Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona

Bright Angel Trail – 1     Dan - 0

That score has been burned into my mind for the last two years.  Not wanting to miss our beloved breakfast of piping hot biscuits, scrambled eggs, and fresh brewed coffee and reading the USA Today, Hannah and I did not arrive to hike the Bright Angel Trail of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon that day two years ago until 10A.  On that day after two hours of hiking into the canyon we began our ascent from Indian Gardens.  Mistakenly I had the idea that if I drank enough water, I’d be fine.  I wasn’t fine.  Dizzy and light-headed, I soon learned from a canyon volunteer (http://www.gcvolunteers.org/) that I was suffering from hyponatremia – too little salt in my system.  Indeed, I had broken the Second Commandment of the Trail – Eat salty snacks with water, Dan.  With Hannah’s help I wobbled to the top, ate peanuts and gorp ((http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_mix), and before long was reasonably coherent, but defeated and looking to settle the score.  It’s a guy thing I’m afraid.

Today, driving the 78 miles north from Flagstaff on excellent two lane roads at 540A, we encounter very little traffic and are able to park on the road in front of the Bright Angel Lodge.  Staying at the South Rim takes planning and forethought as the rooms fill up months ahead of time (http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/).

Ready a good two plus hours earlier than two years ago, we descend the Bright Angel Trail at 7000 feet with water bottles, Salty Cajun Trail Mix, and liberally-applied sunscreen to begin the nine mile round trip to Indian Gardens at 4000 feet.  Bracing our knees with each descending step, we enjoy the clearly marked rocky trail, though only wide enough for one, with its panoramic views without a cloud in the sky.  After having lived in Arizona for ten years, we know this is a typical desert day.  Stepping aside against the canyon wall and carefully avoiding the prickly pear cactus when the mule trains pass, we smile and wonder why everyone climbing out looks so beleaguered.  We “good morning” everyone.  Unfortunately our desire to verbally engage goes for naught.  It seems three quarters of all hikers are European, and most of those German, who are not confident in their English or just find our upbeat manner a little too annoying. 

Within two hours, we are at Indian Gardens and snacking on peanut butter and crackers as well as gorp under the shade of covered picnic tables with water available at the nearby fountain  (http://www.grand.canyon.national-park.com/hike.htm).   The thermometer in the shade by the mule hitching posts is 78F.  Opposite is another thermometer in the sun bragging of its 110F.  Our ascent is hot and shadeless and we are not so chatty.  On steeper inclines our breathing gets heavier. Being the stronger hiker, Hannah sets the pace where my focus is clear.  Get to the rim, just get to the rim, Danny Boy.  Nasty smelling mule urine distracts me, but only slightly.   There is water at the three-mile hut and at another hut within a mile and a half of the rim to supplement our gorp.   Approaching the top I have nothing left to give.  Plodding and surviving accurately capture my performance.  Yet, let’s update the score.

Bright Angel Trail – 2 (Very good and still champion)     Dan – 1

As always when hiking, be ye olde or be ye younge, know thyself, thy limits, and the conditions.  Be prepared, especially when hiking in the desert.