Grand Canyon Day 2

After briefly stopping in Page, Arizona, we drove on to the Grand Canyon National Park. Once there, we found our campsite and set up my brand new tent. It was really cold, so we decided to sleep in the tent at least that night on the rim. But we wouldn't take the tent into the Canyon. Fro weight purposes. We supped in the only restaurant available, since we chose not to pack food for dinner that night. (Don't ever get the catfish or the creamed spinach. not so bueno!)

Wednesday, March 29th
getting a nice, early start that day was key.....well, compared to prior years, it felt early. ;)


David and i were laughing, because the weight of my pack (about 45 lbs.) nearly pulled me over backwards.

then we took before pictures:


We proceeded down the South Kaibab trial, a steep, but shorter trail that the Bright Angel trail. The South Kaibab trail was about 7.3 miles from top to the bottom, Phantom Ranch.

A few shots while progressing downward.




still pretty chipper, despite the strenuous activity. :)


taking a short break...



we made it down to the river, and took a break to cool off. my legs were officially shot at this point, from the constant downhill trekking.





then we went over the Phantom Ranch, where we enjoyed a beer (not David!) and some games inside the Canteen. We were kicked out when they were making dinner. Which just so happened to be a $40 steak dinner. We ate Pasta Roni outside on a picnic table, our mouths watering at the smell of the delicious, dead cow.

We proceeded to pack back up, and head towards Clear Creek for a few miles. We needed to get at least a couple more in before we divvied up on the tonto.

the last few pictures I took this day were of this lovely yellow.....flower/plant. huge bumblebees were enjoying it, and we had a short little discussion on my bee sting allergies and our lack of adequate bee sting treatment. we were only about half a mile in, so we quickly continued on. it grew dark, and about 2.3 miles into the hike we found a spot large enough for three people to sleep. we snacked for a bit and conversed, and I called my dad to inform him of our divvying on the tonto, and that I had cell phone reception. the sky was huge and beautiful with stars, and we fell asleep tired, sore, but content.