Grand Canyon - March 6-10, 2011

This post is a bit overdue, but things have been slightly crazy here lately for a couple of different reasons that I'm not going to talk about. Anyway, Nate and I went on one of the most spectacular trips by far. We hiked about 40 miles over 5 days in the Grand Canyon. Our goal was to hike rim to rim to rim, but we were foiled by some rain and snow closer to the North rim, so we couldn't go much beyond Cottonwood Camp Ground.

I'm not a good story teller, so in keeping with tradition of past posts, I'll just get right to the pictures.

 Our first view into the canyon from the South Kaibab trail head.

 Clean, energized and ready to go. Probably won't be the same story when we hike out.

 Snow on the South rim as we descend nearly 5,000 feet down to the Colorado River.

 We have to hike down THAT?! Yeah, we may be young numerically, but our knees seemed as though they were 70 years old or more.

 Our camera simply does not do justice to the colors in the canyon. Red rock, green grass...it was amazing!

 Just a couple miles in and feeling pretty good.

 They say that over 250 people have to be rescued from the canyon each year. There are a few telephones, but very few and FAR between, so it's best to plan ahead and not have to get rescued.

 Black Bridge over the Colorado. Have I mentioned that I have a fear of heights?? Not sure how this is going to go over.

 Cool tunnel that you have to cross through to get to the bridge. The camera flash lights it up, but it was pitch black inside. A little creepy.

 That's me holding on for dear life. It's a long drop into the river from here.

Shot of the Colorado from the bridge. I've said it a few times, but it is really an amazing place!

 Nate is much more cool, calm and collected crossing the bridge.

Our new tent. Works pretty well...especially compared to the Wal-Mart special we used before...in a snow storm no less.

 Pack of mules carrying down stuff for Phantom Ranch...or the lazy people that want to experience the canyon and not do any of the real work.

Leaving Bright Angel Camp after the first night and heading for Cottonwood Camp Ground.

 There were a series of much more manageable bridges through Bright Angel Canyon. I couldn't pick a favorite part of the hike because it is all just simply beautiful, but this was pretty amazing through the canyon. Always close to a flowing river, shade from the high canyon walls and solitude. Who could ask for anything more?

 Oh, did I mention rain? It was a good excuse to use the new Cabela's raincoat that Nate's parents gave me for my birthday. Not a drop of water permeated the jacket. Cabela's and Nate's parents rock!

 Watch for falling rocks.

Coming out of Bright Angel Canyon.

 Stopping for lunch and trying to figure out how much farther we have to go.

 Crazy agave plant. This picture makes it look smaller than it really was.

Almost to Cottonwood, although we didn't know it. Cool stream crossing and little water fall. Nate had the camera most of the time, so most of the pictures are of me hiking.

Buildings can only mean one thing...Cottonwood!!

 It was a COLD night!

 Ice that formed on our tent overnight.

Ribbon Falls just a little ways from the main trail back to Bright Angel.

 And we're back at Bright Angel. The campsites were really nice. Tables and locking boxes to keep rodents out of our food, plus poles for our packs so the squirrels can't get in.

 And there is the pole. Take that little ground squirrels and other rodents that want to chew my Osprey pack.

 Last picture on the Colorado River bank. It doesn't look like it, but it is really wide.

 The second bridge to the Bright Angel Trail. Much scarier bridge. You can see through to the bottom of the river.

He's like Atlas, and he's my husband!

Hiking out the Bright Angel Trail. Completely different scenery than the South Kaibab.

One of many, many lizards on the trail. Nate was fascinated.

You can just barely make it out, but this is looking down at the trail we just came up. I had never been so sore and tired in my life!

On our way to Indian Gardens and our last night in the canyon.

 Four days without a shower, don't judge!

We LOVE the poles for the packs. It kinda spoils us for every other hike we will go on in the future.

 Last day. Four miles and several thousand feet to hike out. We can do this!

 More trail, more switch backs.

 Love the color contrast.

 Pictographs. Really old and really cool.

 Gaiters on - check. Shoe chains on - check. Bring on the snow and sludge.

About half way up. The color is washed out, but what we saw was amazing!

More snow. So weird to have come from the bottom of the canyon where it was shorts and tee-shirt, to snowy and coldie.

 5 days later, we make it out safe and sound, but a little tired and worn out. We are smiling here because we know what waits for us in Flagstaff. Bacon cheeseburger and a chocolate shake. YUMMY!!

 We lived in Utah and NEVER saw an elk crossing sign. Of course, we had to take a picture. Although we never saw any elk.

Last sunset in Arizona driving back to Los Angeles.

So, there are some more pictures and a lot of video that are still on our video camera. One day I may get around to figuring out how to get it off and post it, but for now this is an accomplishment. Since the hike we've not really done much, but at the same time we've done A LOT! There will be more posts to come about the next adventures.