9.27 The Grand Canyon viewed on the Bright Angel Trail (part 2)

A peek at part of the Grand Canyon

A view from Plateau Point includes the Colorado River

After a wonderful hike and terrific experience, we headed for Kingman, Arizona, a town near the Nevada border, close to Las Vegas. We mentioned last year, we intend visiting the ‘gambling city’ as soon as possible. It was marked on our calendar for the year 2025. However, we changed that because of a schedule clash; we can’t see us arriving before 2028, at least. Aw shucks!

Anyway, we were worried about traffic as we were due to hit Kingman at peak. What with the town having two traffic lights, we were concerned. Fortunately, we traveled through successfully, having to stop for another car only once. The following morning we discovered Kingman is much larger than we anticipated. We have developed a fondness for small towns or a dislike for big cities. People ask, ‘What about the ballet, the symphony and all the culture you’re missing?’ True, we reply, but least we have discovered recently the radio and the compact disc player.


Follow that trail, if you will

My angel at Bright Angel

In our previous narrative, we mentioned while at Plateau Point, a certain tension developed. It occurred when we wanted to climb a rock that was perched precariously over the Colorado River. Our editor didn’t like the fact that the river was a little below the rock, some 1,450 feet below. However, as we pointed out, the climb actually looked more difficult than it was. She was adamant. No! We explained the downside risk carefully, which we considered somewhat minimal.

The source of tension or 'relationships on the rocks'

At that moment, we saw fury in her face. “You can start looking for a new hiking partner,” she said, her exact words. We thought about it and realized she is irreplaceable. Just to make the point, she then pulled out our Ketubah (marriage certificate). We immediately stood down. For a moment we thought, she really does love us. Then we realized we had the lunch in our backpack. Well, it was a nice sentiment.

He thinks you point a finger, you become a trail guide

The apology period was rather difficult to be frank. Firstly, we had to spend time apologizing for commencing the climb up that rock, followed by apologizing for thinking of doing it and finally, for even thinking about thinking about doing it. We put our foot down about tendering apologies for the Gulf War. Enough’s enough.

Share the trail. No doubt it's another positive idea. However, it is a little uncomfortable at times, when your partners are mules. These animals are exempt from the ‘pack it in, pack it out rule’—they let loose whenever the mood dictates. For those on unhealthy diets, that is, mules and donkeys, it plays havoc for hikers looking for a firm and clean footing. Jenni has her own donkey and he is quite fastidious in his hygiene issues. Why can’t they.

Perspective of the depth

Traveling through Nevada, as we have these last couple of days, is an eye opener. It seems to be a deserted desert. Between Las Vegas and Fallon-Reno, the small towns are run-down even though they might house a casino or two that stand erect and modern. For the rest, they have the feel of wild-west towns that are near-abandoned, desolate and look desperate. To our surprise, they do provide an array of services though. We came across two brothels openly advertised and situate along the highway. (Highway 95 for those interested). Shows you. It has always been about location, location…

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

Massive Walls depicting the ages

We notice a viewing window as we approach the rim on our return