Let's try a second time.

My trip to Arizona changed my views on the hiking I actually thought we were doing. The first day we hiked and didn't know what we were getting ourselves into. A week later, we climbed the same mountain and realized it wasn't as hard as we made it out to be. We also figured out a week of hiking got us into shape to come back and hike this mountain faster and a shorter time. This is one of my favorite pictures because when you make it to the top there are multiple different people on the top eating or watching the view on the top. While we took this picture, a man took our picture too so he could send it to his father that lives in Ohio. You don't realize how small our world is. This trip taught me multiple things as hiking, cooking, history, and respect. This was the best group to go with and I really enjoyed my last class with three other girls that have been close with me since my freshman year.

Lindsay

Scenes from the Hike

"A powerful and inspiring landscape, the Grand Canyon overwhelms our senses through its immense size; 277 river miles (446km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide, and a mile (1.6km) deep" -National Park Service

 Beginning of the hike at the south Kaibab Trail

Down into the canyon

Dr. Fischer

 

Back up on the Bright Angel Trail  

The Colorado River

 

Pinyon Jay

A view of the canyon

The Colorado River!

Standing on the rocks barefoot after a long hike down the Grand Canyon, our hiking class relaxes after finding a beach on the Colorado River. The views of the river were spectacular and although the river was a their feet in the water.  

                The Colorado River is a beautiful water way that stretches from Colorado to the Gulf of California. This river has natural water world pulls and currents that kept the current of the water powerful.  We crossed two main bridges in order to get to the Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

                The Phantom Ranch is now a logging and camp site and what used to be a resort for the wealthy in previous years. The site had many cabins and some tents with great informational signs full of the history of the Grand Canyon. This site also included a ranch where the working mules were kept when they brought down the supplies from the top of the mountain. It is amazing how these great animals could have brought down all of the supplies for this entire logging operation. Phantom Ranch is also a great place to fish and see many animals. While on a night hike I encountered a fox on the trail; it was a thrilling experience to see such a large wild animal in its environment.

                This amazing experience has opened my eyes to many National and State parks. I have a new appreciation for the natural wonders of the world. This experience was a once in a life time experience to be able to see all of the mountain ranges we hiked in such a short time. I will never forget the breath taking views and the physical challenges we encountered on our trip. Thank you Dr. Fischer for all your hard work for planning this amazing class and my parents for giving me this opportunity.

 Posted by AHB for Laura Chenos

Final AZ Trip Reflection!

This picture was taken at the top of the Bright Angel Trail after we had all regrouped a bit. This was last Friday. Some of us had spent some time sitting next to the log fire that we found inside the lodge.

While we were "camped out" in front of the fire, a representative of the lodge stopped to talk with us. After we told him of our hike from Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Canyon, he asked us if we really understood how amazing our accomplishment was. He said that of the 5 million people who visit the Grand Canyon each year, 1% of them hike down a trail a little way. One percent of the one percent actually hike ALL the way down (and therefore back!). Wow, we really had accomplished something!

And, so can you!

Just a little over half way (5 miles) up the Bright Angel Trail on Friday, I hiked by a couple. I had seen them down at Phantom Ranch the day before but I didn't speak to them. I did engage them in conversation on the trail on Friday. I asked them how many times they had hiked in and out of the Canyon. They said once. I proceeded to ask them why they were hiking there. They said that they were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on the hike! So, of course, I had to ask them how old they were. They were 72 years old! Her brother in law and sister were some distance ahead of them. He was 76!

My point? This is an incredible, unbelievable experience! Sometime I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity, regardless your "stage" in life. It is one of those bucket trip experiences!!

Till next January...

KEF

Sent from my iPhone

GRAND CANYON-SOUTH KAIBAB TRAIL
Never will I ever find the words to truly explain my experience at the Grand Canyon. This picture is beautiful but does not do justice to what makes this canyon the "grandest" of all. Never in a million years would I have thought this is what lies in the deepest depths of this National Park.
Starting 4 hours prior to this image we set out over the rim walking down the steep incline of the first mile in the icy snow followed by another 2 miles of burnt orange sludge from where the snow had begun to melt and mixed in with the rocks to give the mess such a vibrant color. At the 4.4 mile mark on the South Kaibab Trail we were following to the bottom, I was at the deepest point I could spot from the top. Considering the trail was to be 7.1 miles long I wondered how we could ever make it any further down if I was at the deepest point. Little did I know once we began to venture out to finish our hike I would find another ledge like that of the rim at the top that would plummet down even further and it made me think to myself, "oh my goodness, there is another canyon inside of this canyon."
But after a few minutes we soon found sight of water, this had to be the bottom. A few miles passed and finally we came upon a tunnel that would lead us to a massive walking bridge to transport us across the Colorado River. The first thing I noticed was how warm I was, there was a breeze coming off of the water as we traveled over the bridge but the weather was under no conditions for snow. We later learned that the bottom of the Grand Canyon is consistently 20-30 degrees warmer at its deepest point of 5,000 feet (1 mile)below sea level in comparison to the climate at the rim. The next sight that intrigued me most was a beach on the other side of this emerald green river. At this point having traveled almost 7 miles running on to that beach and basking in that Arizona sun felt like such a reward, It felt like paradise.

