.jpg "Canteen Phantom Ranch GRCA NP AZ")
The Canteen at Phantom RanchAfter seven miles hiking through Grand Canyon from Cottonwood camp we were motivated for a cold beer and chocolate so we just dropped our packs outside the Canteen and hurried in.
+in+Canteen+Phantom+Ranch+GRCA+AZ+(800x600).jpg "Canteen Phantom Ranch GRCA NP AZ")
Amy and Jan (plus others) in the CanteenThe seating is family style and Amy joined in with other hikers to learn a new card game.
.jpg "Postcard Phantom Ranch GRCA NP AZ")
It’s a tradition to send a postcard with the “Mailed by Mule” stamp. I sent one to Berta but I didn’t have all your addresses with me..jpg "Cabin Phantom Ranch GRCA NP AZ")
Rental cabinPhantom Ranch was designed by Mary Jane Colter to replace the original Rust’s Camp. With limited accommodations, reservations are made 13 months in advance, for meals also.
.jpg "Welcome sign GRCA NP AZ")
Needless to say, we didn’t have those luxuries and instead stayed in Bright Angel Campground..jpg "Bright Angel campsite GRCA NP AZ")
Jan in Bright Angel CampAfter I made dinner Amy and Jan returned to the Canteen when they reopened to everybody at 8pm. I laid my ground cloth, sleeping pad and bag down on the ground and watched the star filled sky. It was a wonderfully warm 55F night. Jan slept on the picnic table and Amy in the tent.
.jpg "Mule deer Phantom Ranch GRCA NP AZ")
Greeted by Mule deer along the trail to the CanteenI was up early, but not before many hikers had already hit the trail, and went to the Canteen for coffee.
.jpg "SR from Bright Angel camp GRCA NP AZ")
Morning light on the South RimWasn’t long before Amy and Jan joined me along with other hikers we’d talked to. We had 5 miles (8 km) to hike up 1330 feet (832 meters) to our next campground at Indian Gardens.
.jpg "Bright Angel Creek GRCA NP AZ")
Bright Angel Creek runs next to the campgroundSoaking pools encircled by rocks for those hot summer days. We really didn’t need to cool off, but a shower would have been sweet.
.jpg "Mules Phantom Ranch GRCA NP AZ")
Mules at Phantom RanchSome people ride mules from the South Rim to Phantom Ranch. No matter how you get down and back, something is going to hurt.
.jpg "Amy Bright Angel trail GRCA NP AZ")
Amy hitting the trailSo we hoisted our packs, which should have been lighter but didn’t feel like it, and headed off to the Silver Bridge which crosses the Colorado River.
I am so with you in spirit, Gaelyn as you hike those trails, watch that sky and drink that coffee. Why is it that everytime I read the word coffee, I want one. And sitting around a camp fire with you would be fine.
Thanks for the postcard!
That canteen looks too small to handle many people, but I'm sure a beer and chocolate seemed like heaven.
Beautiful photos, as always.
Walked down once, then rafted out. Have only ever walked up from the Redwall (that was far enough).
So much fun and you are right…the Grand Canyon is going to make "something" hurt for sure…I have done it and I think everything hurt!
WOW these are beautiful pics!
Even if it hurts, it's worth it in the end to see such spectacular scenery.
(My sister's software didn't erase the chip I don't believe, I downloaded over a period of days.)
Thanks for the postcard, Gaelyn! I love the morning light in the canyon. The pic of Amy under the overhang is great!
Great photos, looks hard work, I did a litle trekking in my younger days for charity.
Thanks for your visits on the header quest, it was really fun, and I agree Darla should get the vote.
Cold beer and chocolate?? WHAT a combination. LOL!! Got to try it sometime.
How beautiful it must be to see the night sky there. We will do the same in Kruger. It is one of my favorite pastimes.
I'm enjoying this hike.
very impressive hike that you did. how did you sleep on the ground, didn't you have to worry about scorpions? postcard is a super touch. I am glad you liked the Day of the Dead photos on my site. I will have another one tomorrow and a couple more days worth starting on Nov. 2
Those soaking pools sound interesting. Man made I presume. Good idea.
The mother of all trails in South Africa is the Otter Trail in the Tsitsikamma on the Garden Route. Only 12 people per day are allowed on it and you need to book 12 monthes in advance to go on it. It follows the coast up and down the coastal cliffs. So you walk right on the oceans edge, on top of the platos through fynbos or through the gorges in indigenous forest. You also need to cross a couple of river mouths. I haven't done it yet, but one day.
Aaah Gaelyn, I'm still trying to catch up on all my blog visits. Working with hubby from home while we wait for his permanent residence to come through. I LOVE your post and the descriptions of all the outdoors – lovely to lie and watch the stars. I agree with Firefly above about the the Otter Trail. We have done a few other organised hikes but never the above. Would love to do it one day! Thanks for so loyally visiting my blog while I've been "AWOL" Thanks too for the lovely postcard on your post! Lovely touch. (((Hugs))) Jo
I am now so into this! Mules, too!
Hello Gaelyn
I called by to thank you for commenting on the Header Theme on Wiggers World.. It was nice to see a new name turn up in my comments.. I intended to drop by, say hello and thank you… but as so often happens in blog land I have found a gem of a blog.. I will now make the time to come back and read about your adventures and view some of the beautiful places you get to.
Tom
Everyone who looks at these photos will make plans to visit there, thanks1
Gaelyn: Your great story of the hike is just wonderful. I'm sure memories flood back as you post your photos. I love the postcard, thanks so much.
Thanks for taking all on this great hike. I am shouldering my backpack with you. It is heavy isn't it. great shots and I love a stone house. Phantom Ranch is wonderful. MB
Oh how I envy you this hike! Hope you have a great time Gaelyn. Love the photos!
Gaelyn, how I would love to hike n those mountains and gorges. Your photos remind me of the magic of being out in the wild, cut off from all modern conveniences – sometimes I wonder if all these "modern conveniences" are not slowly killing us. I sometimes get the feeling that we were created to live without them and much closer to nature.
Thanks for the postcard Gaelyn! I'm sure enjoying this trip from my desk at work.
Sweet postcard! thank you so much. And that campground looks nice. I am gonna get there someday.
I like the 'something is going to hurt' lol… I went and read the other blog post you linked.. Very interesting. Thank you.. Michelle