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| Backpack | 7.00 Miles |
48 AEG |
| | Backpack | 7.00 Miles | | | |
| 48 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Last hike of the year - New Years at Grand Canyon 
Two of the four on the trip had no or very limited Grand Canyon experience. One of those two had only been on a single previous backpacking trip, so we kept the itinerary simple. The plan was down South Kaibab for 2 reasons - stellar views and improved trail conditions. The weather didn't exactly cooperate with that plan, but it did make for a very exciting hike for people who rarely see snow. A winter storm moved in early in the morning, several inches had accumulated on the rim by the time we hit the trail head, and snow never stopped falling throughout the hike.
The gusts were occasionally severe, throwing icy snow in our eyes, while views extended only a few feet down the trail at times. This created an oddly magical feeling of time standing still in spite of making progress down the trail. Fortunately, the trail was packed snow, never icy.
Reaching Bright Angel campground, the snow let up long enough for us to set up tents and cook some food. The ranger came around and let us know about a "New Year's Event" planned for the ranger station at East Coast midnight. Color me intrigued, so we headed there after a few drinks of boxed wine (  ) at the Phantom Ranch Cantina. We all counted down while the ranger lowered a lighted stuffed scorpion toy down the flag pole - fun and funny  . Most of the people camping out shared a few rounds of whiskey and other goodies from our packs.
A satisfying way to spend the last day of 2014. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
Some of the cottonwoods at Bright Angel still had fall leaves clinging. |
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| "Let it ride / Let it roll / Let it go" |
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