Phoenix trip part 4

December 31, 2006 - Grand Canyon

So because of the nasty blizzard at the top of the canyon, and all over the mid west or wherever we are, a lot of people cancelled out on their canyon trip. So we got each a bed booked at the dorms at the bottom of the canyon at "phantom ranch;" so down we went.

the 'stang at trailhead

the Bright Angel trail begins

9 mile hike to the ranch, zig zagging down the canyon. A 4700' elevation drop total, so the nasty snow only lasted for the first couple miles anyway. A lot of people were going up and down actually, to the midway points at least. A good number took the mule ride (10mb vid) option as well.

headed down (6.7mb vid)

cloud breaks

looking forward

switchbacks (1.5mb vid)

colorado river (11.3mb vid)

phantom ranch (5.2mb vid)

So 5 hours later we made it to the little village down there (phantom ranch) where we stayed and had some 22$ bowls of stew (some of that money goes to the mules i trust). Neat spot down there, we had no idea what we were in for, and could have spent several days down there exploring (11.3mb vid 'the beach'). People usually book 1 year in advance to stay there, so we really scored on that trip.

Went back up the next morning 'cept took a different trail that proved to be even more scenic. it was only 7.5 miles, but a bit steeper and a little more tiring. I'll be sore for a few days more still, can't walk right. Wil doesn't seem to get sore or tired.

Took 5 hours to get back up. The pics do little justice for the actual view; it was far more impressive than anything i saw in Australia.