Day 5 of 5 - Grand Canyon Rim to Rim (R2R) Hike - May 30, 2017 - South Rim to North Rim Transportation

After our 4 day hike, we had arranged for accommodations at the Maswik Lodge on the South Rim. 

We arrived at the top of the rim at 10:15  a.m but had to wait till 2 p.m to get access to our  room.  Tired and weary, we were elated to see a bath tub as we entered our room.  Can't remember the number of baths we took but it was more than one each.  I can remember the red dirt rolling off my body as I washed.  We ate breakfast and lunch within a 2 hour period.    

Later, we had an early dinner and went to bed as we had to be at the Bright Angel Lodge prior to 8 a.m. to meet the Trans Canyon Shuttle to take us to the North Rim to pick up our van.  We left at 8 a.m promptly and arrived at the North Rim at 12:15 p.m. We then had a 4-5 hour return trip to Las Vegas. 

 

Kathy setting with our backpacks in front of the Bright Angel Lodge. I think she is smiling because she knows this is one of the last times we have to carry these packs.  

It was my time for a photo! I did find a great hat that says " Grand Canyon, I hiked Rim to Rim"  We also got matching Rim-to-Rim Tee shirts.  We plan to have a Grand Canyon party when we return to Deer Creek.  

Prior to our hike, we stayed 2-days near the North Rim at the Kaibab Lodge to get acclimated to the 8800 feet elevation.  We did see many Deer but never saw any buffalo.  It was great to finally see them in the meadows upon our return trip.  

Although the herd was small, it is always great to see new calves. 

Some thoughts on our journey.  

You can plan as best as possible, but things can change in a heartbeat.  The first day down into the canyon caused me to rethink my training for this hike.  It's hard to practice hiking down a 15% grade especially for 8 miles.  Pain does make you think differently! I wondered if I could continue.  The stretching and cold compresses worked great to get me through this difficult condition.  From then on I had no issues.

You pack everything you need for a journey just in case you need it. Up until the day of your hike, the weather is still up in the air.  We were prepared but did not realize how an extra 30 pounds of weight can affect your body.  Although we trained with 25-pound packs, we should have practiced with 35-pound packs. This would have been more realistic training. 

Maybe you weren't born with a silver spoon in your mouth, but like every American, you carry a deed to 635 million acres of public lands. That's right. Even if you don't own a house or the latest computer on the market, you own Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and many other natural treasures.  Go and see them!