STEPPING OFF? WHAT’S THE PLAN

They say you need to be ready when stepping off the Rim Trail.

Instead of looking into the Grand Canyon you’re going in.

At the bare minimum you’ll need good shoes and water.

It’s the opposite of mountain climbing.

We’ve all seen the summit celebrations, the flag planting.

What we don’t see is the climb back down.

The dangerous climb down, the treacherous retreat, one you pay for if you ignore it.

So I walked down Bright Angel Trail in flip flops and no water because I’m a trained athlete.

I also know when to turn around.

That’s a problem for the too-proud types, knowing when to turn back.

I turn back early when the big question is: Who is dragging my sorry ass out of trouble?

Since I’m a load, the answer has always been me. I’ll do the dragging.

Keep that in mind when you nut-up for your next solo adventure.

The best outcome is you leave and come back; the worst is you leave and keep going one way or another.

Stepping off the beaten path is a choice, so is coming back.

 

Wild Thing

What to do when a big sweaty man walks by?

Try not to rub up on them.

What do you do when an inspiration lands on you?

Roll around with it.

Is the Grand Canyon inspirational? I think so.

It’s like looking into time with all of the erosion and layers.

For context, get a shovel and dig a hole. You’ll get tired.

Did the Bright Angel Traill kick my ass? Yes it did, but not as bad as the first person I saw on the walk down.

They were so gassed they looked like they might fall over on the pack they were strapped to.

They were on the last leg of their Rim To Rim walk.

Your journey will start months before stepping foot on the trail, as planning is critical for this popular bucket list hike.

And then, armed with the correct information and preparation, you’ll know what to expect as you leave 99.9% of the other Grand Canyon visitors behind and hit the trail to cross one of the seven wonders of the world.

And in case you’re wondering, although you’ll be exhausted at the end, the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel at the end is unparalleled.

 

That’s me in my sweaty blue shirt feeling an unparalleled sense of accomplishment after walking down half an hour and back up.

This is why you need to prepare ahead of time.

What’s next after a hot walk? A beer or two?

 

 

My wife said she hiked down to the bottom and back with a boyfriend before we got married and I believe her.

She must have a thing for durable guys, the same thing I have for durable gals.

Am I planning on a Rim To Rim hike in the near future? No, but more than a few of my pals are out in the land.

Looking at you Mike, Jamie, Joan, and Jerry and your beautiful pictures in the red rocks.

Anyone seeking out trails to walk in freaky landscapes are my heroes.

 

Stepping Off For The Unparalleled Sense Of Accomplishment 

I’m a fan of walking on ancient land and you can’t get much older than a trail carved out in a canyon.

What is it about descending into the depths of the earth knowing you’ll make it back out.

This is a link to a series of beautiful canyons, including Oregon’s Owyhee Canyonlands.

Canyon seekers in Oregon will also find Hells Canyon, the Columbia Gorge, and my favorite, Smith Rock.

If the adventure travel life isn’t for you, look around for local adventure.

“Get outside and get moving,” is easier said than done, but if you make it a habit you won’t even think about it.

There’s something about an intentionally elevated heart rate that is thrilling.

You get pumped up, then rest up.

Walk half as far as you’d like to go, then walk back, like climbing the mountain and climbing back down.

I’m taking my own advice today.

Might even have an awards ceremony if all goes well.