...I hiked down into the Grand Canyon...down to the bottom of this one particular section where you arrive at an oasis in the bottom called Indian Gardens. Amazing. The temperature went from like 80 degrees at the top to 110 at the sandy bottom that surrounded this oasis. It was very trying.

But I had my Sony walkman and some music to accompany me on that rigorous journey. My choices were Jimmy's Complete LEGENDS OF THE FALL and Jerry's Complete THE MUMMY. How absolutely perfect these two scores were for this hike. THE MUMMY was obviously played at the sweltering and sandy bottom (outside the Gardens) and LEGENDS was for the grandeur of looking down and up at the towering walls surrounding you till about mid-decent. LEGENDS always seemed to kick in with the Ludlow theme when a tour/pack train of donkeys squeezed by the pedestrian hikers. It could have been scored more perfectly. It was like a movie. If you ever get to score the Grand Canyon hike or an equivalent journey, do it. It adds to the appreciation and the wonderment of the scores you love!!!!

NP: CINEMA ITALIANO-The Music of Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota conducted by Henry Mancini

Last Thursday I was so wound up with assignments and cabin fever that I just had to get out of this place. I stayed the night at a friend's place by the beach.

When I caught the train back, the guy sitting in front of me played classical guitar all the way back for the 70 minute ride. The sun began to set on the water and I was in heaven.

Its not quite the Grand Canyon but I can imagine the sheer pleasure it must have given you.

You seem to have great accessibility to some cool environments like the beach. You are very lucky...I would love that. I love the beach and being around water. Unfortunately, in Cincinnati, Ohio, there isn't much in the way of that...but at least it's better than the arid parts of Arizona I had seen on the way from the Grand Canyon to Monument Valley. Most of these residents in this desert area are the ancestors of the Navajo and Hopi Native American peoples. I can tell you for a fact no inner-city situation can compare to the tragedy of where these people live. Such a shame. Heartbreaking, really.

LEGENDS OF THE FALL was a great score to accompany my journey for this fact, also. Some great Native American music is woven into that score.