Karl and I would like to thank you for all your help in getting us ready for our big hike to the bottom (and back out) of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It was an amazing trip that we will never forget. The 7 mile hike down was steep and long, taking us 5 1/2 hours to get down to Phantom Ranch at the bottom where we enjoyed a very delicious tasting lemonade before settling in to our dormitory accomodations. Two days later we started our 9 mile trip out of the canyon at 5:40 AM and 8 1/2 hours later we were at the top saying that we won't complain about the hills around Oakville anymore. Also we managed to get an ice cream cone that never tasted better. The distances aren't so long, but the elevation change of 1 mile vertical in those distances is quite challenging.

While we were at the bottom of the canyon we attended a couple of ranger talks on the Colorado River and the forming of the canyon and also about the re-introduction of the California Condors. They have been released back to the wild at the canyon and also at Big Sur after good success in breeding them in captivity. So we hope to be able to see some of these condors when we take on our next challenge of the 21 mile power walk at Big Sur next April.

WREB's note > Thanks so much Karl and Sue for writing this up. For my 40th birthday (Jan. 1st, 2004), my husband and I too hiked the Grand Canyon. It was the best experience we've had! To all WoW walkers - especially Joan Kili and Claudette - please take the time to write about your walking adventures. We really appreciate it!