Re: Grand Canyon Reply #25 – November 29, 2007, 02:30:48 pm Yahoo Message Number: 86523Something to think about, when you get 50 feet down into the Grand Canyon most everything there either stings or bites. Since it is a narrow pathway and kids need to touch everything....you get the idea.In addition to water, everyone needs to be in good shape. The going down is one thing, coming back up you sure don't want to be carrying tired kids. It is a longer and more strenuous hike than most people ever do. Plus you need to be acclimated to the elevation. Try 10 miles on the canyon rim and if that does not do you in, go for the canyon. Cheers, Don
Grand Canyon Reply #26 – April 20, 2008, 02:50:55 pm Yahoo Message Number: 91723We'll be going with some friends to the Grand Canyon in late May. We're staying in Mather Campground on the South Rim, staying 4 nights. Any advice? (Yes, we'll be holding tightly to Dominic's hand!) Thanks in advance, Suzie, Tony, Joseph (almost 18), and Dominic (5) '87 t/k "The Empress"
Re: Grand Canyon Reply #27 – April 20, 2008, 05:41:13 pm Yahoo Message Number: 91731"andressuzie" wrote: We'll be going with some friends to the Grand Canyon in late May. We're staying in Mather Campground on the South Rim, staying 4 nights. Any advice? --- The "official" website offers a great deal of information; the "Trip Planner" for the South Rim is essential reading, IMO:http://www.nps.gov/grca Check the shuttle bus schedule for the Hermit Road trip, and take the earliest one available to avoid some of the crowds. The Hermit Road trip is about 8 miles (starting at Mather Point), but you can hop on and off the shuttles and take your time at the overlooks. An early visit to Desert View Drive, the other direction from Hermit Drive, is also suggested; there's no shuttle in this direction (at least, there wasn't when I visited; the website should have that information), but the earlier you go, the easier it is to find a parking spot at the overlooks. And, the morning light in/on the canyon can be very beautiful.Have fun!Joan
Re: Grand Canyon Reply #28 – April 20, 2008, 07:20:33 pm Yahoo Message Number: 91738Quote "andressuzie" wrote: We'll be going with some friends to the Grand Canyon in late May. We're staying in Mather Campground on the South Rim, We just left Mather one week ago and there were lots of empty camp sites. For some reason they have several signs posted that sites are limited to a total of 30' length including any toads or trailers. We have a 26MB with a toad. Our overall length well exceeded the 30' limit and I think we would have fit into almost all of the sites. We told them we were over 30 feet and she gave us a site which would have fit a 30+ footer in' plus a toad. However the height maybe a problem for larger rigs.Quote Check the shuttle bus schedule for the Hermit Road trip, Due to road construction the shuttle to Hermits rest only goes as far as Hopi Point. This is less than half way to Hermits Rest. The hiking trail is also closed past Hopi Point. In the near future the whole route is to close for construction. I think it was after July1 but I am not sure. A check with the park service could give you that information.Bright Angel trail is the most popular trail into the canyon. It is also a trail that has three or more mule trains a day traveling the trail. This made for a hike much like you would expect in a barn yard. I found the smells and the piles of mule droppings very distracting from the otherwise enjoyable hike. Have a good time and if you are hiking in the canyon be sure and take lots of water and as the sign says, "what goes down must come up".NormNorm
Re: Grand Canyon Reply #29 – April 20, 2008, 11:59:31 pm Yahoo Message Number: 91749Just a quick correction from the "Grand Canyon Big Mouth": If you look for "Hermit Road" and "Desert View Drive", you won't find them. You want the West Rim Drive and East Rim Drive, respectively. Joan's advice to go early to the viewpoints is 100% correct. Parking is frequently difficult at the South Rim. If possible, try to spend some time on the North Rim. It is less visited and incredibly beautiful. Late afternoon/sunset is equally as beautiful for photography of "The Ditch" as early morning. Mid-day sun tends to wash out the colors of the many geologic layers. Be absolutely certain you are in very good physical condition before tackling the trails into the Canyon. They are very steep and the hardest part is returning to the rim when you are already tired. If you have a dog with you, he/she is welcome on a leash only on the Rim Trail (paved part only!) between Mather Point and Hopi Point. Take your time to find places where there are few people. Relax and listen to the sound of silence (if you are far enough away from the roads). It is awesome.Have a great time!Roz, the Wannabe
Re: Grand Canyon Reply #30 – April 21, 2008, 10:52:40 am Yahoo Message Number: 91752QuoteBe absolutely certain you are in very good physical condition before tackling the trails into the Canyon. They are very steep and the hardest part is returning to the rim when you are already tired. And, as someone else has already mentioned, but it bears repeating, be sure to take LOTS of water (a gallon a person is not too much). I can't tell you the number of times each summer that people have to be rescued because they started down one of the trails either with no water or with one of those small bottles of water.Linda Hylton http://map.datastormusers.com/user1.cfm?user=1167 http://earl-linda.blogspot.com/
