Yes, I said as we begin our walk.
We parked by the gate. A gate that was not there ten years ago when we last ventured into Grand Falls. Ten years ago, you could drive all the way into the waterfall, BUT due to people abusing the land and tearing up the road they put a gate up, so we must walk the last mile. I don’t mind if it helps maintain the beauty of this spectacular place.
To get to Grand falls you must head to Eustis Maine, turn right onto Big Eddy road. From that turn its 19 miles of dusty dirt road and several turns before you hit the gate.
“ok good, I’m leaving my purse under the seat”
It’s an easy walk in since we are following an old dirt road. It was a bright sunny 70-degree day when we left the jeep. A perfect day for a hike.
As we walk along all we can hear is the sounds of nature, birds and squirrels skittering on the forest floor. A crow announcing our arrival and sending a warning to all the other creatures in the area that humans have arrived.
As we get halfway in, we begin to hear the dull roar of our destination drawing us in as we move along the road. “ Sounds like a good flow” Lisa comments, we quicken our pace in anticipation.
Soon all you can hear is the water rushing over the falls. All other noises have faded away.
As we arrive at the river’s edge, we realize we are above the falls. We can see the river disappearing over the cliff and a cloud of mist floating into the air from below, but we cannot see the falls.
How do we get to the down stream side? I asked.
Lisa quickly responded “I think this trail will take us there. She was right. Within a minute we step around the corner of the thick brush that lines the rivers edge and Grand falls and all its glory is right in front of us.
To me this is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Maine. It’s not the largest or the tallest. But to me it is one of the best we have to offer. The drop is over 40 feet and its over 100 feet across. It is truly a wonder to see and hear!
Ringling Brothers made the claim that their shows were the “Greatest Show on Earth”. I have been to several in my distant past. I must admit it was a great show, but I have to ask you. Would they put on a show if no one came to see the performance? Would the shows on the Las Vegas strip preform every night to empty seats? How about the fourth of July fireworks? A splendid display enjoyed by everyone young and old, but would they set them off if no one came to watch?
If there were no cheering crowds, no awe-struck fans, no standing ovations would any of those things we enjoy take place? I think not.
Yet day in and day out. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without fail, with no intermission, no curtain calls, no grand finally, nature provides what truly is the “Greatest Show on Earth”!
Although worthy of constant admiration and awe, it seldom gets the appreciation it deserves.
The spectacular show that nature performs for us every day, without fail, simply awaits our arrival and our appreciation. We just need to show up and enjoy the show !
What shows have you seen lately? Make sure the next one has everything to do with nature!
I promise you will not be sorry that you made the effort!
It “IS” the greatest show on earth!
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