We woke up at 4:15a.m. and caught a shuttlebus to the Bright Angel trailhead in time for sunrise. We were pumped with adrenaline, but we had no idea what we were embarking on. The trail was 10 miles roundtrip with a 3,000 elevation change and temperatures soared past the forcasts on the ascent. A ranger had informed us that it would be in the 90s and to wait out the heat of the day at Indian Garden (an oasis in the valley) and head back at 2:00p.m., so we did as instructed. Well, it went from 109 degrees to eventually off the 120 degree thermostat. Nobody saw it coming. The rescue helicopter lifted at least three people (that we saw) from Bright Angel trail alone. The two-mile trek to the first rest stop took us an hour; we could barely walk 200 yards without stopping. We were both dizzy with headaches, though we had eaten plenty of salty snacks (we were also told that it was important in the desert to replace the salts that we would be sweating). When we got to the rest stop there were ten people crowded underneath the tiny roof, waiting out the heat. Even the drinking water from the spicket was boiling and undrinkable, but we filled up anyway in hopes that the water would cool in the shade. We waited there for an hour until the sun was behind the canyon wall and began again, and this time it was easier to make progress. We reached the top of the canyon for sunset, but we had had enough for one day.
We saw the rare Ring-tailed Cat that's usually seen at night. It's only found at the Grand Canyon and nowhere else in the world. We also spotted a chipmunk eating berries, which let me get really close to take a couple pictures.
Overall, the nausia continues (like a hangover from the sun), but we did see some of the most gorgeous views either of us have ever witnessed and taking a dip into the freezing water hole at Indian Gardens was a phenomenal experience. We learned a lot and don't regret going, but we won't attempt a similar feat in the near future!
P.S. No sunburns mom!
Update on Moby: Drove an hour to Flagstaff today to get a new battery from Checkers.
Update on Americorps: Sounds like we're in! They left us a message saying that they have great news for us concerning out placement in Eureka.
This will be my last comment for 3 1/2 weeks when i return from Md.--wow! I can feel the excitement, Love and enthusiasm generating from you 2 as you continue your Journey and carry your own Sunshine with you (tho 120 degrees sounds like the icy dip was a more refreshing image just now). Love, Peace & Tofu, LindaJOY
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