Re: Grand Canyon Reply #31 – April 21, 2008, 11:23:42 am Yahoo Message Number: 91754"And, as someone else has already mentioned, but it bears repeating, be sure to take LOTS of water (a gallon a person is not too much). I can't tell you the number of times each summer that people have to be rescued because they started down one of the trails either with no water or with one of those small bottles of water."Linda Hylton http://tinyurl.com/5xcfq6 ...And if you want to read a great new book on the exploration of the Grand Canyon, this link will take you to "Grand Obsession: Harvey Butchart and the Exploration of the Grand Canyon" Butchart, a math professor at N. AZ Univ, was obsessed by the Grand Canyon and hiked nearly 12,000 miles in the canyon over a 40 yr or so period. I read it recently and found it a wonderful character study of Butchart and an excellent educational experience on the Grand Canyon.Chris
Re: Grand Canyon Reply #32 – April 21, 2008, 11:58:15 am Yahoo Message Number: 91756Quotehttp://tinyurl.com/5xcfq6 ...And if you want to read a great new book on the exploration of the Grand Canyon, this link will take you to "Grand Obsession: Sounds like an interesting book, Chris. I'll look for it the next time we're near a bookstore!Linda Hylton http://map.datastormusers.com/user1.cfm?user=1167 http://earl-linda.blogspot.com/
Re: Grand Canyon Reply #33 – April 21, 2008, 02:02:07 pm Yahoo Message Number: 91761As impressive, indeed awe inspiring, as the Grand Canyon appears from the South Rim it pales in comparison compared to the experience of floating through the Grand Canyon from Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead. Linda and I rafted the Canyon a few years ago and the experience is truly life-altering in so very many ways. It is a profoundly spiritual experience and one that unforgettable. Rafting the Grand Canyon was on my 'bucket list' for many years. Doable for everyone from kids to 80+ year-olds. Check out grandcanyonexpeditions dot com. Absolutely outstanding in every way.Carol and Linda Priscilla - 1991 MB Joey - 2003 Wrangler
Re: Grand Canyon; Thank You to All Reply #34 – April 21, 2008, 02:03:49 pm Yahoo Message Number: 91762Really helpful info, everyone! Thank you so much. I did go to check out the official site (now why didn't I think of that?!) and it is also very very helpful. The plan at this point is that part of the group will hike into the canyon for an overnight, and part of the group (including myself and my 5yo) will stay at the top. Tony (dh) is undecided which group he'll be with; Joseph (18 yo) would like to go down but sprained his ankle last month, so we're doubting the wisdom of that. (will see the family doctor tomorrow). I'm looking forward to maybe the Imax, hopefully a ranger program, and sunset on the South Rim. Can't make it to the North rim this year, but one more dream for the future Any more suggestions...? Thanks again, Suzie
Re: Grand Canyon Reply #35 – April 21, 2008, 07:35:34 pm Yahoo Message Number: 91770nQuote http://tinyurl.com/5xcfq6 ...And if you want to read a great new book on the exploration of the Grand Canyon, this link will take you to "Grand Obsession: Harvey Butchart and the Exploration of the Grand Canyon" Butchart, a math professor at N. AZ Univ, was obsessed by the Grand Canyon and hiked nearly 12,000 miles in the canyon over a 40 yr or so period. I read it recently and found it a wonderful character study of Butchart and an excellent educational experience on the Grand Canyon.Chris I haven't had a chance to read "Grand Obsession" yet, but I am looking forward to it. I had the opportunity to meet Harvey Butchart about 15 years ago. I will never forget it. He was a lovely gentleman. If you are interested in Grand Canyon human history, there are several delightful books to read: "River Runners of the Grand Canyon" by David Lavender is terrific. Equally so are Brad Dimmock's books. If you wish to read about my former boss, the book "Woman of the River" by Richard Westwood is fun (especially for me ... read it and you will know why!). For a general history about GC, the book "In the House of Stone and Light" is wonderful.Roz the Wannabe
Re: Grand Canyon; Thank You to All Reply #36 – April 21, 2008, 07:46:02 pm Yahoo Message Number: 91771-- The plan at this point is Quotethat part of the group will hike into the canyon for an overnight, and part of the group (including myself and my 5yo) will stay at the top. Tony (dh) is undecided which group he'll be with; Joseph (18 yo) would like to go down but sprained his ankle last month, so we're doubting the wisdom of that. (will see the family doctor tomorrow). I'm looking forward to maybe the Imax, hopefully a ranger program, and sunset on the South Rim. Can't make it to the North rim this year, but one more dream for the future Any more suggestions...? Thanks again, Suzie Please be aware that reservations are probably necessary for the campground at Bright Angel. If you do not have a reservation, you are not allowed to camp just anywhere. Check with the Ranger Station before just heading down into the Canyon. Again, as everyone has stressed - carry A LOT of water. The heat can be ferocious down at the bottom of The Ditch. Do not attempt to swim in the Colorado River. The currents are very strong. The IMAX film is gorgeous and very enjoyable. Their history is a bit shaky, but who cares when they have filmed the scenery so beautifully.Roz, the W
Re: Grand Canyon Reply #37 – April 30, 2008, 08:31:34 pm Yahoo Message Number: 92153Hey Suzie et al, I'm a wee bit slow on this thread, but I've stocked some Links on our website on the Grand Canyon for your use:http://tinyurl.com/672tlf>Hope it helps! Tessa in TX
Grand Canyon Reply #38 – May 03, 2008, 03:44:24 pm Yahoo Message Number: 92246We are headed to the SKP Grand Canyon HOP. Anyone else going?Ted www.campingsierra.com
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