As a hiker of the Grand Canyon when you say "I hit a wall" - there is a little bit of an oxymoron since you are surrounded by Canyon walls wherever you look. So, when I realized I had hit a wall, I giggled in my head just a little.
Cottonwood Campground is 7.1 miles from the top - we stopped there to refill our water, eat and put our feet up. By the way, sitting with your feet in a slightly raised position is optimal Canyon recovery!!! At Cottonwood, a young buck approached (without fear) to stare at the group of crazy hikers. I wonder how much GU that young buck had consumed during his life in the canyon??!!
We made it to Cottonwood Campground in 5 hours and 50 minutes. We have now hiked a total of 14.1 miles.
Another 1.9 miles and we are at Roaring Springs. This is the point where I swallowed my pride. I pulled my brother aside and explained that I was still nauseous and getting light headed anytime I exerted myself. I knew I would be able to get out of the Canyon on the north rim but in order to do so I was going to have to take more breaks and hike at a slower pace. I told him to continue hiking without me and that I would not be completing the R3 this trip. I did not want to slow his progress and there were plenty of hikers on the trail if I found myself failing. Tommy, Neil and Don agreed to continue on without me.
I want to say the next few miles I was beating myself up over my decision but, I really wasn't..... Part of attempting a feat as difficult as R3 is knowing your limitations, listening to your body, and finishing safely as to not put your life or anyone else's in danger. Hiking rim to rim is one hell of an accomplishment and I knew I was going to complete that.
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