The hike

We made impressive time retreating into the canyon - 2 hours to Phantom Ranch.  This stretch of the hike was a total of 7 miles with a drop in elevation of 4,780 feet.  We took a quick rest stop at 7am - eating 250 calories.  We were consuming water and electrolites at a rate of a sip every 15 minutes.  Our second rest stop was at Phantom Ranch, were we consumed another 250 calories and I stashed my long sleeve shirt, the zip of legs of my pants, and wicking, hiking gloves.  The thought process was that I would grab them on my way back out of the canyon that evening when the temperatures started falling.  The temperature had soared to 101 degrees farenheit.  Descending, we did a light jog wherever the terrain allowed us to do so safely.  At this point, Don's big toe had changed colors from a nice healthy pink to easter egg blue.  Neil's feet were starting to blister in places so he had added duct tape to the hot spots on the way down.  We all felt strong and were in great spirits to continue on with the ascend (not that we had a choice) - the only way out is up!!   

This picture was taken by Dad on the south rim approximately the time we had hit our first rest stop.  You can see the Colorado river at the bottom of the canyon.  Once Dad had dropped us off at the trailhead of the South Kaibab, he started the 215 mile drive around the canyon - taking his time to stop for picture opportunities and do some short hikes at the top of the Canyon.