The"Grand Canyon"

Monday 22nd April

We were both up for 3.45am and drove into the Grand Canyon Nat Pk.  We were surprised the gate was manned at 4.25 in the morning.  We parked the RV and car in the Back-country parking area where we could leave it for the week at no charge.

We met our fellow hikers at the Fire Place in the Bright Angel Lodge, along with our guide who was wearing flip flops.  Our guide will accompany us half way down the trail until we meet the guide coming up from the Rafts on the river.

We began the hike at 5.30am as the sun was starting to rise over the Canyon; the colours changed as we descended.

 

 

 

The views are terrific and constantly changing.  At three points there were restrooms and water filling stations where we rested and had a sandwich.

As we descended we passed people hiking up after staying overnight in the Canyon; many were carrying their camping gear in big backpacks.  We didn’t envy them their uphill journey as the temperature began to rise. 

 

 

 

The halfway point at Indian Gardens was a cool oasis with trees and a creek which we continued to follow down to the river. Even though the hike was over nine miles it was a very pleasant hike. We had different views of the canyon as we descended.  

We all set our own pace for the hike down and eventually arrived on the beach between 10.30 and 11.00, having crossed the bridge over to the north side of the river.  The temperature was now getting up to 30C. 





We were introduced to the boats crew; Nate, Dan, Sean and Will.  After the safety briefing we introduced ourselves to the other passengers (they had already spent three days on the raft traversing the upper rapids), put on our waterproofs and life jackets and climbed aboard.

We cannot begin to describe how we felt about being at the bottom of the Grand Canyon looking up at the cliffs.  It was just incredible and so exciting.

 

The first rapids are some of the biggest we will meet; so once Alison had experienced that she knew she could cope with the rest of the trip!  Our boat was captained by Nate and this was the lead boat.  After we successfully negotiated Horns Creek rapid we turned to watch the other boat come through - it hit a rock which punctured the front point of the boat.  The boats have several separate air compartments so, fortunately, it did not hinder their progress, however it brought home to us how easily accidents can happen.

 

After travelling for about an hour we beached the rafts and had lunch.

More rapids after lunch and then we pulled over onto a sandy beach to make camp for the night at Granite Campsite.  We unpacked the boats including the kitchen gear that the crew used to make our meals – prime rib and mash for our first evening along with a bottle of cider and some whiskey from Pauls hip flask!  ( Only good Irish for this trip)

The crew set about repairing the punctured boat.

The Lounge/Diner.

The Kitchen

The Bedroom

 

We each had a sleeping bag and camp bed – but no tent!  We slept under the stars each night, listening to nearby rapids.  It was nearly a full moon so you could watch the moon-shadows on the canyon walls.  

 

 

Day two to follow.