Reality

Up to this point, it will probably seem like a vacation. Oh we'll be tired and sore from the descent, I'm sure.  We'll also have taken lots of pictures and enjoyed the beauty of the Grand Canyon, especially on our second day.  Now reality sets in; we have to climb out that deep canyon!

Fortunately, we have hiked down to Three Mile House and back before.  Fortunately we did this when we were both as out-of-shape as we are now.  Why fortunate? Because the memory of how difficult that ascent was is still emblazoned in our memories making us painfully, literally, aware that we need to be in much better shape to handle this final day.

So what's in store for Day Three of our adventure?

• Starting point:  Phantom Ranch at 1,200 ft.  We'll cross a suspension bridge, go through Bright Angel Campground, cross the Colorado River on another suspension bridge.  We'll follow along Pipe Creek until we come to River Resthouse, about 3.5 miles and 1,200 uphill.  This is the River Trail which leads us to the junction of Bright Angel Trail at the Resthouse.
  
  
• From the Resthouse, we have another 4 miles to get to Indian Gardens, the oasis in the Canyon with big Cottonwood trees and our planned lunch/picnic spot.  Those 4 miles the trail will follow along and cross the Pipe Creek several times. Next, we'll go through a series of switchbacks called Devil's Corkscrew which, by the name alone, sounds challenging.
  
  
• Just before Indian Gardens, it's said that the trail is absolutely beautiful.  We're praying for winter snow and rains to help the desert come alive with flowers for our Canyon hike, and for our spring training, too!
  
  
• Indian Garden (3,700 ft.) is one of the more famous and popular spots in the Canyon. This is a turnaround point for day hikers.  As a result, the trail becomes busier with more hikers from this point on and the trees, that have spotted the trail providing precious shade, disappear.  Just as the heat of the day shines down, our relief goes away.
   
• On the first day during our descent, the waterfalls are side trip goals; on Day Three there is a 3 mile side trip to Plateau Point from Indian Garden.  From this location, it's said to be the best view of the Colorado River from the Canyon. If weather and our bodies cooperate, we'll want to do this side trip.  However, knowing what's ahead, we will evaluate that very carefully once we reach Indian Gardens.
  
  
• Now the serious hiking really sets in.  Our next point is the Three Mile Resthouse at 4,750 ft. and just under two miles ahead. The trail is beautiful at this point but the ascent is more steep. The reward will be shade and water.  From this point, we become more familiar with the trail and we hoping that helps with the motivation!  This section is referred to as Jacob's Ladder. 
  
  
• Switchbacks, lots of switchbacks!  From Three Mile Resthouse, we'll pass Two Mile Corner and the 1.5 Miles Resthouse (bathrooms!) in the final grueling climb.  In the final three miles we will climb 2,100 ft.

Summary of Day Three:  Approximately 11 miles and 5,600 ft. UPHILL, estimated 10 hours (that's a long time on a stair climber!). Yup we might be crazy alright but, oh, what a sense of accomplishment we'll feel when it's over.  Let the training begin!