To get up to speed, you can read this. And this. And this.
Now that we're all back on the same page, I'll get right to it.
We started our day by heading to the Bright Angel trail head. Bright Angel is probably the most hiked trail to the river in the Grand Canyon. It is also the trail that is used by the mule teams, hauling passengers and gear to the river.
I knew that I would not be able to make it very far on the bum ankle. And I was right. I went about 1/2 mile and turned around. But the draw of the canyon was too much for Vol Fan to ignore. He continued on. His plan - go to 3 mile rest house and turn around. But once there, he just couldn't stop and had to continue on.He went down. And down. And down.
He took photos of the same view as he descended. This will give you an idea just how far down he went.
But this was not the turn-around point of his hike. This was where he ran out of space on the memory card!!He hiked down these switchbacks.
And down this trail. Do you see that section of green on the top left of the pic? That was his turn-around point - Indian Garden.
Now for the fun part - going up. He was very surprised at how well he handled the constant climbing. He even hiked for a little while with a park ranger and he commented about how he was surprised that "no offense but a man your size" was able to keep up with him. Ha!But what took 2 hours going in took 4 hours going out!
He loved the different perspective that he got from descending into the canyon. Vol Fan, who does not like hiking, is seriously planning another trip so I can hike too. And he is planning on hiking to the bottom. I may have to be airlifted out! He really wants to earn a 'Rim To Rim' t-shirt!
During Vol Fan's hike, I explored the western side of the park and it's many overlooks. I spent a LOT of time with my eye glued to the camcorder eyepiece, zoomed in on the trail trying to catch a glimpse of Vol Fan.When that didn't work, I tried to get some good pictures of the soaring condors. That didn't work either. So I found a spot away from the viewpoint at Maricopa Point and sat. Listening to the wind. Soaking in the beauty.
Once I hooked back up with Vol Fan, we took the shuttle to Hopi Point for sunset. And it did not disappoint.
11 comments:
wow, that has got to be one of the most truly beautiful places on this earth. I have viewed it from above as a tourist and would love to one day hike through it. Well done your husband, and I hope you get to go back with him and do it together.
:-)
Gorgeous views...
In 2011, we may be going to Phoenix for a conference. Joe wants to drive to the Grand Canyon. I hope it pans out. :)
AMAZING pictures! Looks like you couldn't find a more beautiful view!
Vol fan did great!! Love all the pictures. I want to visit here one day with the kids!
Lovely!! Dude, you guys get AROUND. I mean I know this was from a while back but STILL. You're always out and about and I LOVE it.
Have a great weekend!
Wow! Truly beautiful.
You took amazing pictures, thank you for sharing them with us!
Simply breathtaking! Yay for Vol Fan! I know I couldn't make that hike!
Beautiful photos, glad you shared these with us.
Leedra’s Photos For Fun
Oh Woody... I can't wait to go there. We have good friends who have spent the night down in the canyon before. They are REAL hikers.
The sunset is totally breath-taking. You all got some wonderful pictures.
I WANT to go NOW!!!!! Gosh!
Hugs,
Betsy
Wow - I am seriously impressed! Kudos to Vol Fan!
And I love that second to last photo. Pure magic!
Way to go, Vol Fan! And if you're not sure about hiking to the bottom and back, there are always the mules!
Seriously, with training you could probably do it, especially if you stay the night at Phantom Ranch and then only need to carry a daypack. If you start back up very early, you miss a lot of the heat of the day (going in the spring or fall helps a lot too).
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