Grand Canyon - September 2008

It seems like forever ago Mark and I took this trip. Mark had approached me about doing this trip months in advance since we needed to make sure that we could obtain the permits. Since they only allow so many permits each year, we applied in the spring and waited for approval. It finally came in the mail and we booked flights the same day.

September was one of the hottest months to go, but it was perfect timing for us, so we did it anyways. We had trained on treadmills and stair masters for a couple months, in anticipation of the elevation we would face. Mark had done this trip once before, so he already knew the ropes. However, it was almost as if we were too prepared. :)

The first and last night, we signed up to stay on the campground at the top of the canyon (city camping). As we paid for that first night at the station, the guy laughed at us when we said we were doing 5 days in the canyon and then the last night up top. He told us that we would be so sick of it by then that we should just wait and see if we would be back. (We are hardcore, and we did that last night!!) That night we checked out the views from the top of the canyon, visited the tourist area gift shop and grocery store and got some park maps for the next morning.

As we woke up our very first morning, we had made a huge error - we had left our garbage bag on a tree branch, and sure enough, every animal in the campground had gone through it. That was a good reminder for the rest of the trip, especially since the wildlife at the bottom might not be so small!

Over the next five days, we ate tons of nature valley granola bars, tons of lipton sidekicks in every flavour imagineable, packaged mashed potatoes (which surprisingly were awesome when you are down in the canyon), oatmeal and best of all, bagels and peanut butter. I still remember looking at the Grand Canyon from the top and thinking that I was crazy for getting into this. The way down was such an amazing hike. Views I had never seen before, and nothing I could even use for a comparison now. I remember that Mark and I had gotten about 3/4 of the way down and were so hot and hungry. We stopped in a shaded area (there were very few in the afternoon sun) and got out a jar of peanut butter and bagels. I have never loved peanut butter so much. It was the most satisfying food we could have had at that point. That feeling is forever etched in my mind, and comes back to me every time I consume peanut butter.

Once we got down to the bottom, I couldn't wait to put my feet - let's be honest-  my entire body- in the water from the intense heat. We made it to our campsite and Mark and I just jumped into the creek in full clothing. The little minnows nip at your toes, which is such a strange feeling. Normally I wouldn't be one to hang out in creeks, but I was so hot I couldn't care less about if the water was filled with fish.

Some of the highlights of the trip:
1. Phantom Ranch stew dinner - at the bottom of the canyon there is a small ranch that you can prepay for dinner prior to your trip. It's family style and all you can eat (amazing) stew, salad, ice tea and chocolate cake. It's funny how after you eat dehydrated food for 3 days how incredible hot stew tastes, even in the middle of summer.

2. River trail around the base of the canyon - this overlooks the Colorado (red) river. It has fantastic views, a huge bridge you can cross, and is a very nice and easy couple of miles walk to do in the morning or evening.

3. Clear Creek Trail - my nemesis. This trail RUINED me. It was straight uphill - with a 60lb backpack on, it made it even worse. To top it off, that night we were doing what was called "at large camping." This means you choose a place on the grid map, and decide to camp there. (This is all predetermined before your trip in case something happens and they need to send a search party out.) Well it turned out that there were a group of guys that had chosen the same grid to be on that night, so we were racing them up the canyon to the cliff. Mark and I really wanted our tent out toward the edge of the cliff, so I finally just told Mark to get going and secure our spot. We could hear the guys behind us just cursing and yelling because they were peeved that we got the good spot. Score one for Mark's long legs! I would have to say it was worth the walk though, because it was just a breathtaking view. Our dinner that night included white cheddar macaroni and cheese, très gourmet!

4. Ribbon Falls- One day we decided that it would be a good idea to get a long hike in. It was just under 13 miles to Ribbon Falls, so we thought that would make a good day trip. 3/4 of the way there, it almost looks as if the path just ends, and you are climbing in beween rocks and brush to try and see ANYTHING. Then, when you least expect it and just want it to be over, you come across Ribbon Falls. It's hard for a picture to do it justice, but it's this tall, long waterfall in the middle of the desert. All of the colours of the canyon come together to create this beautiful masterpiece. Best of all is the natural rock formation beside it that allows you to actually crawl up and stand behind the waterfall if you want.

Walking back up to the top of the canyon was far more intense than coming down, but it seemed that Mark was hardly phased by it. Must be nice to have such long legs! We did a camp night halfway up so that way we could break up the elevation. Indian Gardens was our stopping point, where we put our feet in a creek and had the opportunity to walk out to an amazing look out point (seen below).

The final day began at 5am, as we were hoping to be up to the top by 9am before the harsh sun broke out. Our headlights were worth their weight in gold that morning!  After a long 4 hours, Mark and I made it to the top all in one piece. We celebrated with a beer and a fantastic breakfast. Then onto the showers!

Packing - to the right is Mark's spreadsheet of everything we needed!

Almost there!

Campground (getting things ready and packed for next day)

Ta dah! Our new MEC lightweight tent.  

Mark wishes that would fit him.

Local creatures - so fun trying to catch them.

Who would decide to stand on the outside? NO THANKS.

This was actually at the Grand Canyon grocery and gift store..

Garbage Mistake. Oops.

Switchbacks on the way down. Now imagine this x 100.

Halfway point.

On our way down!

Over the bridge to the campsite!

HOT.

Gourmet mac'n'cheese dinner.

View from Clear Creek Trail on the cliff at night.

En route to Ribbon Falls.

Standing behind Ribbon Falls (looking to the left)

Standing behind Ribbon Falls (looking to the right)

Ribbon Falls.

The reason why you don't wear new shoes on an intensive 5 day hike.

Halfway up the Canyon at Indian Gardens. Mark is very proud of his rope project.

Why it's a rule that "What you take into the Canyon, you take out."

Grand Canyon pink rattler. EEEeeeekkkkk....at a campsite close to us too! 

One of my favourite pictures of the trip.

The lookout close to Indian Gardens.

Mark faked me out and told me to pose since we were (supposedly) at the top...it was actually another 1/2 hour away.  

Finally at the top!!!

Mark discovering his blisters. 

First real meal in 5 days.

Last cook-out at the top of the canyon...

Saying goodbye.

Oak Creek Canyon

We drove through Oak Creek Canyon on our way to Sedona. We had to stop and take in the view as it was a really nice drive.

Sedona.....for the love of red rock....

Knowing that we were going to be exhausted after this hike, we decided to try priceline in Sedona for the last day of the trip to try and get pampered a little. For $55.00 for the night before our return flight, Mark got a 5* golf resort. As we had dinner overlooking the private lake that night, there was a lightening storm happening way off in the distance. No rain, just the shimmers of lightening..... Nice way to end a trip!

Our Canadian friends like this place too! 

Pool noodle boat contest. He won.

Our Sante Fe room.

Lightening!