Dana's Excellent Canyon Adventure

Last weekend, October 8-9, Dana and his friends hiked the Grand Canyon. He said they all had a great time. They saw beautiful sights all along the way. The hikers went directly to the north rim from Phoenix, camping there over night Friday. Dana said the north rim elevation is about 8000 feet or about 1000 feet higher than the south rim and that night seemed pretty cool to the valley residents. Saturday they left the campsite about 6 am for the long hike. The driver who had brought them up had car trouble. But another car was arranged for the return trip. On the hike down they saw various beautiful fall foliage, adding to majestic canyon colors which change during daylight. Dana says the trees on the north side are more numerous and varied than on the south side. By about one o'clock the hikers reached Phantom Ranch and the Colorado River less than a mile further. After a half-hour break for lunch, (Dana said he had brought a lot of food and his pack was too heavy), the group of six men began the ascent up the Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim. He said physically, they did quite well on the climb, resting from time to time as needed. (Dana is in good shape because he has been running to work from home). A couple of younger fellows in the group, one a returned missionary, lagged behind the older guys. The hikers reached Mather point on the South Rim at about 7 pm, a total of about 13 hours from rim to rim trek. Their transportation was waiting to take the well-spent group home to Phoenix. "And a good time was had by all." Congratulation to Dana and his hearty band of footmen for a fine fall outing and for the many beautiful photos by which the rest of the family hope to share something of Dana's excellent canyon adventure. Grandpa/Dad Edwards