We Don't Need No Stinking Mules- The Hike Up South Kaibab

Pam, Lance, Colin and I hit the trail out at 5:15 after a quick breakfast. The trail is in the open most of the way so timing is everything. I had filled an extra 3 liter water bladder for the large group ahead with Russ in case they needed extra water. I carried 4 liters for myself. We crossed paths at about 4 miles up and I passed the 3 liters to Bucky who was acting as a mad man porter shuttling supplies back and forth in their group - making sure everyone had what they needed.

The next time I saw Bucky was when he and Edward -14 years old - got to the bathroom area which is 1.5 miles to the top. They were heading up to drop their packs so Bucky could go to the last group and grab their packs. I headed up with them and made the top at 9:50 or so making the 8 miles in 4:35. I can't remember having that good of legs on an uphill hike so I made full use of them. Edward paced us the last .4 miles as he could see the trailhead and turned on the after burners.



I let out a large yee haw as I made the top. I know I'm suppose to act like it's no big thing, but it WAS a big thing! We found a picnic table to set up camp at and Bucky headed down. Lance and Colin were next up followed by Pam, Rhonda, Jene and Mary. The next one up was Russ - at 79 years old! He was apologizing for his pace which I thought was funny.

As we hung out at the top 3 condors put on a show just above us. They were birds J6, 16 and an untagged juvenile who we later learned was 1 year old. They tag the birds when they are 2 years old. The population of California Condors is growing after nearly being extinct.

One by one and sometimes 3 by 3 the rest of the group headed up the hill to applause from those of us already there. As we began to run out of space a bunch of us hit the shuttle bus to head back to the lodge for showers and food.

The rest of the story will be in the next post.

Be well and more soon.....

We Don't Need No Stinking Mules - A Day In The Canyon

Our plan included 2 nights at Phantom which allowed us a day to hike a couple of trails. We began with Clear Creek trail which we took up to some great views of the Colorado River and our trail for the next morning. Bucky built a cairn dude which will hopefully be there for a long time.



Bucky showing the proper hiking form.

Atlas-like effort to keep the trail clear of rock debris.

While on the trail we were treated to a fly over by 2 condors. I had my wide angle lens on the camera so you pretty much have to take my word for it, but it was great.



Later in the day Pam and I did the river trail which has you walk from the silver bridge along the canyon to the black bridge and around. Don't tell the rangers, but we were able to dip our feet in the Colorado before heading back.

On our return we headed in for a beer at the cantina and ran into part of the group which included Russ. One of their group made the mistake of asking a ranger what they thought about going up the South Kaibab trail. The rangers tell everyone NOT to go up the South Kaibab trail as there is no potable water to be had until you reach the top some 8 miles later. This became a little problem as the ranger ordered their group to leave at 3 AM to give them the best chance of success. There was talk of disobeying the ranger, but nobody knew whether that could lead to arrest so they gave in.

We all gathered for one more meal as a group.

Next up is the hike out.

Be well and more soon....