The View From Here

The Grand Canyon
Peter O'Dowd
By Laurel Morales
July 19, 2012

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Because of my geographic location, I often have the opportunity to go to the Grand Canyon to cover a story. It’s about an hour and 15 minute drive from my front door. To some of my colleagues this sounds like an envious beat.

And when I’m there I try to take at least a minute to enjoy the view Clark Griswald style ("OK, kids, get in the car.") I might even have time for a rim trail hike, a picnic or, for a real treat, lunch at El Tovar.

A few years ago I was at the south rim covering a hearing held inside a venue that was literally feet from the canyon’s edge. But that day I didn’t make time to look at the canyon because I was on such a tight deadline.

When I got home my husband asked me how the canyon looked, and I told him I never saw it. The sad look on his face now reminds me I can always take at least a minute to admire one of the most stunning places on earth.