Grand Canyon Scent

It has been almost ten years since I visited* the Grand Canyon. I dispersed camped in the Kaibab National Forest surrounding the park. There was a subtle alkaline acrid smell everywhere in the area. I never figured out if it was from the stone and soil or some vegetation. I can’t say it was exactly pleasant, but it was definitely distinct.

Sometime last year, I was in the store to buy body wash, and I noticed two limited editions of the Irish Spring body wash I normally use. One was Yosemite, and the other was Grand Canyon. I have never been to Yosemite†, but the idea of a Grand Canyon scent intrigued me. I took a whiff of the bottle, and it did indeed remind me of the scent of that area, but definitely more pleasant. I bought a bottle.

I have been using it sparingly. I have only been using it to fill the travel-size container in my toiletry kit. It has been an added bonus on the last few travel excursions on which I have been. Unlike the original Irish Spring body wash, this scent stays with me throughout the day, and I am often reminded of it.

I kind of wish I could keep buying this stuff indefinitely, but it’s finite availability also makes it a little more special.

(* I need to go back. When I went, I was out of shape, and there was a heat advisory, and as a result, I aborted my intention to descend down into the canyon. I’m in better shape now. I want to train for a hike in the canyon. I’m thinking about backpacking the Rim-to-Rim trail.)

(† I should definitely plan a trip to Yosemite. I love traveling out west.)