Refreshing Waters

From the looks of my yard and garden this June I'd say we’re in for another hot, dry summer here in East Tennessee.  Summer without regular rainfall quickly reminds us of how essential water is to our very survival.  Water make up around 78% of our bodies when we are born, and even as adults it makes up over 50% of our body weight.  You cannot live long without water.

 

 

Take a hike on a hot day, especially in desert country and you soon realize the importance of water.  That is a truth I learned some years ago on a hike into Arizona’s Grand Canyon. 

 

 

During a summer trip through several western states, my son, Mike, his buddy Cleve and I decided to hike from the south canyon rim down to the Colorado River and back out the same day.  We planned to hike down the South Kaibab Trail, traverse the River Trail and climb back out on the Bright Angel Trail.  The elevation of the south rim is 7,200’ and the River’s elevation is 2,420’, a drop of 4,780 feet.  Of course, on the way out you must climb that same 4,780 feet.

South Kaibab down, crossed river, then down to Bright Angel for climb back to South Rim

 



Hot and dry on the trail down into the canyon. The only water is what you carry.

In June, the temperatures on the south rim are in the pleasant 70’s but as you descend into the canyon the temperature soars, reaching 115 degrees the day we made our trip.  The Park Service recommends carrying no less than two quarts of water per person, but a gallon is better.

 

 

The three of us did very well on the trip down and were thrilled to jump into the icy cold waters of the Colorado for a refreshing dip.  After a quick look at historic Phantom Ranch and eating our lunch, we walked on down the River Trail, crossed the river and began our climb up Bright Angel Trail to the south rim. 

 

 

Sometimes you hear people tell of some past event and say, "I like to have died," doing such and such.  Well, on that hike that day "I like to have died."  What I remember most about that tortuous climb out of the Canyon was the relentless heat from above and the reflected heat from surrounding canyon rocks.  There was no escape from the heat and burning rays of the sun.  You drink, but can’t quench your thirst.  If you fail to consume enough water, you begin to lose your stamina, your strength, and finally your will to keep going.  You are looking for a cool shady spot, but none is to be found.  You begin to count your progress in steps, not miles.  Go a hundred steps and rest.  Go fifty steps and rest.  You look for a rock ledge overhang and hope for some shade for a moment’s rest.

 

 

Finally, some 3,000 feet below the south rim, you reach Indian Gardens, a small oasis with cooler temperatures, small trees and green plants.  Garden Creek is a perennial water source of refreshing water flowing out of the canyon walls. 

Indian Gardens

This small oasis was used until the early 1900's by the Havasupai Indians to raise corn, squash and beans and thus is known as “Indian Gardens.”   Here you can rest in the shade, refill your water bottle and drink all the water you can hold.  With this water you are refreshed and soon ready for the final 4.6 mile climb out of the canyon.

Bright Angel Trail passes through the shade from trees that grow along the stream.

Each time I remember this hot desert experience I also am reminded of the story of Jesus and his encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well.  The Samaritan woman's encounter with Jesus reminds me of the truth about water.  Yes, water is refreshing and it keeps me alive, but when I drink it I will get thirsty again.  It nourishes my body for the moment, but it won’t be long until I need to drink water again. 

 

Looking back down the canyon you can see the patch of green below, Indian Gardens,  with its refreshing water.

 

For our "faith journey, Jesus provides us with “spiritual water;” water that is eternal and lasting.  In John 4: 13 Jesus replies to the Samaritan woman’s questions by telling her, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. ¹⁴ But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

 

 

Yep, looks like a hot and dry summer for 2014.  It will help me remember that on life’s trail I need two kinds of water; the physical water upon which earthly life depends and God’s “living water” that is available through faith in Jesus Christ. 


Be sure you’ve got both for the journey. 


Now, let’s ramble!