The Big Ditch

Brian and I spent a week working our way down to the Grand Canyon and playing along the way. I could start by telling you all the things that didn't go according to plan, like weather.com really giving us bad info. We were horribly unprepared for snow. Or the double ear infections. Instead, I can tell you what a great trip it was. We got to do some hikes we hadn't originally planned on, explored canyons that looked interesting, and still got to do all the slot canyons we wanted on our way back when the weather was much better. In addition, the Chaco line showed itself for the first time this season and the National Parks pass paid for itself on this trip.

The actual point of the trip, however, was to meet Aaron and his friends and family at the Grand Canyon. And it was perfect. We ended up hiking with 12 people down to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon, and it was so much fun. I'd like to say that it was such an easy hike because I'm so awesome, but it would be a lie. It wasn't so bad until the last...long...brutal...3 miles. And then for some reason I thought we were near the end, just to turn the corner and see 4 more ginormous switchbacks. That was the worst part, mentally, I was already done. And yet, I was so not done. Brian was true to his multiple promises of not ditching me on the trail (which considering he's done rim-rim-rim before in 19 hours, sticking with me was slow going). I'd also like to say that I wasn't sore at all the next day. But that would also be a lie. I was sore the next day, and the next, and the next. Thankfully, I'm no longer moving around like I'm pregnant anymore. And I can actually use the stairs without cursing. But it was so worth it. I would definitely do it again.