We had to be packed up by 5:45AM so that we could load our gear onto the pack mules, eat some breakfast and get on the trail by 6:30. There were many people heading out, and most started as early or earlier than we did. Once on the trail in the canyon the sun really makes it more difficult. So we hit the trail, noticing how the sunlight reflected differently on the water at certain spots, and how the moon was still high. We had agreed to regroup in the village of Supai, and stay together until a tricky turn, and then we could go at our own pace. Anna was staying behind to prepare for another group arriving that afternoon, so with just one guide we were our own leaders.
At the village there were lines of people waiting for a helicopter ride out. For $85 you could avoid the 10 miles and be airlifted to the top. Not for any of us. We had our water and our snacks and were ready to take on the challenge. After the tricky turn, at about mile 3, we each took on our own pace and began the trek out. There were lots of hikers coming down for the 3 day weekend, so even though we were hiking separately, there was a pretty steady stream of other hikers going both directions. I was going about the same pace as Carol and Steve and Karen S, so someone was always in sight. I had been looking out for something that Gary had pointed to us on the way down — 3 mile rock — both as a guide to know which direction to go, but also as an indicator of how much further we had to go. While you try desperately to be in the moment and not think about getting it done, when it’s hot and rocky and there’s an end in sight, I tend to think about the pace and approximate the timing of getting to the destination.
But surprise… I missed 3 mile rock and suddenly had hit the incline, which is about 2 miles long, with half of that as switchbacks. And then I was intent on keeping going. Karen was with me and Carol and Steve right behind, and we got to the top at 10:45 — at a pace of about 2 1/2 MPH! It was wonderful. And a most delicious sandwich while we scouted and waited for the others to arrive. Lots of high fives when we all arrived, and piled into the van for the long trip to Phoenix.
We had a stop at a “famous” spot on Route 66 — some refreshments before continuing on. We “landed” in Scottsdale around 6:30 and I was beautifully set in my luxurious room at The Phoenician shortly after. I’ve never had a better (or longer) shower — washing off days of red dust and stream water. And an adult beverage and heavenly bed were just that.
It was a remarkable adventure, and I’m glad to have pushed myself to accept camping as an alternative to a hotel. But in the end, I’m still more likely to call for a Westin before a campsite!
