The Trip Down (South Kaibab Trail)

We woke up around 530am for the 630 breakfast at the Bright Angel Lodge. I had huevos rancheros which was 2 corn tortillas smothered in scrambled eggs, refried beans, chilis and  hash browns.  It was delicious. 

We left our bags in the bag check closet, went back to our rim view cabins and grabbed our packs (by rim view they mean view of the trees and gift shop around the sidewalk near the rim).

I should also mention that it was about 30 degrees and SNOWING this morning. We walked to the bus stop to get the hikers bus to the trail head and it was FREEZING.  We were a good 20 minutes early for the bus and no one wanted to sit on the benches because they were covered in snow. Luckily I had been able to buy gloves at one of the many gift shops around the rim but it was still cold and I was really nervous that I would be cold during the entire hike down 

Well, luckily it warmed up quickly and as I'm writing this at the bottom of the Grand Canyon at Phantom Ranch it's probably 75ish degrees and I'm wearing a fleece because, despite my goal, I got a TERRIBLE sun burn on the way down. I have witnesses to attest to the fact that I applied sunscreen frequently but who knows what happened?

Anyways we got to the trail head around 830ish and there were some elk just hanging out which I will post great pictures of when I'm home. We used the bathroom and then got started.

Overall the walk down was easy. We got to Phantom Ranch around 230 so it took us 6 hours but we stopped frequently to take pictures and just enjoy the scenery. I really think the Grand Canyon is completely breathtaking. The panoramic vista shots from the top that you're accustomed to don't really do it justice. We learned from one of the Rangers that only 40,000 people hike down to Phantom Ranch a year (compared to the 4 million that visit the south rim) and I think the most beautiful part of the Canyon was near the bridge over the Colorado River about 40 minutes from the Ranch. 

Pro tips for the hike down:

- Do it if you can. Phantom Ranch opens up for reservations a year in advance. 

- Take your time! Bring lots of sunscreen, a camera and snacks.  There are 2 bathroom stops on the way down on the Kaibab trail. 

- There is no water on the Kaibab so a pack with a 3 litre bladder would be the wisest choice. You can't buy bottled water in the Grand Canyon. 

- Try to get to Phantom before 4pm. The canteen is closed from 4-8pm for dinner and a beer or wine after that hike feels awesome. 

Arrival

We are at the Grand Canyon. It's about 50 degrees colder here than in DC and drinks are about $4 cheaper. Going to buy hat and gloves for the hike- I really had no idea it would be this cold. 

A beautiful hike.... then snow.

As I write this we are driving to the Grand Canyon and it is snowing/sleeting. Let's not talk about that.  Below is a picture from the car before it started sleeting when there was a touch of blue sky. 

Yesterday we had a delicious breakfast of cinnamon rolls and quiche at our B+B then went for a 7 mile hike around the Red Rocks. It was warm and very sunny (but not too hot) and believe it or not I didn't get a sunburn! Overall a very enjoyable experience with the exception of THE SNAKE WE RAN INTO. Brandon named him Big Butt but I'm not even sure snakes have butts? I got a great pic of him/her which I will share with you once we get home. 

See below for a panorama shot of Red Rocks. 

For dinner we drove north of Sedona and went to Garland's Lodge. The food wasn't amazing but the scenery and company were delightful. 

This morning after breakfast we packed and set out north and promptly ran into a snowstorm which hopefully will be replaced with sun and 80 degree weather
by the time we reach the canyon. We made a pit stop at the delightful Flagstaff airport to use the bathroom. 

Just got passed by a motorcycle gang. I'm sure they had a much more idyllic picture in mind when they planned their Grand Canyon motorcycle ride than this sleet!

Also, also just saw some pronghorn antelope on the side of the road!  Guess that makes up for seeing the snake- about breaking even on my wildlife goals. 

Arrival, go north to (almost) Sedona

We are in (almost) Sedona in a small town called Oak Creek. Our flight was uneventful but long. It's crazy we got to Dublin last year in 6 hours but BWI to Phoenix is almost as long. 

We headed north on I-17 and stumbled upon a fairly good Indian restaurant (Tandori Nights 3- suggesting 2 prior successful locations perhaps?) then went to Montezuma's Castle and afterwards Montezuma Well. The real Montezuma never was at either location as far as I know!  

Would love to post pics but unfortunately I can't figure out how to sync my camera with my phone. My test run at home worked perfectly but now that we are in the field things aren't going so smoothly. I'll bet that you will like the Well more than the Castle!

Had a few wildlife sightings. Some unidentified small mammal was swimming in the well with a few ducks. There was a lizard winking at me at the Castle which I have photographic proof of!  Brandon thinks he saw an ostrich in the desert but I think it may have been a Sasquatch. 

We leave tomorrow!

We leave for the Grand Canyon tomorrow morning!  Here is our itinerary:

Fly into Phoenix
Spend 2 nights in Sedona
Spend 1 night at Bright Angel Lodge
Hike down to Phantom Ranch, spend 2 nights
Hike back up out of the canyon, spend 1 night at Bright Angel Lodge
Fly back out of Phoenix

Goals for this trip:
Minimal sunburn
See some sort of wildlife (ideally a coyote or bobcat but a fox or elk would be okay)
NO SCORPIONS OR RATTLESNAKES
Feel the ~vibes~ at the Red Rocks