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| no partners | | While temps were in the high 110's in Phoenix, we had made plans to head up to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for 5 days for a much deserved vacation.
Day 1 - drove from Mesa to a seldom used forest road close to AZT 39/40. Set up camp, dug our latrines, took a quick walk, and retreated to our tents by 7:00 to do some reading. It was a restless night, neither one of us slept well, but regardless, were ready to start hiking on Saturday.
Day 2 - Started north of Little Round Valley, split AZT 40 up into 2 days, planned on hiking north 12 miles the first day. Mark hiked along for about 5 miles, then turned around to get back to the car and pick me up at Murray Lake TH. We had wonderful weather, not a cloud in the sky, the aspens were at their peak color.
We encountered a couple of SOBO hikers while we were heading north, some were concerned about the temps in the Grand Canyon, access to water. I was informed by a guy from Chicago that I was slackpacking. Yup...it seemed like the best way to get some miles in without carrying a load. It was a 12 mile day, a good warm up hike.
Day 3 - started from FR 400 and the AZT, heading north about 8:00 a.m. It was the last day of an AZT biking and running event in the area. As we hiked past East Rim Trail, water and snack stations were set up for the participants. We were invited to help ourselves to water, but we had everything we needed and declined the kind offer. Mark turned around after about 6 miles, headed back to get the truck and meet me at Little Round Valley, Another beautiful section, some small climbs, and downhills, but overall it was nice meadow hiking. Met a young gal who said she "liked my outfit". We both laughed when I realized we were wearing pretty much the same thing, right down to the same Amazon hoodie! Reached Little Round Valley about 2:30 p.m. Completed about 15 miles.
Day 4: Started at FR 400 and AZT and headed south this day with plans to end at North Kaibab TH. It was pretty nippy this morning at 8:00, but we warmed up as soon as the sun hit us. There were a few elk and deer along the tree line. We took a little detour and climbed the North Rim Lookout Tower to get a birds eye view of the land. After CAREFULLY making my way down the steps, continued on the last 11 miles to Kaibab TH. There were a number of trees that had fallen onto the trail, at least 4 that I can remember climbing over or around. It was still a warm day at 8900 ft, so a light sprinkling of rain helped cool me down. Arrived at the TH around 2:30 I think and finished 14+ miles. We walked along the rim with the tourists for a bit, then decided to head back to our campsite for another dehydrated meal (which we rehydrated of course).
Day 4: We spent this day on Widforss Trail, hiking together. Pretty much had the trail to ourselves on the way out. Had some quiet time enjoying the view of the Grand Canyon, then headed back. We encountered quite a few people heading out the trail as we returned. We timed it right, we pretty much beat the crowds and the heat.
I was craving a hamburger and fries, so we headed to the GC Village, but there were not a lot of options, so I ended up with a pulled pork sandwich, a Dr. Pepper, and it tasted awesome. 
Day 5: Time to break down camp and head out. We still had a small 3 mi section of 41 to finish, so did that prior to heading home. We had a fair amount of water left, so filled up the bottles in the bear box at Murray Lake TH.
I finally got that hamburger and fries in Flagstaff, but oh my God, I haven't been to McDonalds in over 5 years, so had some sticker shock - 2 meals and drinks for $20.00+. But Mark and I eventually looked at each other as we were licking our fingers, and said, "that was really, really good".
No longer able to delay the inevitable, we made our way back to Mesa. Drove through a lot of smoke from a prescribed burn around Mormon Lake.
All in all, it was a great adventure and we are ready to go to the North Rima again after the winter and check out some more trails. |
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