Into the Canyon

Today is our last full day at the canyon. Initially, when planning this trip I feared that we would probably be bored stiff after 4 days of gazing into the Big Hole. However in hindsight I couldn’t have been more off base. We needed every day we had and could have honestly used a couple of additional days to do all of the things that we wanted to do. Everything was planned with the kids in mind. Getting their attention was not difficult at first as the magnitude and scale of the canyon captivates the mind regardless of ones age. However, I was quite concerned about what would happen after the initial “shock” of seeing the canyon wore off. What would get their attention and keep it throughout the entirety our time here. So we started with short hikes, ranger talks, restaurants and shopping. We worked our way up to longer hikes, additional shopping, more restaurants, and even more hiking. The thought was to get them interested in the ancillary aspects of the park and to combine them with more difficult and physical activities. So once they got their bearings and were comfortable with their surroundings, we casually mentioned at dinner that we would be climbing over the rim and descending into the canyon itself. As seen from above Bright Angel Trail looks daunting and difficult. Put simply, if miles and miles of steep switchbacks made of dirt and rock, zero shade, oppressive heat and limited access to water sounds good to you, then Bright Angel is right up your alley. When nature calls, you can even relieve yourself in one of three composting latrines conveniently located along the 9-mile trail. The most heavily traveled trail into the canyon, Bright Angel can be very difficult if you do not take the proper precautions. By all accounts the trail is easy to navigate and fairly well maintained, that is if you don’t discount for the fresh mule droppings that litter the entire upper portion of the trail, and the steep drop of 1,220 feet in elevation over the first mile and a half. As you approach the trailhead, you come to a bulletin board that contains information essential for all hikers. So I stood there at the trailhead, reading all of the postings, quietly wondering what the hell was doing here. There were postings about the dangers of dehydration, heat exposure and of falling from high heights (although the later seemed a bit self explanatory). My favorite posting (in hindsight) provided information concerning what you should do if you encounter mountain lions…MOUNTAIN LIONS? I read all the books; they talked about scorpions, rattlesnakes and dangerous fat, biting squirrels but no mention of mountain lions. It was a fine time to mention that little detail don’t you think? Descending into the canyon it becomes dramatically hotter and the air is stagnant and dusty. We followed the trail as it worked its way back and forth along the canyon walls, slowly traveling back through time (geologically speaking) as we inched our way towards our destination. All told, it took us a couple of hours or so to complete our journey. My youngest son struggled a bit with the ascent, so he and I took it slow stopping frequently for rest and water brakes. Yet when it was all said and done, the four of us successfully emerged from the bowels of the canyon, victorious and proud of our accomplishment. Everything else that day took on a slightly brighter sheen; the day a little brighter, the water a little sweeter and the food a little tastier. I hope when our kids are all grown up, married and have children of their own, that they will look back and remember these days. I hope that they will bring their children here to this place, that they will tell their children the stories of this journey and the day we hiked the Grand Canyon.