Grand Canyon Adventure – Post 2:
On Monday we woke up bright and early to catch the first hiker shuttle to the trailhead. We were giddy with excitement! Our mood was only dampened as we gathered to learn that another member of our tribe was sick and couldn’t go. It takes courage to make that decision for herself and group and it was hard. We said goodbye for now and off went our team of now 8.
We started our descent into the canyon at the South Kaibab Trailhead around 6:30am. This trail is known to be steep, rugged & in full sun. All of that was true! While the temps at the top in the morning began in the 50s, as we dropped into the canyon and the day went on, the heat grew and we ended our 7.5 mile descent in a 100 degree day. It was the last mile that proved the most difficult due to the heat and exhaustion. Hiking down the steps, incines and switchbacks is hard on the hips, knees and feet and we were feeling that.
As a few of us in the front neared Phantom Ranch, we met a park ranger who asked how we were. We shared that one of our friends was struggling and he told us to get in the creek, it was the only way. So we turned back to find our group and give them his direction. We all instantly jumped into the Bright Angel Creek which was very cold and yet just what we needed! As soon as we had cooled down enough we headed on to Phantom Ranch for the promise of iced lemonade! We spent the afternoon and evening playing cards, listening to a ranger presentation, showering, having dinner and contemplating our trip back out of the canyon all the while very proud of what we had accomplished!!