For the birds as Jen works out how the crow flies.
We put off this hike for Thanksgiving Day in order to climb Humphreys Peak, the highest in Arizona.
Weather was a concern and our location, at the time, made it logical. Sunday morning, we set off from
Flagstaff with a loaded car knowing that after the hike, we would be sleeping in Williams. Upon arriving
at another incredible American treasure, we began adding layers of warm clothing. When we commenced our
climb from the end point, we began removing layers only to replace them on returning to the trailhead.
The colors yesterday were outstanding, never seen by us before at the Canyon.
Deliberately left blank.
Deliberately left blank.
Our first sighting of the canyon, after seeing it many times before, was overwhelming. That it's a
natural wonder of the world is a given. However, it made such an impression upon us because of the color.
There was much green in the rocks, scattered growth. Although the day began cloudy, the light was good for
photography. Later, the sun broke through and the clouds dissipated. We enjoyed all types of weather on the
day without any extremes. Clearly, something special was brewing which of course is mostly in one's hands
or mind to be exact. Clearly, one creates one's own challenges and successes.
On our return, looking towards the rim, our destination some 6 miles away and 3,160 feet higher.
'What's troubling you, son? You're not thinking of diving into the Colorado?"
One of the finest places to sit and take in the world.
Briefly, we walked down to Indian Gardens which is 4.5 miles with a descent of 3,060 feet. Thereafter,
we headed to Plateau Point, a further 1.5 miles with little descent, perhaps another 100 feet. Thus, the ascent
would be over six miles, (Twelve roundtrip) and 3,160 feet elevation gain, much of it weighted toward the last
two miles. We were in for a workout. By the time we reached Plateau Point, a natural platform overlooking the
Colorado River, we felt a little weary and yet, the real action had yet to commence. We played on the rocks and
did something new when we scaled one of the little buttes that sits on the cliff edge. The climb was reasonable
but we would be less than honest if we did not admit the stomach was feeling strange on climbing down. We explained
to the editor, who does not like that kind of thing, that we were experiencing growth. She retorted that she too
is growing because she watched and even took some photographs. The last time we had to quit when she asked for
the marriage contract, with tears in her eyes—that's her way of showing her anger. We don't blame her. Hike-about
has some tense moments.
A little rock climbing, not going to forget this time or experience.
Nearly there although the down is the tricky part.
A position like none other for me.
As our blog system will be changing, we thought we might take this opportunity to give you an idea of
the psyche on the way up this wonderful hike. We felt a pain in the achilles tendon as we commenced while the
editor had an aching back. Helicopter? We made it to Indian Gardens in about thirty minutes, took in some water
and looked at the rim of the Grand Canyon and were overwhelmed. Inside the head, a little guy said 'you need
to do the remainder in under two hours.' Yeh right! We struck a deal with the editor that because it is an open
and busy trail, we would move ahead should she not hold the pace. We don't like doing it but sometimes one has
to allow the legs to open up. We always think of one of our animal heroes, Seabiscuit. As his trainer said,
'show him someone on his outside and he's 'gonna' kick down and fly'. We are often inspired by that horse.
Out in front were three young couples ranging in age from twenty-two to twenty-eight plus a whole lot of others.
We all knew that it was going to be a kind of race to the top. What a race! (The tendon never hurt again after
a quick rub—it never had the choice.)
The path in the foreground extends to Plateau Point, the slab above the Colorado River.
Plateau Point, the Colorado River below. Oh! That's Jen above it.
Even the flora took a bow on a glorious day.
Modesty dictates that one should be a reluctant to complete the story but we are writing it for when and if
we reach 85 years old. The strong couple took the lead and it was a battle. They increased the lead over the
first hour while we caught the other two and passed them but they sat on our heels. At the halfway stage,
we looked up to the rim and could not believe how high we still had to go. We know that courageous runners
lead from the front but we could not keep up with this couple. Forty years is quite a burden to carry. Admittedly,
they were carrying bigger backpacks but their body shapes were near perfect. Along the way, we passed all and
sundry but the front couple pushed ahead and extended the lead. We did not stop for photographs or to drink but
only to whistle to Jenni who was walking at her best pace, somewhere below. The zig-zags allow one to see people below.
Hmm!
Is that a wall or is that a...?
With a mile to go, we developed further inspiration and began to move up. An interesting point we often
see is that when catching up with people, the competitive ones will stop and make out as if they are taking in
the sights. It's a nice way of conceding without an overt act of surrender. You might think this is all so
competitive. Well, it is to an extent. Remember, however, if one does not push, one never improves. Hiking,
running or any activity needs a pace, needs a challenge. Back to the race...hike. The inspiration was working
as the gap closed. Within minutes, even to our surprise, we came upon the lead couple and passed them to open
a gap that they could never close. After an experience like that, after the excitement and adrenaline calms,
the rest can only be an anticlimax. Fortunately, the photographs help to take up the slack. Jenni arrived soon
after, having planned to rest every thirty minutes but did not. The 'kid's' doing well.
So big, so overpowering.
Forgive us if this appears as self-promotion but it was another of those hikes that lends itself to the challenge,
the endurance and the satisfaction that we are not ready for pasture. As to the time: One hour and fifty three minutes
over 4.5 miles, accumulating 3,060 feet.
One for the road...
The Grand Canyon, the experience, challenge and beauty will reside somewhere in the soul for a long time—forever we hope.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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