Day 4: Packed our hiking backpacks. Put things we wouldn't need easily on the bottom and water and food towards the top. Camping stove and fuel was on the bottom and camera and phone were in a separate compartment. Headed for Grand Canyon in the morning. It was neat to see how fast the scenery changes. Sometimes it is more of white sand, then around the corner it is bright red rock. Then, you get to the forest on the south rim and there are many trees, followed by taller pines. Stopped at Desert Watchtower and one other pullout. I had originally wanted to see the north rim and hike from there but the backcountry guide strongly recommended we didn't because of how far our campsite was. He said we should hike down south Kaibab and hike up bright angel. We were going to go to the visitor's center to check on shuttle times and get food but literally all 4 parking lots were full. We ate at a different area and found out the shuttle runs every 15 minutes or so. Parked our car in the backcountry lot and took the shuttle to south Kaibab so we would have the car when we were done hiking.
Filled up our water at the trailhead as this is the ONLY water on this route. You won't even find a stream or other water until you are completely at the bottom of the canyon. Stopped at one of the points that is flat and talked to some other hikers. One works down in Phantom Ranch and was going back to do some repairs. His main residence is the south rim. The woman with him said "all of the tough people are from Ohio!" We finally saw the Colorado river which gave me a boost of energy but it was still very far. It is amazing to look up and see where you just had hiked! My left knee was starting to feel it as we picked up the pace. It seemed we weren't going to make it before dark. Had to get the flashlights out soon after and it was apparent we were getting worn out. We finally got to black suspension bridge and it was very dark and hot now. The heat hits you all of a sudden when you get to a certain point down in the canyon. We arrived to our campsite probably around 9:30 so it took about 5.5 hours to get down here. Dad's calves were burning and we were both out of water. It does take 4 liters from the top to keep from being dehydrated. I drank a lot at the water station at Bright Angel campground. It was around 79 at night so I didn't even cover up, just used a sleeping pad in the tent.
Day 5: Bright Angel Campground woke up around 6:30 and it was already very light. The time zone is 3 hours different from Ohio. I was wide awake for most of the night and used my bag as a pillow. I finally got my pillow case and stuffed it full of clothes for some I got softer and that was much better. When I got up we walked to the bridge and took some photos. Saw some mule deer and a neat gray fox. It was only 7:00 and the sun was already very hot. Ate fried eggs and granola for breakfast with camping stove and coffee. Walked to Phantom ranch and they did have some items for purchase. Ate a fresh apple which was great compared to the dried food but it did cost $1.10 for one. Then we got in the creek and it felt amazing! The cold water felt wonderful on my sore knee and it didn't feel too hot if you were in the water. The thermometer read 104 at 11. I took the sleeping pad outside in the shade and laid by a tree. Accidentally got a tiny hole in the sleeping pad so I had to patch it. Checked the thermometer around 3:30-4 and it was 108 in the shade and 132 in the sun! That stream is a lifesaver. There was a "parade" down here for the 4th of July. I think there were 5 participants :)
Bright Angel Creek
Gray Fox.We were suprised to see him/her out in the heat of the day.
Day 6: They recommended budgeting twice as long to hike up as you do down and our trail, Bright Angel, was 2 miles longer than the first we took, South Kaibab. I set the alarm for 4:00 am but woke up at 3:35 am. Did get to see a shooting star because we slept with the top off the tent. We quickly ate and it was getting light outside fast. We left at 5:00 am and did not need a flashlight at all. It was already warming up too. We headed up on Bright Angel for our first water stop, Indian Garden. We were shocked that it only took us 2 hours and twenty minutes to go 4.5 miles with our packs. We were making great time! It was a very pretty area and welcomed after hiking “Devil’s Corkscrew.” When we arrived at the 3-mile resthouse, the miles went by much more slowly and it was getting steep. Hardly anyone was wearing heavy packs as they were doing day hikes. We topped again and rested for around 20 minutes. I didn’t want to eat as I was not hungry but you have to force yourself. We had crackers, granola, bars, Gatorade chews (needed more of these!), Oreo crisps, chips, pretzels, peanuts and more to eat during the hike. We ate a few items and moved on. My pack felt so heavy with the steep climb. It reminded me of doing a long run and having to concentrate on putting on foot in front of the other. Around 1 ½-2 miles from the top I was not doing well. My legs were so tired, although I never felt light headed. In the beginning I didn’t want to stop even when we should. Later on, once I had to stop twice within 10 feet! Just when you think you are getting close, you look up and see tiny people very far away on your trail and all the switchbacks. I finally got a second wind and used that feeling to take me to the glorious top. I gave my Dad a hug, took a photograph, and texted my family and Andrew that we had made it. I couldn’t wait to take my pack and shoes off. We went to eat a “real” lunch and had brownies, pizza, pie, and beer –YUM.
After lunch we began making our drive back and camped along the way to Ohio through New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.
Black Suspension Bridge
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