Kelly

We Did It!

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

Sedona!

We were hiking in a dusting of snow today. This is a view from the Bear Mountain Trail. The trail was recommended to us by a woman at the local outfitter store. She said that it is often used by people preparing to hike the Canyon.

It was a challenge, but not so difficult that we could't "manage" it in three hours. It was 5.2 miles round trip and an 1800' elevation change. At this point, I feel we are prepared to hike in and out of the Canyon this Thursday and Friday. We'll see if the "plan" works!

Yesterday we had travelled the 2 + hours from Phoenix to Sedona. Before leaving Phoenix, we took a short hike at Squaw Peak (old name). We were able to visit the Montezuma Castle National Monument and the unique little town of Jerome before arriving at our hotel near Sedona.

These are the first and only nights in a hotel. The unfortunate thing is that we don't have cooking facilities . All of us agree - we do a pretty good job at making dinner and we miss the opportunity! We'll have our last chance to cook tomorrow night when we move on to Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon Hostel.

We are all anticipating the Grand Canyon hike! We are in shape and stocked with the supplies (food and water) to be successful on our adventure. Now if I can just talk the women into leaving their make up, we should be good to go!

KEF

Sent from my iPhone

There and Back Again!

One week ago today our first hike was at Picacho Peak. Unfortunately, we began to run out of daylight so climbing to the very top was not an option considering that the park would close at sunset. After a day of traveling this was our first stop from the Phoenix airport. Not even a quarter way up the peak, we began to realize how steep of an incline we would have to overcome. There were areas of the hike that the incline was so intense that we had to use metal cables for assistance. Needless to say, having never hiked before, we were not expecting the sport to be so difficult. Although we didn't make it to the very top that day, we thought there was no way the other hikes could be any more difficult.

Our experience today surely showed our improvements. Previous hikes that we experienced from the past 7 days such as Wasson Peak, Blackett's Ridge and Ventana Canyon, really gave us the practice and strength to improve within that first week. We noticed dramatic improvements from these trails because climbing Picacho, no longer felt impossible. Reaching our half way point in nearly half the amount of time it took last time, was inspiring. Now that we weren't being rushed to reach a point before sundown, we were able to relax and enjoy the view but still achieving our goal in record time.

Written by Claire and Kelly 

Sent from my iPhone

Gut Check!

I didn't manage to blog yesterday and I was afraid to ask one of the students for fear that I would have a mutiny on my hands!

They might be smiling in this picture but it was likely momentary! I have found them receptive to food at the middle of a hike-probably this is another reason for smiling besides the fact that we were sitting in the "Window," the midpoint of this hike.

Yesterday was a test. I had forewarned them but I don't think I was taken seriously about the difficulty of the hike. I did get their attention at the beginning of the trail when I showed them that, not only would this be a long hike, as they expected, but one with some serious elevation change (~4000').

I wanted to know if each of them had the courage to continue when things got tough. I didn't tell them that, if they could "do" this hike, they should be able to hike the canyon in and out. But, I had to know whether to look for a mule to arrange to get them out of the bottom of the Grand Canyon!

After 6+ miles we arrived at 7200' and ate our lunch, took pictures for posterity's sake, and then managed for 3 hours and 30 minutes to brace ourselves for the MANY steps to get back down the mountain. We arrived back at the trail's beginning about 5:45 pm, seven and a half hours after our start! As tired and sore as we were, we were all quite pleased and amazed at our accomplishment! I was super proud of them!

Dinner was substantial. By 8 pm, after having many hands to prepare, we "dined" on chunky white bean soup, bread, fruit salad, lettuce salad, and chips and guacamole. All of this was homemade even after the long day and a true TEAM effort!

Unfortunately Theodore, the only male brave enough to put up with all of these females, is nursing a sore knee. He is kind enough to wait for us while we're hiking the hills and will be back at it when he's healed a bit more. That's why he is missing from the picture.

