Ah, the thrill of the chase! No, I’m not talking about that one time I mistakenly thought I could outsmart a street vendor in Marrakech (a story for another blog). I’m referring to the unparalleled adventure of chasing sunrises, particularly one that decided to play a breathtaking game of hide and seek with me at Kolob Canyon in Zion National Park, circa 2019. Strap in dear readers, for this isn’t just a tale of early mornings and caffeine deficits; it’s a vivid recount of nature’s most spectacular display of waking up.
Imagine this: It’s pitch-black, and I’m questioning my life choices, like that peculiar mushroom dish I had in Thailand (again, another story). Why would anyone in their right mind trade the warm embrace of their bed for the cold, dark embrace of Mother Nature at an ungodly hour? The answer: to catch the first ray of sun kissing the tips of Kolob Canyon’s majestic cliffs.
Driving into Zion National Park, it felt like I was entering a secret world, one where I had to earn my passage by sacrificing sleep. Kolob Canyon, often overshadowed by its famous cousin Zion Canyon, holds secrets only the dawn can unveil. I arrived, bleary-eyed but hopeful, at the viewpoint. The stars were still out, probably snickering at my optimistic endeavor.
As the sky slowly shed its nocturnal cloak, hues of pink and orange began to weave through the darkness. The silhouette of Kolob Canyon emerged, and suddenly, I wasn’t just a spectator; I was part of the canvas. The first rays of light ignited the red rock formations, setting them ablaze with colors so vivid, it made Van Gogh’s palette look understated.
There is something profoundly humbling about watching the world wake up. That moment when the sun crests the horizon and the landscape transforms from monochrome to a riot of colors is akin to witnessing the universe whisper its oldest secrets. And there I was, a mere mortal, sipping lukewarm coffee and munching on a granola bar, utterly spellbound.
Kolob Canyon at sunrise isn’t just a sight to behold; it’s a reminder of the world’s silent symphony, playing every morning for those willing to listen. So, dear adventurers, when the comfort of your bed whispers sweet promises of sleep, remember the fiery awakening of Kolob Canyon. It’s worth every sacrificed Z, trust me. And who knows? You might just find yourself, as I did, completely mesmerized by nature’s insistence on beginning anew, each and every day.
Until our next escapade, keep chasing those sunrises. Because truthfully, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport and the fleeting moments of dawn’s first light.