Time To Announce

Can't wait until Sunday to announce our next challenge.  We're going back.  Yes, back to the Canyon. My dear friend Judy's voice in my head, "See you can do this."

Judy chided me that, with the preparations we'd done for last month's hike, we could hike R2R in a day without stopping.  Well, once we got to Phantom Ranch, our stopping point, Papa and I both looked at each other and agreed.  I hope we're right.

Given Papa's work schedule and the fact that the North Rim is closed mid-October to mid-May because of snow, we have limited options. After talking with a Ranger and doing some research, we're scheduled to go back on Saturday, July 3rd...just two weeks.

To avoid the heat of the day, we will hike at night, starting down the North Kaibab trail about 6 pm, planning to get to Phantom Ranch around midnight where we'll take a short break in the quiet of the night under a half moon.

Then we'll set out on the very challenging South Kaibab. The trail is shorter (6.7 miles) but much steeper which will be the challenge.  We hope to emerge on the South Rim between 6-8 am.

Judy, I hope we honor you with this hike. I hope we survive this hike! :)

We are definitely hanging up the hiking and biking after the 4th of July for a couple months.  Swimming and time at the gym will replace our outdoor adventures during the Monsoon Season with anticipation of returning in October when the weather changes.

Suggestions on our survival tactics are welcome!