Grand Canyon day 3

It was a super early start (5:00am) . . . since we had a flight to catch in Phoenix (4 hour drive south of the Grand Canyon) we were going to leave earlier than the rest of the group.  We also got smart yesterday and decided to pay for the mule to carry some of our stuff to the rim for us.  Best decision ever!  EVER!  We would still have our backpacks with water and snacks . . . I hiked down with 20.1 pounds and now going up it was less that 5 pounds.  Best money spent this trip!  The bags had to be dropped off before 6:30am which meant we had to wake very early to take down tents and manage to cram it in the feed sack or backpack; It only took me about 25 minutes to take down and pack; my empty space . . .

. . . then hike it the half mile to drop off.  Since we did not have a duffel bag, we were given a feed sack to pack our stuff.  Marilyn and I managed to get rid of a combined 20 pounds!  As I walked to the drop off point, weighed my bag, tagged the bag, and went to drop it off at the rack this guy broke free and came to see what was going on . . .

. . . and my allergies went crazy!  He was so gentle and just wanted a snack!  Simon went in the kitchen to find someone to tie him back up!  One of the cooks came out and took care of him.  So bag was dropped and that was literally a load off my back!  Again, best $70.55 spent!

To complete our loop hike we are heading out of the canyon via the Bright Angel Trail which is 9.9 miles uphill!  I know sounds terrible.  It was the one part of the trip that I was the most worried about and was nervous.  We stopped by the campsite to have a quick, light breakfast before setting out at 7:15am.  Good Bye Bright Angel Campground; it was a blast . . .

It was just the two of us on our own . . . we were determined to not let the experienced hikers in the group catch us, LOL.  So we walked, we talked, we complained, we said bad words . . . a lot!  I drank a lot of water . . .

We were really having so much fun and both agreed the hike up was so much easier than the hike down.  I was really surprised at how good I was feeling.  It was all a mental game, and I was determined to win!

Yes, I talked to myself from time to time!  Our first opportunity for water was at about the half way point called Indian Garden.  I could tell my body needed some fuel so we stopped for about 10-15 minutes to eat, drink, and use the restroom.  As we were heading back out we saw the three other beginning hikers of our group, Anna, Matt, and Simon . . . they were all so nice and nice to know they were close behind.  Marilyn and I were surprised that we made it to the half way point in about 2 hours.  I also knew the second half of the hike up was the hardest so at least we were making decent time.  While I didn't take that many pictures, the views were amazing!  It was so nice to stop, look back, and realize how amazing this journey was . . . I felt a complete sense of accomplishment especially when looking at the endless switchbacks and trails below!

We made a few more stops for water but for the most part we walked, drank water, and ate as needed.  Somewhere between the Three-Mile Resthouse and the Mile-and-a-half Resthouse we separated and walked on our own.  I tell you it took some deep determination, concentration, and will power to push forward and upward.  The last mile was a total killer!  I had read it was tough but man it was all that and then some.  The trail was crowded with day visitor that were less than willing to move aside and it was hot too.  It was harder that anything I have every done including childbirth!  The other thing that keep me going were the people also doing the exact same trek.  At times it was like leap frog . . . you would stop, they would pass you, they would stop, and you would pass them.  The small talk and words of encouragement were amazing.  I meet a couple in their 60s who were just hiking down to the Mile-and-a half Resthouse . . . he was so kind and some how it came into the conversation that he and his wife had done the Inca Trail this summer at the same time I was in Peru.  We laughed that we might be in each other's pictures.  I was in awe that they did the Inca Trail and he was in awe that I had done this hike.  I continued on my way . . . at about this time my trekking poles were doing a lot of work for me.  It was so hard to take those steps and would just plant them in the ground and sort of hoist myself up.  I was almost to the end when I got tagged to do a survey about hydration . . . I agreed to do it if we were in the shade and the lady wrote my responses.  She laughed but agreed.  I could see the Bright Angel Lodge Cabins so I knew I was so close to being at the South Rim.  I won't lie but the emotions started to hit me . . . my eyes were teary and I was a bit overcome with the sense of accomplishment.  I was proud of myself for doing this trip even though I wasn't sure I would be physically capable.  And just like that the trail ended . . . I did it!  As I got to the end of the trail it split . . . I went left and could not find Marilyn so asked a random person to take my picture . . .

. . . I then realized we should have had a better plan so I wandered around looking for her and about 15 minutes later found her . . . I knew I should have gone right when the trail split.  We were both so thrilled at our accomplishment!

We headed to the car, drove to pick up our 20 pounds at the mule barn, and headed towards Phoenix.  The entire drive we were just in awe at what we had accomplished . . . this is so not the typical vacation we take together . . . we are already thinking of where we will hike next!
We left Bright Angel Campground at 7:15am and I took my last step off the Bright Angel Trail at 1:30pm . . . 6 hours and 15 minutes . . . I was shocked at how fast we completed the hike!  So proud of myself and being part of this amazing adventure . . .