This is my sister Stella and Me on our way down to Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon. It was taken in 2005 (pre babies). We had so much fun on this hike. The wind was blowing so hard that you can see our hair was standing straight out. Right after this picture was taken a mule team came along and we had to push ourselves up against the cliff so that they wouldn't bump us over the drop off (probably 500 feet down) behind us. Stella got blisters and I got sunburned and when we crawled out of the canyon the next day and made it back to the hotel we both collapsed on the bed unable to move our muscles. We fell asleep in the exact positions that we landed on the bed - not joking.
Here we are just after we got to the top of the canyon. We were trying to look relaxed and happy for the picture but please note that we were leaning on the railing for support because our legs weren't functioning anymore. To rub salt in the wound we were getting passed on the trail by OLD PEOPLE in great shape. It wasn't so good for our egos. At one point we even had a boy scout troop pass us. Little smug bastards. But we were pacing ourselves and ended up by passing most of them later in the day when they had used up their energy and we were still trudging along.
On the way up mule teams with people riding them were passing us and the people were sometimes smacking their mules with crops so that they would keep up with the other mules. Stella would yell at them to be nice to the animals. They would glare at her. She didn't give a damn. It was funny.
We did it (in JUNE!) and someday I'd like to do it again with her. Only next time maybe we could aim for early May or late September. . . . .
SIGN ME UP!!!!! I'd love to join you.
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to see these pics. Thanks for sharing. You little hiking mama you! Even though these were taken "pre babies", you still got it babe. Now you have two little hikers to tag along....or not :)
I totally want to do this again! It would be awesome if you could come! Maybe even 2011??? Although this time I will plan for developing the Kiabab Shuffle and bring some Icy Hot with me to the bottom.
ReplyDeleteme and my sis went to the grand canyon together once too. But we didn't hike it.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it seems like these types of activities are over forever doesnt it? But I have to keep reminding myself that they are not. This is just a temporary child rearing delay. We will have lives and activities of our own again in a few more years!