Thunder River Falls Near Tapeats Creek in the Grand Canyon

Deep in the heart of the Grand Canyon near Mile 135, floating down the Colorado, I encounter one of the most beautiful places I've ever stood. I'd been carrying a Stratton Stone on the trip, looking for the best place to leave it. A three-mile hike beneath the shade of cottonwood trees across rich red dirt, alongside Tapeats Creek, brought me to the confluence of the Thunder River. I headed uphill to the headwaters. There, ice-cold water sprang from the Redwall limestone and cascaded down a steep gorge, breathing life into the surrounding landscape. We stood in the spray and filled our water bottles. The crystal clear water nourished our souls after the long hike. I scaled a rock wall and tucked the stone on a ledge just within arm's reach. From there, you could see the last loving light trickling out of the canyon and hear the steady sound of water thundering from the spring as it had for a millennium or more. Stratton would have loved this place and the adventure. I cried, grateful for him, grateful for this place, and feeling close to him in the moment. A part of his memory is there now. Much Love Stratto.