Keep Calm and Hike On.
After Ribbon Falls we had 7.5 miles left to the top of the North Rim.
We had a few miles of pretty hot & dry trail.
We took breaks in the shade, stay hydrated and soaked our neck towels in the cold water every stretch we could.
Step by step we were getting higher and closer to the finish.
We made small goals along the way. 1 mile then break. Another mile and then a break. April was having a little difficulty with her stomach and breath. Together we slowed our pace down but kept moving.
Our last stop was at 1.8 miles from the top and our last place to refill water. Temps were getting cooler which was nice and April was feeling a little better. We were all upbeat and set off for the remaining trail left.
It was sooo sweet to be met by our support crew; Brent, Nancy, Carol and Paul. They were so excited to see ALL of us. We cheered, celebrated, and talked and talked about our hike.
A few minutes after we finished the nice rangers from the north rim came to check on April. They were checking because at 4.5 miles to go in our hike Bob had texted using our InReach GPS device to Brent. We wanted Brent to notify the rangers on the north rim that we had a hiker having some shallow breathing... but it was NOT an emergency. We still wanted the rangers to be aware as a JUST in case April starting feeling worse (we wanted them ready). At the 1.8 mile water stop a mule train guide had a 2 way radio & he had been notified of our hiker, April. With his radio I was connected to a paramedic at the top to discuss April's symptoms. They were willing to send a mule down to take April out but because April wasn't getting worse she wanted to hike out the remaining part under her own power. I get that... she wanted to finish the WHOLE hike. :-) Anyway... we hiked slowly and April made it out AND she recovered fine. We're so thankful! Was very impressed with the positive rangers and their calm and quick response to stay on top of our situation. We suspect April had too much electrolyte mix and some issue with the heat at the end of our trek. April is an experienced hiker but some days your body gets off. Congratulations April for staying calm and being smart and tough.
Congratulations Team Zurisana!
Proud of EACH one of you! Amazing what you just accomplished!
Rim 2 Rim
The Grand Canyon
June 5, 2018
Now we need a real shower! And real food! And real relaxing!
North Rim cabins here we come...
Everyone of you should be sooo proud of what you accomplished...April pushed through!
ReplyDeleteYes... she was having a hard time and we had some concern. But we did what was needed... took breaks, slowed the pace and just took it as easy as possible to safely reach the top. Glad she recovered quickly. She is an experienced hiker but sometimes days like this happen and you don't always know why the difficulty. It was only the last 5 miles that she was having trouble but that is still a good ways and it took great ffort to reach the top! Proud of her! And Thankful for good health & recovery!
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