Grand Canyon day 1

It was a beautiful wake up at the south rim of the Grand Canyon . . .

. . . but it is almost show time and time to get this trek started . . . the last hiker's express bus to the trail head leaves at 8:00 so we are off . . . the rest of the group arrives and we hop on the bus . . .

We are going down the South Kaibab Trail which is 7.4 miles . . . no water, very little shade, and very steep.  The elevation change from rim to river is 4,860 feet.  I am ready to get started but also a bit nervous too!  The hike starts easy and is a bit crowded but it quickly thins out.  I am taking my time and enjoying every view possible.  The group seems a bit fast to me but this is really my first big hike so maybe this is normal?  First stop was at OohAhh Point . . .

Back on the trail for more walking and it is a beautiful day.  We take a quick break at Cedar Ridge to refuel our bodies with snacks and water.  By this time there are hardly any other hikers out and about . . .

After a short break it is back down we continue . . .

. . . the trail has a lot of water puddles since there was a big rain a couple of days ago.  It does make it difficult to maneuver at times because the last thing I want is wet feet.  I am still smiling at this point even though deep down it is becoming very difficult and warm outside too!  I tell you it is all about dressing in layers.

A view from above looking down on the trail and switchbacks that await us . . .

At this point we are about half way to our destination, I won't lie that in my head I had two thoughts.  First, it is only 3.5 miles back to the rim or keep going for 13 miles down and back up in a few days.  If I continued going there was no turning back!

The hike down became intensely difficult.  The trails were decent but muddy, uneven and rocky too.  It was nice that there were very few people on the trail too . . . we probably met more mules than people!  The mules also use this trail so that causes some difficult terrain to maneuver too!  Some of the steps were difficult and thank goodness I had my trekking poles.  I sort of enjoyed hanging at the back of the group . . . I did manage to slip and fall once but quickly learned if I want to look at something then I had to stop and look and could not walk and look . . .  

. . . it probably doesn't look that bad but some of the steps were almost a foot!  I never imagined going down the trail would be so difficult, but I was determined!  We met two mule trains as we headed down . . .

. . . I am not sure if I could do the mule ride.  I think it could be scary and would be worried the mule would get spooked and take off.  I think having my two feet on the ground was the best choice for me.  I will tell you I learned it is a bad idea to take off your 20 pound backpack, sit on the ground, eat lunch, and then try to get up and put back on 20 pound backpack again . . .

Not too long after our lunch break, we had the best view . . .

. . . well every view was pretty spectacular but this view was like heaven and confirmation that the end was so close!  The patch of green trees on the right hand side of the photo above is our final destination for the day, Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground . . . it still seems so far away but at least it gave me a visual of the end is some what near.  It was nice to always have the Colorado River as a visual . . . that long bridge would be so great to walk across.

The hike from this point to the tunnel was painful.  My legs were starting to give out and my poor ankles and knees were tired.  I was so glad I had trekking poles to help keep my balance especially when my left leg would give out from time to time.  Seeing this tunnel was an awesome feeling . . .

. . . because I knew at the end the Colorado River would be waiting!  A quick crossing of the bridge and we would be so very close . . .

. . . and just like that we were at our campsite for the night.  

Yes, I said campsite!  I will be sleeping in a tent for the next two nights . . . it should be interesting but hopefully I am so exhausted that I sleep like a baby!  I did not take any photos of me and my tent.  I just didn't even think about it!  After camp was set up, part of our group headed to the Phantom Ranch Canteen to celebrate the long day . . .

. . . they both tasted so good but the new friendships and conversations were even better.  While we didn't know it at the time we found an awesome bathroom with hot water that ran freely!  I thought the painting on the wall was funny . . .

. . . what you bring down you must bring back out too!  Nothing like collecting every piece of trash for two days and carrying it back out when we leave!  Oh and there was a payphone too!

It took our group 4 hours 45 minutes to hike the 7.4 miles.  It was a great day but so glad it is time to rest and relax!  I was in my tent around 7:00pm!  I have a feeling that trying to stand up tomorrow will be a huge challenge!  For now, I am just looking up and enjoying the beautiful stars and listening to the Bright Angel Creek water rolling down to the Colorado River.