Wednesday 25 September 2024

Wednesday 25 September

The Rim-to-Rim / R2R / Rim2Rim Hike!

Like I mentioned yesterday, we all piled into bed early after dinner in the North Rim Lodge, and agreed to meet at the van by 3:25 am, and to be on trail by 3:30 am. I was up at 1:30, putting glide on my nipples and pretty much everything from mid thigh to belt line to avoid getting chafed by salt or just general rubbing friction. I drank a bottle of LMNT electroltyes, and made 2 more bottles up, and filled my hydration bladder. I rechecked my backpack had everything, nutrition, cameras and batteries, emergency gear and medicines, water filtration, headlamp, etc. I was ready early, and nervous... like when I did the marathon, and wasn't totally sure I could do it. At 3 am I woke Elizabeth, and started loading my stuff into the van while she got ready. Then it was time.

When I got to the van John and Tammy were walking up with their stuff. It was crisp and cool, mid 50's F. Everyone was in a good mood, but a bit nervous. We piled into the van and quickly covered the 2 miles to the trailhead. John was eager to get on trail, and skipped parking or hitting to pit latrines before getting on trail. That caused me to rush getting my cameras and sound gear full setup, as they were getting their packs on and getting their headlamps and flashing red LED rear markers running. It was much cooler at the trailhead, in the 40's with occasional gusty wind. We got a couple of quick pictures and then headed down the North Kaibab Trail. We were on our way by 3:30 am.

Getting on trail - North Kaibab Trailhead