GRAND CANYON DAY 1

Day 1 was a check off the Bucket List type of day. I have worked out for a couple of years getting ready for this day. I am  hiking into the Grand Canyon. Legs don't fail me now.

I started out strong and made it to my objective. John, my hiking partner, was with me all the way. We sat and had lunch. The return trip back to the rim was difficult. I needed to pool all my inner strength and dig deep. It was extremely difficult climbing back up. I can honestly say that the Grand Canyon kicked my ass.

I hiked a total of 6 miles, 3 miles down into the canyon and the I climbed 3 miles back up. There was a change in elevation of 4400 feet. We descended at the rate of 25 feet per minute.The ascension was much slower. It took about four and a half hours to complete the hike. 

Beginning my descend.

John in the shadow of the canyon wall.

Lunch time.

"eagle flew out of the night", Peter Gabriel 

Shadows on mesa's

Self portrait !

Switchback !

Canyon Mesa !

Beasts of burden !

20 Mule Team !

Down Is Optional---Up Is Mandatory !!!