We made it on the Bright Angel Trail by 8AM and descended 6.1 miles into the canyon. It was beautiful – although a bit of a popular trail. Once we went past the few “stops” the crowds thinned out and soon we were nearly alone. We even spotted a mule deer during the daylight, which was unusual.
There were several places to refill your water – which was great because it was nearly 90 degrees. We each drank over a gallon of water to stay hydrated. Maryanne had read all the pamphlets and parts of the book, Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon and kept up a steady monologue of stories about people who had died on this very trail from dehydration.
At the peak of their hike on Plateau Point, Maryanne saw the critically endangered California Condor! They have been reintroduced into the wild in Grand Canyon. THERE ARE ONLY 156 IN THE WILD IN THE WORLD! She shouted and suddenly everyone was very excited and taping them or snapping photos. It was one of the most special moments in her life. THEN there were TWO Condors annnnnnd they flew within 15 feet of her. They must have felt the love pouring from her to them, because there was definitely a connection.
After this miraculous moment, nothing could spoil the atmosphere – not even the two girls from NY at the rest station. Literally, the following events occurred:
1) They asked if it was hotter at the bottom because you were closer to the equator.
2) They complimented an older avid hiker couple on their, “like cute matching hiking outfits!”
3) They stated that they thought the people with the “big backpacks” were bringing in giant picnic lunches – not camping equipment.
4) They brought a tiny 6 oz bottle of water and bag of pretzels for a 5 mile down and 5 mile UP hike; despite the 50 signs warning this might KILL YOU. They thought people with gear were weird.
5) Etc.
It’s hard to remember when we spent most of the time wondering how their vote carries equal weight in the election.
To celebrate making it of this hike, we drank a beer and returned to our fantastic hosts! It was only 5PM, but we were beat and we were asleep by 7PM.
There were several places to refill your water – which was great because it was nearly 90 degrees. We each drank over a gallon of water to stay hydrated. Maryanne had read all the pamphlets and parts of the book, Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon and kept up a steady monologue of stories about people who had died on this very trail from dehydration.
At the peak of their hike on Plateau Point, Maryanne saw the critically endangered California Condor! They have been reintroduced into the wild in Grand Canyon. THERE ARE ONLY 156 IN THE WILD IN THE WORLD! She shouted and suddenly everyone was very excited and taping them or snapping photos. It was one of the most special moments in her life. THEN there were TWO Condors annnnnnd they flew within 15 feet of her. They must have felt the love pouring from her to them, because there was definitely a connection.
After this miraculous moment, nothing could spoil the atmosphere – not even the two girls from NY at the rest station. Literally, the following events occurred:
1) They asked if it was hotter at the bottom because you were closer to the equator.
2) They complimented an older avid hiker couple on their, “like cute matching hiking outfits!”
3) They stated that they thought the people with the “big backpacks” were bringing in giant picnic lunches – not camping equipment.
4) They brought a tiny 6 oz bottle of water and bag of pretzels for a 5 mile down and 5 mile UP hike; despite the 50 signs warning this might KILL YOU. They thought people with gear were weird.
5) Etc.
It’s hard to remember when we spent most of the time wondering how their vote carries equal weight in the election.
To celebrate making it of this hike, we drank a beer and returned to our fantastic hosts! It was only 5PM, but we were beat and we were asleep by 7PM.
1 comment:
Wow, about seeing the condors!
I think your feet are going to need a rest soon.
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