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G-WeBconnect |
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2001:
The
New Millennium Hikers |
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On its best day, the Grand Canyon is still a death trap. Don't presume it's like any other hiking or camping experience you've ever had - unless you make a habit of hiking in some of the world's most extreme spots. While this story is laced with the typical humor and high adventure indicative of G-WeBconnect's other feature articles, it's also a story about how decision making under difficult circumstances can make a big difference. |
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Sporting their G-WeBconnect
Customized Logo T-Shirts,
RB and "g"
have the customary wings 'n' beer in
Tempe before heading up to the Canyon. |
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In the Beginning Let's turn back the clock to the Great Grand Canyon Excursion 2000 (October 17th). "g" (of great renown amongst hikers the world over) and I were not even unpacked from our initial foray into the Grand Canyon with the Boys when it began. Our gear was still in its hyper-compact configuration in our EMS 5500 internal frame packs and the dust of the Grand Canyon was still on our boots, clothes, hair and skin. Flush with the excitement of our hiking accomplishment, the subject of going back to the Canyon came up. At that moment, the thought of going back was not my favorite contemplation. Instead my mind was preoccupied with thoughts of a soft bed and soft wife with whom I was planning on making up for lost time with. "g," however, flush with the revelation that people actually did "rim-to-rim-to-rim" journeys in something under 23 hours (driven by whatever insatiable, all-consuming fire that burns within him… OCD…) began to consider this as a future option for the Jogging LaBella Brothers. In fact, he was prepared to leave me behind and "jog" the darn thing by himself! As one half of the Jogging LaBella Brothers, I couldn't allow "g" to leave me in the dust. So, I convinced myself that perhaps a "RTRTR" trip was actually conceivable. The idea had life! Plans began to formulate. We had many high intensity debates about the type of jogging/hiking footwear we might purchase, lighting-light gear to research, and the volumes of water required for such a trip. Eventually, we recognized the need for a Jogging LaBella Brother's Support Team! Well, this isn't the story of the "RTRTR." As it turns out, "g" chickened out as he got to the gym and realized that "jogging 46 miles" wasn't going to be something we were likely to do anytime soon - much less in under 24 hours. However, he was bound and determined to come back to the Canyon and hike the Boucher Trail! [Editor's note: That's pronounced… "boooshay."] The Boucher Trail, little known to those who casually visit the Grand Canyon, is reputed to be one of the most difficult descents into the Canyon. It is also one of the most stunning. Traversing the Supai foundation, the Boucher winds along miles of cliff face where a single miss-step would catapult the unfortunate hiker into a 3000-foot abyss! With reputed "hand-over-hand" trail climbing, extreme exposures to the edge, and occasional washouts on the trail, the Boucher Trail would prove to be quite a challenge. Now… the previous time "g," the Boys and I hiked the Canyon, we went down the South Kaibab Trail, through Phantom Ranch, up to Cottonwood (just south of the North Rim) and then back to the South Rim via the Bright Angel Trail. Trail exposure on the South Kaibab was hairy in only a few spots. However, by the time we reached many of these exposed areas, the majority of us had be |
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"g" takes a moment to sneak a little hiking drink into RB's pack. |
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