Canyonlands, The Needles District IV by Gerry van Roosmalen

About "Canyonlands, The Needles District IV"

by Gerry van Roosmalen

About the artwork

The afternoon sun burned mercilessly as we walked through the dried-up riverbed. The sand under our feet felt like it was holding the heat and radiating upwards, while the air trembled with heat. Shade was scarce, but every overhanging rock or narrow gorge offered a moment of coolness. We walked from shade to shade, grateful for every spot where the sun did not hit directly.

The landscape around us was unreal beauty. The needle-shaped rock formations, from which this part of Canyonlands takes its name, stood out sharply against the steel-blue sky. The colours of the sandstone seemed even more intense in the bright light: red, orange and ochre yellow, as if they were on fire. Every detail of the landscape was enhanced by the heat, as if nature wanted to show how vibrant it could be, even in these harsh conditions.

Despite the exertion and heat, it was impossible not to be overwhelmed by the silence and grandeur around us. The only sound was the crunch of our footsteps and the gentle whistling of the wind, which brought a breeze here and there. By now, our water bottles, frozen the night before, had reached the perfect drinking temperature and provided welcome refreshment.

As we walked on, it felt like we were moving in a living work of art, a place where time and the elements came together to create something unimaginable. The heat made the walk tough, but the scenery made every step worthwhile.