P.S. one week!

 

The end!

 As always, the people make or break the experience! This was a great co-adventure. Wildland Trekking once again exceeded expectations.

All accounted for at the top!

Betsy crossed off this bucket list item!

Happy almost anniversary!

Our fantastic guide and forever friend, Michael! 

The Ascent...Michael lied!

 Down is optional...Up is required! It wasn't easy, but not all that bad. We took our time, a leisurely lunch. Why rush...once you're up, you're up. 

Breaking daylight on our way

A look back at how far we'd come.

Layover day

 I looked forward to our day in the canyon perhaps more than any other day. The opportunity to day hike did not disappoint! Our guide took us on 2 amazing adventures, one of which we promised not share on social media (if you have a layover day in the canyon, I'll give you a hint!). 

Overlook to Phantom Ranch

The trail we came down, or Middle Earth, not sure!

The Camp

 Bright Angel Campground. 5/5 stars. More like a billion stars. A sky thick with stars. I have never seen anything like it! 

River in front of us, Canyon walls behind us, Phantom Ranch to the left, bath house to the right. 

The Mighty Colorado

 My first sighting of THE river. No words.

Nice Ass!

 I'm currently obsessed with Mules! They are surefooted, reliable, unflappable. While your Thoroughbred is freaking out over the ax wielding plastic bag dancing on the wind, the Mule is expressionless and steady. There's a life lesson in there somewhere. I'm not sure why everything associated with a Mule is so negative: stubborn as a mule, what an ass, drug mule! In the Canyon, Mules deliver supplies, humans and mail. Side note: I saw 2 mule trains with humans aboard, not a single human looked comfortable, every mule looked amused.  Second side note: you can still send a postcard from the bottom of the Canyon stamped DELIVERED BY MULE. I sent one to myself. We'll see how long it takes to arrive. I wish a mule would actually deliver it!

The Descent!

Our guide kept telling us, "this is the hardest day!" I'm suspicious that he was just trying to plant a seed that would help us make the journey up. However, the descent was indeed, unrelenting, knee jarring, toe jamming...magical, mystical, other worldly. Yes, that covers it!

Stairs...again with the stairs!

 

All Signs Point To Go!

Run, don't walk TO the Grand Canyon. (Do walk, don't run IN the Grand Canyon)

Twice my plans were foiled. CoVID, weather, but third time was the charm and I FINALLY got to the bottom. 

This journey down the greatest ditch in the World, first began with steps along the South Rim. 

That view...!