Forgot to mention one of the largest spiritual gifts. Like most I worried about getting tossed overboard in some rapid due to boatman error or huge wave. The number one killer of men my age rafting the canyon is hitting that 47 degree F water and having their heart shut down. Before the trip dreamed about it, worried about it, ruminated some too. Worried that a kilt would drag me down like Natalie Wood's coat got her. When we finally hit the first rapids there was not one ounce of fear - none - it was fun!! Pure fun!! And no fear on the rest of the rapids including even the big ones...even at Lava Falls - no fear. After Lava - which was a great ride - the boatman turned us around and went back up the rapids as far as he could then ran us through AGAIN!...still no fear. How long have I put off making this trip over this totally non-existent fear!!??? There is often great joy and great beauty behind our crazy fears if we have the courage to do it anyway. Can't help but wonder how many others have missed out on this trip to the womb of the Earth due to the same fear. "The worst things I ever experienced never actually happened."

What turned the tide for me was realizing I'm gonna die someday anyway and if you're gonna die the Grand Canyon is a great place to die.