Stretching our legs for this weeks hike on the North Kaibab trail. Mike will hike down seven miles with me to Cottonwood campground Thursday. Then Friday he hikes back up almost 4,000 feet and I continue down seven more miles to Phantom Ranch. Saturday to Tuesday I’ll be on the Colorado River then fly back to Kanab, Utah where someone will pick me up along with another employee/river runner.
Oh yea, so what does that have to do with hiking to Cape Final? Just a little warm up hike. And Mike testing out his new backpack.
At two gentle miles each way, this is an awesome hike through a healthy Ponderosa Pine forest. Healthy because of fire. I read somewhere that one out of ten mature ponderosa pines on the North Rim have been struck by lightning and the evidence surrounded us.
Along with a colorful wildflower show.
The trail approaches the rim as if from out of nowhere.
Then briefly winds back into the forest.
With a dip and a climb we were back to the rim.
I wanted to see the river. Was it still flowing like chocolate?
Yes!
Mike put out a delicious picnic lunch.
Then we walked to the tip of Cape Final to enjoy the views. And saw smoke from the New Water fire on the South Rim.
All too soon it was time to head back. How did we know? The Raven told us so.
Why did we listen?
It was time to fly home.
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16 comments:
Gaelyn, oh my! what a time you had! What beauty surrounds you and then to have a raven as a companion! You are truly blessed!
Oh wow GL. What a time you all have and had and all that. Isn't it fun just to have fun. My head is still in the clouds I suppose.
What you said about being too close to the MT to not see it is so true. All them durn foothills just get in the way. Too much snow this year and the road to Artist point will not be open this year at all. Go figure. MB
All that walking sounds like hard work to me LOL. But the views that you see would make me walk it as well, beautiful photos. Diane
How I wish i could do that hike! What is the elevation of the North Rim? I have a height limit of 2,000m.
Love your new earrings, that great shady forest, the views and wildflowers and your beloved carrying your lunch.
Glad to see you are all prepared for your great river adventure and have a waterproof camera. I bet you're as excited as a kid with a birthday coming up.
Thanks for sharing
What an adventure! I like it that the trail is for hikers only. I hope the signs are obeyed. Thank you for including photos of some of the plants. For me that's one of the highlights of such a trip. And I always love the long views.
I always just assumed that one of these days I would hike down and back the Grand Canyon AND float down it. Now it looks like that may not happen so I'm really looking forward to the reports of your trip when you return.
Good Luck!
Wow! Just wow. Your photos are amazingly lovely and I am in awe of the hikes you two are on. (I love that your guy is putting out that awesome picnic lunch too! He's a keeper ;>))
We have hiked down several times to Phantom Ranch and then back up two nights later...the last time in a snowstorm..last Dec. I read in the last Sunset magazines that there are mules rides at the North Rim???..do I need to read that again or is it true?..Have a great time time on your river trip..somtimes a once in a lifetime deal..
Absolutely amazing pictures!
Wow, What sights you saw along the way--beautiful. Mickie :)
That's a gorgeous trail to hike along and your photos are beautiful. Have a wonderful time on your float trip. I know it will be a memorable experience for you. Just don't forget to take photos with that new camera so we can share the excitement.
Gaelyn, what a wonderful hike. I felt like I was there too. You must really be getting excited about the river rafting. Your photos are wonderful. I love the mosaic and your photos are wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
How I wish I was sitting next to you enjoying that view. Superb! I wish you a fantastic and safe trip and please bring back tons of photos.
I get the heebee-jeebies every time I see you on the edge like that! ;-)
Great photos. I love the last one, that is so cool!
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