Today is a well deserved off day. We did a mini hike to stretch out and now all of them are doing their own thing till dinner. For most, it sounds like they'll be shopping.

Tomorrow we leave Tucson for a short stay in Phoenix and then on to Sedona.

KEF

Sent from my iPhone

The best four years

Seven Falls Trail in Sabino Canyon.
Pictured in order - Lindsay, Laura, Paige, Kelly 

As we hiked Sabino Canyon today, we got to talking about our four year journey through college. Kelly, Paige and Lindsay met in a Professional Perspectives class taught by Dr. Fischer.  During fall quarter of our sophomore year, we met Laura who had the same interest the three of us had.  Our trail conversation led us to talking about our future and what we are doing after graduation. Our major in Health Promotion and Fitness and the Health and Sports Science Department has given us a strong base to starting our future careers.

We are very thankful to have an advisor and role model to stress the importance of health and fitness and open up doors that we never thought about before. This trip has taught us that we can do anything you put your mind to, even climbing mountains!

Lindsay&Paige

Third Day of Our AZ Trip

Theodore, Lindsay, Paige, Leigh, Claire, Laura, Kelly, and I have gotten in a fairly common daily routine- up by 8 am, breakfast of waffles or cereal and yogurt and eggs. Everyone has packed their gear and made their travel lunch of sandwich, fruit, carrots, bars, and water and we head out by 9:30 am ready to hike. Generally we are hiking 3-4 hours dependent on our motive for the hike- long distance or elevation/shorter route. After each hike, we usually shop for dinner items and then fix from "scratch," the evening meal. Students are paired to prepare each meal. I had collected recipes pre-trip and each pair executes the menu.

I have been surprised by the apparent lack of cooking experience but pleased at the attempts made. One student had never heard of broiling something in the oven. Now she knows what it is and how to broil! We're always learning and not just about hiking or parks or geology!

All three evening meals from scratch have received rave reviews from those enjoying it. It has been especially fun sharing the meals all together around the big table in the hostel.

After dinner it is movies or games with snacks.


We did a "drive by" of the hundreds of armed forces airplanes at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base today. We were all in amazement - a sight unlike the largest car dealership.

Our hike was on the Phoneline Trail in Sabino Canyon Recreation Park. It was a 10+ miler on a beautiful sunny AZ day. The picture attached was taken from the far end of the Canyon.

KEF

Sent from my iPhone

Another day in paradise!

Although the day was atypical for AZ, cloudy skies, cold (60's), and rainy, we had another full day. We started off visiting the Sonoran Arizona Desert Museum to see the wildlife native to the desert. After several hours of viewing coati, bighorn sheep, gray wolves, mountain lions, hummingbirds and the like, we hiked to the highest point in the Tucson Mountains, the range to the west of the city.  About three hours and seven miles later, we had conquered another challenging climb from the perspective of the elevation change (1900'). The students informed me that tomorrow they would rather have a long hike rather than an uphill one!   That being said, they have been "troopers" about the hikes that I have chosen. The picture attached to the blog is from Wasson Peak, the high point. By the time of this picture, Theodore was probably back at the beginning of the trail. He gets a bit bored with the pace of all of us women!

KEF
Sent from my iPhone

Sabino Canyon's Seven Falls Trail

After an uneventful Southwest Air flight through Denver to Phoenix yesterday, we quickly loaded our rental van so we could get a few miles hiking at Picacho Peak before dark.

This morning we hustled to Sabino Canyon to hike this popular trail. The park was busy since entrance was free today and on MLK Day. We logged 12.5 miles and all without injury or complaint! One of the group spotted this forlorn looking "scarecrow" along the trail. It was the subject in more than one picture.

Then, after a Trader Joes' "run," we had a delightful dinner of chicken enchiladas and salad fixed by Paige and Lindsay. They were quite pleased with themselves, and should have been! For two people who confess to not cooking, they were really a "hit" with their meal.

Rain is predicted for tomorrow morning so we will likely head to the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum before hitting the trail!

All Our Bags Are Packed...

Dr Kim Fischer, Leigh Dardio, Lindsay Abbott, Paige Boyer in the front row.
Claire Shively, Theodore Gorman, Kelly Krieger, Laura Chenos in the back row.


We're Ready To Go!

We met this afternoon for our pre-trip meeting and fitness assessment. Yesterday's snow and cold has made us all anxious to "jump" on that plane tomorrow!

From The Weather Channel, it appears that sun and a 72 degree temperature will greet us on arrival in Phoenix tomorrow. The plan is to load up the rental van, head to Tucson, and attempt to hike Picacho Peak before the sun sets!

KEF