What the HAYnes? A shameful confession and spring break

HUMOR – It’s time for a confession: I have lived in the St. George area for roughly 25 years and have never once been to the Grand Canyon.

I know, I know. It is one of the wonders of the world. It is a marvel of nature, a geologic spectacle of unmatched proportion, a breathtaking 277 mile-long, 18 mile-wide canyon carved through layers of ancient sandstone. It is only a two or three-hour drive from St. George. I guess I have been busy, and quite frankly, if you’ve seen one geologic spectacle, you’ve seen them all.

Here is another confession: I have never snowboarded, skied, or done any other snow-related sport where one hurtles down a mountainside strapped to a dangerously slick board.

I know, I know. Utah has the greatest snow on earth. Our mountains are world-renowned for their powdery slopes and awe-inspiring scenery. Skiers flock to Utah from miles around. We hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, for Pete’s sake! But I have had a lot to do. Between vacuuming out my car and organizing my pantry, I have not had a chance to learn how to ski.

The funny thing is that whenever I travel, I participate in every nerdy tourist activity available. I have seen Mount Rushmore, Pike Place Market, Pearl Harbor, the Mall of America, Plymouth Rock and even posed for pictures with a life-sized Elvis on wheels in downtown Nashville. Yes, Elvis on wheels made the cut, but not the Grand Canyon.

Whenever vacation time arises I am anxious to escape the confines of our gorgeous red cliffs and blue skies and travel to some place more exotic, like Anaheim. I hesitate to admit it, but I have visited Disneyland at least ten or fifteen times. I just love the overpriced churros, 60-minute lines, and swarms of sweating foreigners – to say nothing of the smoggy skies and horrific traffic. Southern California is a real treat. And still I have never seen the Grand Canyon.

I cannot be the only person guilty of this; I don’t mean making a fool of myself in downtown Nashville. I am referring to taking the natural beauty that surrounds us for granted. We see these red rocks every day. Our sky is almost always clear and blue. After being surrounded by such natural beauty for so many years it becomes common. I imagine that this is the same reason that my husband takes my natural beauty and charm – and humility – for granted.

Next week is spring break for the Washington County School District. I am finally thinking about visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time. That is, unless we decide to go to Anaheim. It has been an entire year since I have eaten a $10 churro.

Related posts

Spring break in St. George; where have all the dilophosaurus gone?

 

Elise Haynes chronicles family life in her blog Haynes Family Yard Sale. Any opinions stated in this column are her own and not necessarily those of St. George News.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2013, all rights reserved.

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2 Comments

  • Knine March 10, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    Living in Hawaii for many years I would love to have visitors come and stay. It allowed me to play tourist with them. Otherwise I would have missed out on some really great places……don’t feel bad….I confess too.

  • Zeke March 11, 2013 at 6:55 am

    I hope you are going to the South Rim because the North Rim doesn’t open until mid-May.

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