May 1st, 2016
The trek from Flagstaff to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon was highlighted with snow and cold weather... We left Flagstaff under a snow storm and although most afternoon were above freezing, the night time temperatures were well below the norm. What can you expect when you travel at 2,000 to 2,500 meters of elevation.
We had several visits from a local rancher - he was fairly concerned about our wellbeing given the daily squalls and night time freezing temperatures. We made good time of these passages because the trail is mainly on ranch roads and very good trails.
The trek from Flagstaff to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon was highlighted with snow and cold weather... We left Flagstaff under a snow storm and although most afternoon were above freezing, the night time temperatures were well below the norm. What can you expect when you travel at 2,000 to 2,500 meters of elevation.
We had several visits from a local rancher - he was fairly concerned about our wellbeing given the daily squalls and night time freezing temperatures. We made good time of these passages because the trail is mainly on ranch roads and very good trails.
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As we wait for the right of passage thru the Grand Canyon we spend time thinking of our last two months, the many crazy beautiful places we've seen... Then, suddenly we remember that we're about the cross one of the most spectacular geological marvels on the planet.
Crossing the GC is about 35kms on the trail from Rim to Rim. From the South it is nearly 2000m (5500') down and up 2400m (7500'). The North Rim is higher than the South by almost 600m (1800'). The weather forecast is promising for the next few days - although it hasn't been very accurate lately! Before too much thinking of the end or the past two months, we will be enjoying this superb place - The Grand Canyon!! |
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May 11th, 2016
Last Days on the AZT - With three days of sun in the forcast, we descended into the Grand Canyon. The South Kaibab trail switch backs down into the canyon to the Colorado river. We were provided with our preferred itinerary - a slow crossing of the Grand Canyon. One night at Bright Angel and one night at Cotton Wood campgrounds.
The first day's descent was superb, our cameras were clicking non-stop... At the bottom, the air was humid and the Bright Angel river warm(ish) but refreshing.
Last Days on the AZT - With three days of sun in the forcast, we descended into the Grand Canyon. The South Kaibab trail switch backs down into the canyon to the Colorado river. We were provided with our preferred itinerary - a slow crossing of the Grand Canyon. One night at Bright Angel and one night at Cotton Wood campgrounds.
The first day's descent was superb, our cameras were clicking non-stop... At the bottom, the air was humid and the Bright Angel river warm(ish) but refreshing.
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The short distance of the first two days into the canyon required half day hiking and therefore gave us the opportunity for afternoon strolls. On the second day, Ribbon Falls was such a perfect spot for a refreshing shower, we could not resist.
The third day (May 6th) we climbed the North Kaibab trail out of the canyon. We were apprehensive of the climb but with a steady pace we reached the top by 10 am. We had been given the North Rim campground as our third night and our destination for the day. It took very little coaxing to carry on, we were feeling fit and ready for more. |
As per the forecast, the weather became cold and snow started to fall that afternoon. We chose to walk on the road to speed up our exit of the park to find an adhoc campsite. It took two more days to reach Jacobs Lake lodge.
Jacobs Lake is a small lodge with a gas station and restaurant. We were fantasizing about a hot cup of coffee and a sandwich. At the lodge we met two cyclists; Dan and Jeremy. Dan riding the Southwest US for a few months and Jeremy was finishing the AZT on his mountain bike. We also spent time chatting in french with Valentin; an ecology student from France doing an exchange in Flagstaff and taking a few days to enjoy the Grand Canyon.
Jacobs Lake is a small lodge with a gas station and restaurant. We were fantasizing about a hot cup of coffee and a sandwich. At the lodge we met two cyclists; Dan and Jeremy. Dan riding the Southwest US for a few months and Jeremy was finishing the AZT on his mountain bike. We also spent time chatting in french with Valentin; an ecology student from France doing an exchange in Flagstaff and taking a few days to enjoy the Grand Canyon.
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It was snowing heavily and the thought of another cold wet night out in the forest was a bit daunting - Simon grabbed a room at the lodge.
The last two days on the AZT were as if in a dream. The weather broke and became warm with a cool breeze. The trail provided us with a summary of the AZT.
The last two days on the AZT were as if in a dream. The weather broke and became warm with a cool breeze. The trail provided us with a summary of the AZT.
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We spent our last night at a beautiful spot and enjoyed a clear starry night. Our last day started as usual, on the trail before 6 am. Jack, the jack rabbit, Harold the short horned lizard and Steve the stink bug all came to say goodbye. You guessed it - Julie likes to name all animals...
We arrived at the State Line Campground at 10:15 am. We were elated and sad. The ramification of this epic journey will take a while to sink in. We hitched a ride from a Californian (David), to the highway. Another 30 minutes and we got another ride into Page. A young mom, Desiree, and her 12 year old sun, Sky, gave us a ride right to the car rental agency. |
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After a quick visit with Julie's Cousin Phil, we now deal with some of the small logistics items such as picking up our cache buckets (leave no trace) in the next two days.
We will slowly make our way home. BUT, not before a few R&R days in a spa at the Green Valley Ranch & Spa (in Las Vegas) - a promise Simon must keep!
We will slowly make our way home. BUT, not before a few R&R days in a spa at the Green Valley Ranch & Spa (in Las Vegas) - a promise Simon must keep!