Thursday we left the Grand Canyon International Hostel in Flagstaff at 7:15 a.m. so that we could make the 90 minute drive to the Canyon. We managed to get on the South Kaibab Trail by 10 a.m. Everyone was excited to start the adventure!
The weather was unbelievable for January-38 degrees at the beginning of the trail and 60's by the time we reached Phantom Ranch around 2. Several of us "hit" the little beach when we reached the Colorado River near the Ranch. It was definitely COLD but refreshing. We got there in time for napping/reading in the sun for some and further hiking for others before dinner.
Dinner was steak, potato, peas, corn, corn bread, salad, and chocolate cake. It was a pretty quiet dinner because everyone was so hungry after the 7.2 miles/4200' drop in elevation, that no one spoke unless asking for someone to pass something!
After dinner, we relaxed and fell asleep pretty early for a college bunch!
This morning we were back on the trail by 8 a.m. This time we hiked up the Bright Angel Trail. It was a totally different experience than Kaibab Trail mainly because it was UP and LONGER (9.8 miles and 4300' elevation gain)! We made great time for the first half of the trail but hit some really icy conditions thereafter. This picture shows that there was little sun on the trail especially as we got closer to the top. As a result, we had icy conditions to contend with. We dodged the mule dung and had a few falls but managed to have everyone cozy by the fireplace in the Bright Angel Lodge after 5 hours.
We were back at the hostel in Flagstaff by 4:30 and enjoying a hearty dinner of Thai food by 6. Because we had expended so many calories today, we rationalized going to Baskin-Robbins after!
The excitement for this Friday evening?
Everyone is packing and doing laundry!
KEF
Sent from my iPhone
The weather was unbelievable for January-38 degrees at the beginning of the trail and 60's by the time we reached Phantom Ranch around 2. Several of us "hit" the little beach when we reached the Colorado River near the Ranch. It was definitely COLD but refreshing. We got there in time for napping/reading in the sun for some and further hiking for others before dinner.
Dinner was steak, potato, peas, corn, corn bread, salad, and chocolate cake. It was a pretty quiet dinner because everyone was so hungry after the 7.2 miles/4200' drop in elevation, that no one spoke unless asking for someone to pass something!
After dinner, we relaxed and fell asleep pretty early for a college bunch!
This morning we were back on the trail by 8 a.m. This time we hiked up the Bright Angel Trail. It was a totally different experience than Kaibab Trail mainly because it was UP and LONGER (9.8 miles and 4300' elevation gain)! We made great time for the first half of the trail but hit some really icy conditions thereafter. This picture shows that there was little sun on the trail especially as we got closer to the top. As a result, we had icy conditions to contend with. We dodged the mule dung and had a few falls but managed to have everyone cozy by the fireplace in the Bright Angel Lodge after 5 hours.
We were back at the hostel in Flagstaff by 4:30 and enjoying a hearty dinner of Thai food by 6. Because we had expended so many calories today, we rationalized going to Baskin-Robbins after!
The excitement for this Friday evening?
Everyone is packing and doing laundry!
KEF
Sent from my iPhone
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