Canyon Reflection Caroline Neubauer As I jolt with the rhythm of the crashing waves, freezing water pours down on me, coating me in a jacket of fear and excitement. I’m in a raft with my family, our paddles moving in unison, the only rhythm in this tumultuous maze of water. We top the last rising dome and eddie out in the shadow of the canyon towering above. Our success is buzzing in the air as we relive our perfect run. We head down the river a little farther and stop on a sandy bank to eat lunch. Sitting on a rust colored rock, my feet in the icy and refreshing water, we enjoy our meal. With our bellies full, we hike up a little side canyon. After climbing up the sandy and steep cliff my breath catches in my throat. My mind clears of all previous thoughts, now seemingly insignificant, as I struggle to take in all of the immeasurable beauty of this paradise in front of me. The canyon is layered in colors, each with subtly differing tones casting a spell on me. The walls bend and curve, giving life and movement to the otherwise stationary rock. Streams of crystal water flow through this canyon gathering in pools and spilling over boulders, creating a real-life painting not even my imagination could cook up. We all sit in silent awe soaking up the immense
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