Buzz and Alice rode with us from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon. Packing was tight, but it was comfortable and Buzz played his I-Pod collection of country tunes all the way so we were definitely in in a country frame of mind by the time we got to Flagstaff and stopped for lunch at the Beaver St. Brewery. The burgers were great!
A bit cramped in the back seat.
We arrived at the south rim early in the afternoon, checked in at the Yavapai Lodge and had a look around. The mule deer were quite tame and well adjusted to life in the Park.
The first views of the canyon were spectacular. 
We were happy to be there, and looking forward to beginning our hike the following day.
There are many stunning viewpoints along the south rim.
We were excited to be celebrating our 36th anniversary with dinner at the historic El Tovar dining room in the company of Vicki and John from Minnesota who would be joining us on the hike. Buzz and Alice were a bit concerned about the challenge awaiting us over the next 2 days, but after a glass or two of wine they loosened up to the prospect!
The salads were nice, and the setting was beautiful.
Next morning, we were refreshed and eager to start out as we gathered at the South Kaibab trailhead. Due to some initial confusion, we were a bit later starting out than we had intended.
We pitched over the edge and were on our way! The trail is one of the few in the park that follows a ridge rather than side canyons.It is steep, however, dropping close to 5,000 feet in 6.3 miles.
Peg was enthusiastic at the start, and remained determined in spite of the increasing heat.
Vicki and John enjoyed our first brief rest stop.
The vistas were beautiful, and changed at every switchback.
We took a longer break at Cedar Ridge, which is about a mile and a half from the trailhead. Buzz had had the foresight to prepare beautiful, thick ham & cheese sandwiches on rye for all of us. They were really tasty!
Buzz made friends with Alvin, who seemed to be looking for food and was not shy about begging, or even digging into backpacks, given the chance.
John found a great perch to relax and put his feet up.
Vicki contemplated nature while playing a soothing tune on her flute.
We saddled up and headed down the trail.
Looking back towards the rim, it was a bit surprising to see how far we had descended.
The Grand Canyon hike is a trip back in time, offering views of up to six million years of erosion through four geologic eras.
Peg, following Alice down the trail.
Switchbacks in the distance.
We were a bit startled to see this bright flower alone in the dust!
We crossed a plateau
And then the trail steepened as we saw the switchbacks ahead and the river far below.
Great views at every turn.
This was more or less the halfway point, and it was getting really hot!
The rare shady spots were looking inviting.
Much of the trail was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 30's.
More improbable flowers, and cactus.
Amid the barren rock formations.
Tell me- tell me, I implore! Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
First glimpse of the Silver bridge on the Colorado river, leading to the Bright Angel Trail on the south side where we would begin our ascent the following day.
And then the black bridge came in to view, on the South Kaibab.
But the sight of the switchbacks showed that it was not quite as close as we thought!
A final break in the shade before our final push to the river.
And then we were there!
Peg crossing the river.
Rafters on a break.
It was still about half a mile up Canyon Creek to the Phantom Ranch.
Four in the afternoon, and shadows were already darkening the recesses of the canyon.
We had the two cabins shown here in the center.
Air conditioned, and very comfortable after a long hike.
A serene evening at Phantom Ranch
Happy campers enjoying a hearty meal, all-you-can-eat, served family style.
The beef stew was a winner!
Don't stop till you get enough.
Fresh salad.
We started our ascent at 6 am, as the mules rested in the paddock,
John found a great perch to relax and put his feet up.
Vicki contemplated nature while playing a soothing tune on her flute.
We saddled up and headed down the trail.
Looking back towards the rim, it was a bit surprising to see how far we had descended.
The Grand Canyon hike is a trip back in time, offering views of up to six million years of erosion through four geologic eras.
Peg, following Alice down the trail.
Switchbacks in the distance.
We were a bit startled to see this bright flower alone in the dust!
We crossed a plateau
And then the trail steepened as we saw the switchbacks ahead and the river far below.
Great views at every turn.
This was more or less the halfway point, and it was getting really hot!
The rare shady spots were looking inviting.
Much of the trail was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 30's.
More improbable flowers, and cactus.
Amid the barren rock formations.
Tell me- tell me, I implore! Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
First glimpse of the Silver bridge on the Colorado river, leading to the Bright Angel Trail on the south side where we would begin our ascent the following day.
And then the black bridge came in to view, on the South Kaibab.
But the sight of the switchbacks showed that it was not quite as close as we thought!
A final break in the shade before our final push to the river.
And then we were there!
Peg crossing the river.
Rafters on a break.
It was still about half a mile up Canyon Creek to the Phantom Ranch.
Four in the afternoon, and shadows were already darkening the recesses of the canyon.
We had the two cabins shown here in the center.
Air conditioned, and very comfortable after a long hike.
A serene evening at Phantom Ranch
Happy campers enjoying a hearty meal, all-you-can-eat, served family style.
The beef stew was a winner!
Don't stop till you get enough.
Fresh salad.
We started our ascent at 6 am, as the mules rested in the paddock, awaiting the long trek back to the rim.
We crossed the Colorado, heading for Bright Angel Trail.
It was peaceful and cool at the start.
Exotic plant material (for us).
And beautiful patterns of light and shadow on the canyon walls.
We wound our way up the trail through side canyons.
The trail leveled out as we approached Indian Garden, where there is a campground, a rest area, and intersecting trails.
A blue lizard greeted us, in search of insects
A mule train passed by. The thermometer on the left registered 100 degrees at 8 am.
Mules resting in the corral.
We crossed the Colorado, heading for Bright Angel Trail.
It was peaceful and cool at the start.
Exotic plant material (for us).
And beautiful patterns of light and shadow on the canyon walls.
We wound our way up the trail through side canyons.
The trail leveled out as we approached Indian Garden, where there is a campground, a rest area, and intersecting trails.
A blue lizard greeted us, in search of insects
A mule train passed by. The thermometer on the left registered 100 degrees at 8 am.
Mules resting in the corral. This is the turnaround spot for some of the mule excursions from the rim.
We turned back to see that we had covered quite a distance.
And moved to the side of the trail to let the mules pass by.
And finally, we gathered at the rim for a farewell photo. Mission accomplished!
We turned back to see that we had covered quite a distance.
And moved to the side of the trail to let the mules pass by.
And finally, we gathered at the rim for a farewell photo. Mission accomplished!Peg and Kevin were off to Winslow, while our companions returned to Phoenix.
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