Hey, Lee!

[PhyllisB]

Nice to see ya 'round here again! How was the Grand Canyon??? Got any pix to share???

[minniemex]

Ok, Lee, you are now officially 2 trip reports behind!! You never did share the "west" coast pictures or stories with us!!

[AdGuy]

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So a guy can't just slip in, answer a few questions, and sneak out without being shaken down for trip reports? Well, since we're not on www.GrandCanyon.info (http://www.tulum.info/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.GrandCanyon.in fo) I won't go into alot of detail or post a bunch of pictures on our Rim-To-Rim backpacking trek through the Grand Canyon. I can summarize the experience by saying it was both amazing and grueling all at the same time.

For those unfamiliar with the wacky concept of a Rim-To-Rim hike, this sadistic adventure involves starting at 8,250 feet above sea level (aka limited oxygen) in 30 degree weather and hiking down the North rim of the canyon with enough gear to last you a couple days, as basic luxuries like water, shelter, and food are pretty limited. In approximately 15 miles of joint-pounding descent, you reach a small spot by the Colorado River and recoup for a day.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/PB160152.jpg

As you can see from this photo, it's not really a comfortable rest (note the temperature and that was not the high for the day):

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/BrightAngelCampground.jpg

To beat the heat, you start your climb up the South Rim no later than 6:00am. We left at 5:30am and still didn't get to the top till 2:15pm (though we were definitely not racing out of the surrounding beauty).

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/PB170179.jpg

So, thirty-extremelly-tough-miles later, what did I learn?

Gravity sucks! I felt every ounce I was hauling up that trail.
Like Tulum, there's some places on Earth that are just amazing...Grand Canyon is one of them. No doubt of a Higher Power here.
If you've never been to the Grand Canyon (especially the North Rim) you owe it to yourself to put it on the bucket list. You'll always remember the first time you see it in-person.
You'll really appreciate just how awesome it is if you can get below the surface...you don't have to go all the way, just a mile or two down a trail.
Much like life, success on this journey was built with a lot of single steps/efforts all added together. When we were completely exhausted, we'd say "Left...Right...Repeat". It was amazing how, after a bunch of those combinations, you'd be a mile higher and that much closer to your goal.See ya either on the trail or the beach...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/PB150038.jpg

[minniemex]

Gracias Senor Lee!!:D

[susan]

This looks just amazing. I made my first and only trip to the Grand Canyon a couple of years ago( although I WILL be back). We did a day hihe only- 3 miles down and then back out. I agree you need to get below the rim. It is one of those places where words seem inadequate to describe.

I am very jealoous of your trip- someday more time.

[PhyllisB]

Gracias amigo! Just what I was looking for! Haven't been to the Canyon since I was a little tike but been dreaming of going back. Maybe I oughtta get there sooner rather than later. But I think I'll leave the Rim2Rim adventures to you!!!!! :D

[TnTWalter]

Awesome! Although sitting on the beach with a drink in hand sounds a tad more fun!

:rolleyes:

[AdGuy]

Awesome! Although sitting on the beach with a drink in hand sounds a tad more fun!

:rolleyes:


Absolutely...of course, unlike in Indiana, I'm only 45 minutes away from the ocean and can do that anytime I want. On the other hand, the largest mountain in Florida is Space Mountain, so it's more of an adventure to head to Arizona! By the way Trish, feel free to remind me of that cute "45 minutes away from the ocean" line when it's hurricane season (which officially starts on Sunday). :p

[TnTWalter]

That's a fun mountain!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/TnTWalter/Walt%20Disney%20World%20--2007/P1070184.jpg

...it's blurry...but I was riding...