The Grand Canyon....

A friend asked me about hiking the Grand Canyon. It was her first time in the Grand Canyon and... and... she is recovering from surgery. Having hiked the Grand Canyon, rim to rim, this was my response....
I don’t mean to be “Debbie downer” but there is nothing in the world like Grand Canyon miles. It’s good that you have been getting in shape, but I can assure you it will be a rough hike. Bright Angel is longer but not as steep, and the trip to the 3 mile rest house might be your best bet. Any hike in the Canyon will be beautiful. Even a short hike always centers me. Sometimes there is nothing like single tasking, which is what you do on these hikes. I always am amazed to find my significance in the world, and my insignificance in the world while in the Grand Canyon. Its odd, its big, its beautiful, its harsh …. But magical. My husband and I have hiked both rims as well as South Kaibab and Bright Angel, deep in to the belly of the canyon. It always calls us back. But I digress…. You know your own body. Remember that whatever time it takes you to walk down the canyon, double the time for coming back out. I mean it… Not to mention having to give way to the horses and donkey’s/burro’s that are packing tourists from California in white jeans and white cowboy boots, looking fresh as a daisy.. whilst weary hikers, smelling less than fresh as a daisy have to endure their snide comments regarding ridings vs. hiking… those same weary hikers secretly wishing for one of the 4 footed animals to get spooked and perhaps toss said California tourist off the side of a cliff….oops… I’m getting off track again. But the pack animals do have the right of way, and you will have to and need to stand verrrrry still as they pass. Watch out for the puddles of pee and horse poop too. Its lovely as your humping it back up the canyon, gasping for air, trying to keep you mind clear and all you can smell is urine and poop. Loooovee those pack animals!!! Okay, serious again. Having layers of clothing on is important, seems like you have a handle on that. You will truly need to eat even when you don’t think you need to eat. Above all – take your time, enjoy the journey… try not to be the over achiever I know you are. If you have 9 hours to hike, and your hike lasts 6 hours, go up top and have a nice coffee and desert at the El Tovar Lodge. It overlooks the rim and you can sit by the fireplace where juniper wood will be crackling and warm. It is one of my favorite places on earth. It has a lot of rich history.