Grand Canyon – On My Way

9:30 AM – Getting ready to leave for the airport soon. The first leg of the trip is from Eugene to Denver. With a layover of a couple hours, I should have time to grab a bite. And then it will be on to Albuquerque. Arriving at 8:10 PM their time. 

I have packed all my stuff, and although I thought I had really paired down my pack weight, it still came out at 21 pounds. That does include 3 L of water, food for one and a half days, and a partially empty fuel canister. My normal pack with all of the consumables on board probably weighs a little north of 26 pounds. So I’ve cut it down by 5 pounds which is pretty significant. Still not as low as I would’ve liked.

Meanwhile, back at the Grand Canyon, they have been working on their aging water supply lines over the last year, but still had four major breaks a couple of weeks ago. This ultimately required them to close the hotels and limit the services at the park for several days due to water shortages. I am happy to say that they’ve lifted those restrictions and appear to have water available at most sites again. Cappuccino and I, of course, have water filtration, and treatment options that allow us to use local sources of water like creeks. So the waterline breaks wouldn’t have affected us that much, but it will be nice to have treated water readily available at the bright Angel Campground for our overnight in the Canyon. And thanks to all of you that messaged me about the water problems in the Canyon. I appreciate the concern.

11:30 AM- At the airport, thru security, and grabbed a bite to eat. About half an hour until we board. So far all looking good for the flights. I shall see.

Cappuccino and I have been planning our options for Tuesday morning when we start our hike. The Canyon shuttle Fall Schedule is finally out and the earliest we can get a bus to the South Kaibab Trailhead is 6AM. So we can grab breakfast outside the park in Tusayan, AZ where we will be staying Monday night. Cappy has identified a MacD’s that opens at 5AM. So we will probably go there. Things are falling in place.

12:30 PM- Aboard plane and we will be pulling away from the gate in a few minutes and on our way to Denver.

4:00 PM- Arrived in Denver with an extra bumpy descent and kind of rough landing. But we all got here safely with the plane in one piece, so can’t complain too much.

8:45 PM- no problem with the flight from Denver to Albuquerque, my pack made it ok, and Cappuccino picked me, and I am at her house. So all is well. Tomorrow we head out early for the Canyon.

Until tomorrow, Happy Trails!