Justin and I left the dragon early in the morning to cook breakfast while studying our first view of the grand canyon. It almost hurts to look across the canyon with so much information to process; the scale of everything you see almost incomprehensible. We cooked scrambled eggs with ham and cheese - along with some instant oatmeal and cappicinos (it's a hard life but someone has to live it)
As we aren't the typical group of tourists - the standard pose from the safe side of the wall wouldn't do. Justin found a slice of solitude away from the masses walking by on the sidewalks... but to get there you'd need to rid yourself of all fear of heights - and reassure yourself that the rocks you stand on are solid (even though the view shows millions of years of erosion...) From this vantage point you can see for miles - but you still couldn't see the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon around a mile below us. I joined him out on the edge of the isolated rock cliff - and even set up my hammock at the trees more near the cliff about 20 feet below the people gathering to see us. We weren't trying to attract attention to us - but I overheard children saying they wanted to go out there - others pondering why someone would do such a thing - and then a guy answered saying Justin might be suicidal. Well that did it - the seed was planted into everyone who heard it and like a virus it spread across the crowd and my theory is an angry mom eventually decided we weren't going to get away with doing as we pleased and informed a ranger they needed to get us down.
Becoming more and more of a scene - two rangers and policeman arrived to difuse the situation. Justin being completely oblivious to the string of people lining the rim of the canyon gawking at him. His headphones tuned out my shouts of his name - so I had to join him on the rocks edge to awaken him to the fact that we had to pack up and leave. He finally looked back and saw the nearest group of about 50 people giving us there undivided attention.
The Rangers were upset with us that we caused such a scene - and they soon imposed their authority having us sit on the lawn on the safe side of the wall (even though we requested to remain standing) - demonstrating their position of power over us. I did my best to inform them we had no ill intentions - that we just wanted to get away from the crowd so we could enjoy the view. Finally after they ran our IDs and informed us that we didn't break any laws but they could give us a fine for disturbing the peace or wreckless endangerment - I obliged by saying with their consent we'd be on our way and the big scene would be over. Finally - they let us free.
The rest of the day we drove Desert Drive enjoying the 5 major viewing areas while looking for the Dragon. We left Sam and Buzz sleeping in the Dragon from the night before - while we headed to the canyon for breakfast... only I found out that Justin had their radio so once again we found ourselves incommunicado.
After our taste of the Canyon from our perch far above - we had to get a closer look. We were interested in hiking down to the bottom but we needed a permit to stay overnight. We visited the backcountry office and they said we must be very fortunate because the permits get released months in advance and they only save 2 a day for walkins. We landed the last available spot - for a group up to 6.
It was getting dark and we hadn't met up with the dragon yet - so we headed back towards the hotel we had parked at the night before. About a mile before the hotel we spotted the dragon on the side of the road with a truck behind it. Turns out they broke down and hadn't even made it to see the Grand Canyon yet. They had adjusted the valves in the morning prior to leaving - and something went amiss. I overheard words like pushrod, wrong spacing, and such from Scott Patrick (the good samaritan who stopped to help; climbing underneath the dragon and turning wrenches to make up for our lack of mechanical aptitude.)
After their all day excursion on the side of the road - everything was corrected and properly adjusted... I had left to pick up a six pack of beer as a small offering of thanks for Scotts help but he refused. He insisted we stop and help the next person we see needing it - which we eagerly agreed.
After avoiding towing, parts, and labor to restore the dragon - we celebrated with a hot meal and planned for our adventure to the base of the canyon the following day (The same canyon Sam and Buzz had yet to see)
Snow doesn't come to mind when thinking of the Grand Canyon - but the top part of the trail is covered in snow and ice. We quickly found ourself in a roadblock with too many people to pass - and Sam captured a funny video of me sliding my way down a switchback.
The first day included seven miles of hiking down the South Kaibab Trail ending at the Bright Angel Campground by Phantom Ranch. The trail was very steep as you would imagine - traveling to the mile deep canyon floor. I was told there wouldn't be trees of sufficient size to hammock off of but I was stubborn and brought mine just in case. I could always resort to the tarp taco if it rained and there wasn't any trees. I couldn't believe my eyes as we arrived at camp - trees adourning each side of Bright Angel Creek! I don't think hammocking is against any official rule - but I've learned it is discouraged due to the harsh dessert environment; some people feel it damages the trees. I disagree... and setup my hammock and tarp. The ranger came by inspecting our permit and accounting for everyone in our group - asking 'is the hammock guy with you as well'. No worries from him and I was in the clear. Good thing because I needed all the rest I could get for the ten mile hike out of the canyon the next day.
It's hard to describe the sense of accomplishment I had after finishing the hike - I was exhausted but envigorated at the same time. It's almost as if you earn the views with each painful step. I was surprised that we finished under our estimated 7 hour time frame - considering our long lunch and many breaks.
We're heading north now questioning what our final stops will be amongst the array of options...
Monument Valley
4 Corners
Bryce Canyon, Utah
Zion, Utah
Ship Rock, NM
Colorado Springs, CO
Arches National Park
Denver, CO
Jon pumping water as Buzz sleeps on the picnic table...
