Grand Canyon National Park

"My Toroweap Campsite"

August 2012, Toroweap, Arizona

Afternoon thunderclouds loom menacingly over my primitive campsite at Toroweap. The threat of storms kept all would-be visitors to the area at bay. This assured my privacy for three days of heaven on earth. However, about two hours after I shot this image, a powerful thunderstorm swept through camp, destroying my awning. This meant sleeping under the stars the rest of the trip.

I saw at least 2000 lightning flashes during the night, thankfully sans rain. It was the most spectacular display of sheet lightning I had ever seen, but I was quite concerned about the resulting road conditions. After all, the same storms which prevented travelers from coming in on the 90-mile dirt road would also prevent me from getting out. I wasn't overly concerned though, because I had brought along food and water for 7 days in the event of just such an occurrence.

ArizonaCampingCampsiteGrand CanyonNorth RimToroweapTuweepcampground