Grand Canyon or bust

A travel opportunity was put in front of me . . . it would be challenging and so not the five-star vacation that I am used to . . . I thought about it for a few days.  I wasn't sure I was physically able to be successful but also knew this was a difficult trip to score . . . so many factors before I could say yes.  I knew I could hike in and out but with a 20.1 pound pack on my back, it would make it a totally new challenge for me.  There are times in life that I sort of just go with the flow and don't challenge myself so maybe this was a test for me?  I was dealing with back to school blues and some emotional issues too so finally thought why not give it a try.  It would be good to disconnect from life for a couple of days and just enjoy life and nature . . . sort of a recharge for my head and heart.  I might regret this later, but I am headed to the Grand Canyon to meet up with Marilyn and a group of strangers to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.  Oh my what did I agree to do?  Well, you know I like staying at nice lodges so first we will spend the night at the oh so nice El Tovar Lodge at the rim of the canyon.

. . .  it was total luck to get a one night reservation.  I checked the website for days, several times a day and one lonely Friday night there was an opening!  Always a fun time to hang out and visit and no kids this trip!  Tomorrow at 8:00am it is show time.  For the next 56 hours this is all I will have with me . . .

. . . and it will be totally up to me to carry it down and up!  I hope I can get some sleep and not worry all night!  Here we go . . .