Take It Easy

Posted on: 2022-06-19 /
Categories: Uncategorized

Well, today certainly has been an adventure. We got up bright and early at 6 (too bright, and too early…) to get ready to head out to the South Rim. Our big hike of the day is on the Bright Angel Trail, and to the 3-Mile Resthouse. We took the relatively quick drive out to the park and was on the trail by around 8:30.

Photos really do not do this justice. The vastness of the canyon cannot be captured in pictures, it truly is breathtaking.

Our view upon starting the hike.
A nice, short tunnel to greet you on your long hike.
Was cool to see many a large bird.
We made it to our destination! Down is easy, up, not so much.
A sign I should definitely have heeded a bit more closely.
The start of the return out of the canyon.

Lessons I’ve learned from this hike…a good breakfast is VERY important. We prepared well for this hike, bringing plenty of water, plenty of snacks to eat during the hike, and resting frequently, especially given how warm it was (so thankful it wasn’t warmer…). However, I made a very bad mistake of not eating breakfast (only eating a couple fig bars at the start), which meant I didn’t have enough calories to sustain me through to the end.

When I got back to the tunnel above, I collapsed in dizziness, likely from exhaustion and lack of energy, a very scary thing. Thankfully I had my friends with me to get help, and with some rest, I was able to self-rescue. I share this to emphasize that this trail is no joke, and preparation starts even before you hit the trail.

After having dinner at the Bright Angel Lodge, we checked out the Star Party that the visitor center was having. This was very cool, as they talked about the James Webb Space Telescope and then we got to see various stellar objects through the telescopes set up in the parking lot. It’s amazing how the night sky looks like without light pollution…

Tomorrow, we are off to the South Kaibab Trail and then off to Page, AZ and Antelope Canyon.

Stay cool!