neared, and they finally ate the sandwiches they had prepared. The views were perfect as Dan stopped watching the clouds and relaxed. They took the bus to the best sunset spot and watched the day end. It had been hot, but it was truly an experience. Then they hobbled onto the bus, but it left before they could make it. Another bus was coming, but they had to wait. Then the worst happened as Dan felt raindrops on him. There was nowhere to hide. They pulled out their rain jackets and sat as the rain poured. The bus was late, but this time they made it to a seat.

The drive back was still stressful because they had to catch the last blue line. Dan risked the ankle to head back to the visitor center where they had parked. This ride was the longest, as the bus filled and Dan tried to manage the pain in his ankle while it was still wet. Darkness fell, and there were no lights as evening came. The day had been long but still beautiful, with a full view of the stars. The ride stopped as the visitor center came into sight, closed for the night. It was the end of the ride and the relief of not being stuck in the dark, but the place did not look the same in the dark. The path was unclear, and Dan sat for a minute to get his foot off. He searched for his flashlight, but it was out, while Abby found hers still worked. They took one path, only to find it didn't lead to their parking lot. They tried another path, but it was a dead end. They went back to the visitor center, took one last path, and it looked more familiar. As they drove through the different parking lots with few to no cars left, the last one was theirs. Dan sat in the passenger seat as Abby drove home. The darkness made it most difficult to see, but a smile stayed on her face. The roads were tricky, but once they hit the highway, they were heading back to the rental, where they could relax.

"Just my luck getting hurt after the rainstorm this morning," Dan stated.

"It was not the rainstorm, but you are being a clutz, and it was a good day despite some rain," Abby replied.

Dan smiled and rode the rest of the way through the dark of Arizona, hoping for no more rain for the rest of the trip. Abby was glad as the distance shortened and the roads led to the rental, where it was good to go in, take care of the ankle, and remember the day.