Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death.

Fedarko recounts his father’s fragile health and their shared determination for him to continue the expedition. He and McBride were given the autonomy to traverse a remote section of the Grand Canyon without direct supervision, navigating the rugged Esplanade and its surrounding wilderness.

This segment of their journey revealed artifacts from multiple cultural eras, ranging from ancient petroglyphs to relics of Depression-era ranchers, underscoring the canyon’s layered human history. The harsh desert environment tested their survival skills as they relied on scarce water sources, extracting life-sustaining puddles teeming with toads and shrimp.

Fedarko and McBride developed a rhythm in their journey through the canyon, marked by physical endurance and an evolving connection to the land. Their bodies adapted to the desert environment, becoming leaner and encrusted with a layer of dirt that reflected their immersion in the landscape. Along the way, they encountered breathtaking polychrome pictographs over 4,000 years old, which blurred the lines between human, animal, and supernatural forms. These vibrant images evoked awe and mystery, representing a time when humanity was deeply intertwined with the natural world.

The duo also marveled at the stars, experiencing an unparalleled sense of humility and wonder beneath the celestial expanse.