They say that attempting to describe the Grand Canyon is like remembering your first love or the birth of your child: you really have to be there to know what it’s like.

This week I’m taking a break from my regular posts to be there. My father, brother, husband, son and I are hiking the canyon from top to bottom, staying two nights at the Phantom Ranch (why do they call it that, anyway?), and then climbing back up again. I doubt I’ll do any better than the myriads that have gone before me in describing what it’s like. But I do look forward to making it one life’s grand adventures.

Wish me luck, and I’ll see you back at the top.