Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Grand Canyon

Just hours before leaving for the Grand Canyon to run rim-to-rim, we got word of a major pipeline break in the canyon that shut down the North Kaibab trail, making canyon crossings impossible.  Some calls were made to the park service and we were assured that there was no possible way the trail would would be open in 5 days when we were set to run. Bummer.  We quickly canceled North Rim Lodge reservations and decided to stay at the South Rim one more night.  We changed our route and added on mileage.  (I must add, once we got to the Canyon we found out that they had built a small section of detour trail and rim-to-rim WAS possible, but it would of been too difficult to again change our plans.)  The new route looked like this: South Rim Trail down to Phantom Ranch.  Phantom Ranch to Ribbon Falls.  Turn around at Ribbon Falls and head back to Phantom Ranch.  From Phantom Ranch to the River Trail and up Bright Angel back to the South Rim.  We guesstimated about 27 miles and started our journey at 4:40am on June 6th.  I'll let pictures do most of the talking, but I'll say that it was one of the most beautiful, toughest and memorable days of my life. We ended up with almost 35 miles for the day and 16 hours of fast packing.  To anyone going to the Grand Canyon, do not believe the mileage signs!  If they say it's 2 miles to the next rest area, count on it being 3.  Rough day, but one of my most treasured memories with some of the best friends a girl could ever have. 


Nanc and I at Phantom Ranch






Nancy on the way down


Ribbon Falls


4:30 am - Our journey begins!



Dave and I on the South Rim

Watching the Thunder/Spurs playoff game at Beaver Street Brewery in Flagstaff, AZ

Thunder UP!

10 comments:

  1. Awesome and beautiful! I hope I can one day travel to the Grand Canyon.

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    1. It's an amazing place! So beautiful and extreme. It was low 70's temperature at the rim and 100 degrees on the canyon floor.

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  2. Replies
    1. Thanks Will! Hard to take a bad picture there, it's so beautiful everywhere you look.

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  3. Amazing photos. I would love to run the rim-to-rim myself one day.

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    1. I'm sure I'll go back again someday to do the rim-to-rim thing. It was so beautiful and we saw so much, but didn't get to do what we set out to do so there is still that little something hanging over us that we'd like to complete. :)

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  4. Love the pictures from the canyon, would love to able to run there one day!

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  5. I'm so glad you guys had such an amazing time. I really enjoyed the pictures you guys posted on Facebook along the way as well!

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    1. Wish you would of been there Don, it was amazing!

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