The Night I Stood on the Earth's Brain

In the darkness my headlamp illuminated an ocean of grey matter. Scrambling across the folds of each cortex, I became lost in valleys of thought that swirled into vibrant hues of red and yellow. Surveying the wrinkling expanse, my synapses fired at an alarming rate. I found myself staring into the plot of a Science-fiction movie.

The Vermillion Cliffs. Quietly nestled along the Arizona/Utah boarder, this seldom talked about treasure tends to be forgotten by travelers. Most tourists eagerly rush towards the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, keen to check-off America’s biggest hole from their bucket lists. While the North Rim offers undeniable grandeur, there is something remarkably unique about the surrounding cliffs, and my favorite hideaway.

White Pocket is exceptionally difficult to access. This became apparent when my trip began well into the night. Off on a weekend photo expedition, I found myself part of a four-car caravan determined to combat the slippery sand, absent trail, and mass of bodies being tossed around our van. By the grace of four-wheel-drive, a strong winch, and the unfortunate smell of turning stomach acid, we finally arrived.

Eager to put my boots on the ground, I took off into the expanding darkness. Arriving at night afforded me the opportunity to interact with the landscape outside my go-to sense-- sight. I listened and crept, tracing my fingertips across the ripples of geologic time. I was building my own mental picture. And with my shutter release set, I gazed in awe as the hidden landscape revealed itself on the LCD before me.

The framework laid, I fancied myself a painter and the twisting valleys surrounding me a canvas. Darting through the valley, I fine-tuned my brushes: the headlamp I should have been using, and a taillight taken from my bike. These two seemingly small lights, barely visible to my own eyes, succeeded in illuminating the fiery waves of color swimming above me. I wanted to cozy up in the crevasses of my new sanctuary. Instead, I spent the whole night stumbling up and down a rock face hoping to capture a fraction of its unnatural, but striking beauty.

White Pocket has a peculiar ambiance. It lends itself to the quiet explorer looking for a wistful adventure. This secluded marvel is patiently awaiting the next wanderer who is daring enough to amble through its bizarre terrain.