In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins – not through strength but by perseverance. – H. Jackson Brown.

I saw this quote once on one of those “Successories” posters, and it got my attention. Not just because of the beautiful landscape that was associated with it, (The Grand Canyon), but because I liked the idea of water prevailing over stone.

The Red Rock Canyon may not be as magnificent as the Grand Canyon, but its beauty will still take your breath away.

While I was in Vegas, I was able to escape the smoky clutches of the South Point Hotel for a few hours to go hiking with my cousins. When they first asked me to go, I was envisioning trails that lead up the mountainside. Not quite, there really weren’t any paths, just row after row of boulders. Even better! I only regretted that I didn’t have better shoes with me (I was wearing my leather Keds).

We climbed up to a decent elevation, just high enough to get a great view, and had a picnic. It was actually a great workout; I used leg muscles I had not used in a very long time. I also had to make a conscious effort to breathe in deep; I had forgotten how easy it is to lose your breath at higher elevations.

The scenery was breathtaking. For some reason, looking upon a mountainous terrain makes me feel as if I am looking through a window in time into the ancient past. Maybe it is because I understand the geologic forces behind these structures, and the time it took to create them. Whatever the reason, it is awe inspiring, and never ceases to amaze me.

As we were descending, I thought I heard a human voice chanting. At first, I thought I had imagined it. I was very relieved when my cousins heard it too. It was indistinct; you could only catch a hint of it if you listened carefully. Though we never did discover the source of it, it was the perfect ending to an amazing day.