We stopped at a viewpoint in a slot canyon while we explored Capitol Reef National Park recently. To everyone who ever recommended we travel to this area of Utah and explore the parks we thank you. The beauty is surreal. You drive down the scenic roads and the upcoming view surpasses the one you just passed and thought was the most amazing ever!
But something very interesting happened when we stopped to stretch our legs, walk around a bit and photograph more of the towering cliff walls surrounding us. Dave went off with his camera. I took Fenway for a walk down an unpaved dirt road. We only went the equivalent of a few city blocks. I was looking at the colors in the stone, noticing a few hardy wildflowers blooming, keeping an eye on the dog less he discover a snake or scorpion. Thinking about the day and plans for the next. Remembering a few things I need to get next time we pass a grocery store.
But slowly something began to almost physically "press down" on me....that's the only way to describe it. I stopped and looked around....nothing. No cars passing, no one hiking by, no jets high overhead. No breeze to move the trees. I became aware that I was listening to complete and utter silence. The absolute absense of any noise at all. Dave was off far in the distance, Fenway and I standing still.
I don't remember ever experiencing anything quite like this. I purposely quieted my mind, and my breathing.....and just listened to the sound of silence. The silence almost seemed to push from the cliff on one side of me across to the one on the other side of the canyon. I have to saw it was a slice of time in my life that I will remember forever.
And then, suddenly, there was the sound of one solitary bird singing. Perfect.
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