September 15, 2012 - Daybreak at Phantom Ranch
Up at the crack of pre-dawn, the sun was just casting light upon the South Rim. (To enlarge images, click on the picture) We begin the second stage of our rim-to-rim Grand Canyon hike.
Bright Angel Trailhead
Phantom Ranch breakfast served at 5am consisted of pancakes, scrambled eggs, oat meal and peaches. We purchased the sack lunch for our journey out and in retrospect, we would not have bought either the breakfast or sack lunch. We left most of the sack at the food shack! We're back on the trail at 6:30am. Ahead the 10-mile trek to the South Rim.
The Queen of the Canyon!
Terry trained diligently throughout the scorching hot summer for this hike and judging by the wide grin on her lovely face, she enjoyed every minute of the experience!
Bright Angel Creek
The lower portion of the North Kaibab Trail follows the route of the Bright Angel Creek. Our Cabin was situated within 50 feet of the sound of rushing water. A most soothing sound after having hiked almost 16 miles.
Sign Alterations!
Surprisingly, during the two days of hiking, we encountered only one "mule train" on the Bright Angel Trail. Fortunately no gas was passed when they passed us!
Suspension Bridge
There are two suspension Bridges spanning the Colorado River. We crossed the western Bridge.
Colorado River
Bright Angel Trail River Walk
A Gradual Accent
Aliens on the Plateau!
Rilus quenching his thirst
The muddy Colorado
Foursome at the River
The Voyager
Taking a Break beside the River
Destination: South Rim!
Creek from Indian Garden
R & R catching a little R & R!
Martin from Austria!
We befriended Martin about a third of the way up the Bright Angel. Our 24 year old friend had a work Visa and was stationed in San Diego for a few months. He had the weekend off and decided to hike the Grand Canyon before heading back to his homeland. Great kid. Speaks three languages. German, English and Russian!
Fixing Terry's Pack
Almost there!
The last Switchback!
Happy Hikers at Bright Angel Trail Head
Saluting the Team Leader at the end of the Trail!
With blisters on our feet and thigh muscles seizing up, we gleefully finish our rim-to-rim trek. Upon completion of the journey, Rilus shows his appreciation for talking him into this hike with a single fingered salute to the Team Leader! Love you man!
A look across the Canyon.
The Scope points out the route we traveled during our Rim-to-Rim Trek. In all we covered almost 26 miles, descended over 5700 feet into the Canyon and climbed 4380 feet from Phantom to the South Rim. We met some great people along the way - Martin from Austria, Maggie from Germany and Debbie - who recently departed Ketchikan, AK for a destination unknown!
The four of us shared an enchanting three days together while trekking our way to a lifetime of amazing memories!
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