Hiking the Grand Canyon's Tonto Plateau is a demanding challenge, defined by the scarcity of water. Backcountry hikers are constantly searching for that "golden liquid." A pool of water—a pothole—is a treasure to be treated with respect.
After carrying my water for two straight days, I finally discovered one on this particular morning. My initial relief at finding water was immense. However, when I walked around to the other side for a better angle to scoop it up, the canyon wall, bathed in the light of the rising sun, greeted me in a moment of stunning, unexpected beauty.
