February 6, 2015

February 6, 2015

Since it gets very cold overnight in the desert, we take our time getting going this morning.  After eating the 7am late breakfast, we are on the trail out of the Grand Canyon before 8am.  We ascend via the longer Bright Angel trail.  The two trails couldn’t be more different.  South Kaibab follows a spine into the canyon with expansive views and constant sunshine.  Bright Angel, instead, follows a fault line crack.  We are in the shade almost the entire 6.5-hour trek.  The first half is pretty easy; the second half is a steep killer.  Despite being out of shape we aren’t seriously huffing or puffing.  When we get to the top and remove our boots, we both can feel our burning calves. No hiking for us for awhile.

To celebrate we have a big dinner at the Arizona Room and toast our successful mini-vacation.