Another Trip to the Black Bridge

To the river and back in a day? Why oh why...

Nearly seven weeks ago I spent a great weekend with my uncle Eric and brother-in-law Blake hiking the Grand Canyon.  We walked down the South Kaibab Trail, stayed the night at Phantom Ranch,  and then went out on the Bright Angel Trail.   It was a great trip, and you can read all about it here.

That trip with Blake and Eric inspired me to hike the canyon again.  There would not be time in my schedule to take a proper trip and spend a night or two at the river.  So, I decided that a quick trip demanded a quick partner.  Right away I knew that I needed to recruit my friend Chris Tatum.

Chris is a local rock climbing guide and all around great guy.  Chris has climbed El Capitan in Yosemite in a day, Half Dome in a day, and multiple big walls in Zion.  Chris and I hiked Mt Elden here in Flagstaff about a month ago and it went well.  The Grand Canyon would be like hiking Elden two and a half times, but I felt that we were up for the challenge. 

Chris picked me up at 4:15am on Good Friday.  My house is on the way to the canyon and in a quick 90 minutes we were parking the car, putting on packs, and walking to the trailhead. 

Early morning light at the top of the Kaibab Trail.

Chris and I left the car just before 6am.  The air was crisp and cool, but felt so good.  We knew that we would warm up quickly and we were both excited to get moving.

Chris descending the first of many switchbacks.

The moon and Kaibab Limestone.

The trip down was great fun.  We stashed a few liters of water at the bathroom which is about a mile and a half below the rim.  The temps were already starting to warm up and we were sheding layers.  Normally I would be hiking down the canyon with a heavy pack (45-50 pounds) which makes the descent not fun.  Chris and I were carrying about ten pounds each and that allowed us to move quickly.  In just two hours we arrived at the river.

A river trip pulling in.  I have to say that I was jealous.

After a quick rest and snack we hit the trail for the top.  This was the only point in the hike where I questioned our sanity.  Faced with nearly 5000' of vertical relief to walk up I felt a little intimidated.  But, with Chris setting a nice pace right out of the gate, those feelings disappeared and we just focused on making good time.

Chris leading us out.

Near the top of the Inner Gorge Chris told me that his knee was hurting.  I thought, uh oh, this is trouble brewing.  I asked him if he wanted to pull over and rest it for a few minutes.  He said no, that it felt better just to keep walking.  Chris is a tough guy and didn't complain the rest of the way out even though I am pretty sure that he was hurting pretty bad.  Even with Chris hurting we approached the half way point, Skeleton Point, in just about one hour.

This difficult section of the Kaibab Trail leads to Skeleton Point. 

We found a little shade just off the trail and took a 5 minute break.  I was amazed at how many people there were on the trail.  It was Good Friday after all and all National Parks were free over the weekend.

After Skeleton Point the trail is generally flat for about a third of a mile.  This was a welcome break from the constant climbing we had been dealing with since the river.  Chris claimed that his knee was feeling better at this point and we kicked it into high gear.  The flat trail ended quickly and it was back to climbing, switchbacks, and eventually a flat spot where the NPS has installed a toilet.  I was surprised at how difficult this section of trail was.  It didn't pass through either the Red Wall Limestone or the Coconino Sandstone, which are traditionally the most difficult layers. 

Just another amazing view from the Kaibab Trail.

  After grabbing our water stash and a quick trip to the bathroom.  Chris and I tackled the last section of trail.  Chris really kicked it in during this last part of the trail, and I just hung on behind him.  I was blown away by the number of folks who were day hiking.   There were no less than fifty people at the bathroom and another fifty at "Oh Ah Point".  I love seeing folks out enjoying the canyon, but this was an amazing number of people.

Five hours after starting out, Chris and I topped out.  We had planned six hours of hiking plus breaks.  Being right at five hours blew us both away.

Victory, but our legs were tired.

Now I am thinking about a Rim to Rim to Rim attempt in the fall.  :)

Skiing in April!

So, for the first time in a year I didn't do what the doctor ordered.  I just could not contain my enthusiasm any longer and I went skiing.  Our local resort here in Flagstaff, Snowbowl, closed on Sunday after a good season.  The lifts are off and the crowds are gone, so it is really the perfect time to hike a lap.

Jason and James skinning up Lower Bowl.  Absolutely beautiful setting for a quick skin up and ski down.

Jason Boyd, or Boydo as he is known far and wide, met me at my house at 10:30am.  Dean was supposed to meet us, but was running late after working out at Paragon this morning.  Dean would ralley and we would see him on our way down.  Boydo and I met up with James Brooks in the parking lot, and after putting on my knee brace and ski boots, we started hiking up the hill. 

I often find myself in situations where I am the person with the least experience and skill.  This situation was no different. 

Jason enjoying the spring skinning.

Boydo is a great skier and a complete aerobic animal.  He runs, climbs, and flys during almost every minute of his time off.   I work with Jason in the ICU at Flagstaff Medical Center.  He is a great nurse and an all around good guy.

James cruising the way up.

James is probably one of the coolest all around people in Flagstaff.  He has a ton of skiing and triathlon experience.  James also owns and operates Floor Coverings International.  If you are going to do any flooring or kitchen work in your house talk to James first. 

Unlike my skiing partners I don't have an Alpine Touring set-up on my skis.  So, they were on my back.

A rare picture of me enjoying the hike up.

It took us about an hour to hike from the bottom parking lot, to where the upper catwalk spills out into a run called Logjam.  After layering up and putting on gloves, we started on down.

Now, I have not skiied for a little over a year.  I tore my ACL last March and I am almost exactly one year post repair.  (The repair was made on April 15th, 2010 for those who keep score at home.)  So I was a little nervous being my first time back out on the boards.  I did have my Don-Joy space age knee brace on and I made sure that if I did fall that I would not, under any circumstances, put my left arm out.

The very top is a little steep and I did crash almost right away.  I crashed while skiing through a snow berm that the CAT left.  I just got my weight a little too far forward.  I managed to keep all of my bones and ligaments intact, dusted myself off and kept going.  As we got down further and further my technique started to come back together.  James and Jason were both very positive and gave me great tips on how to ski better.  All in all we got in 1700' of hiking up and skiing down.  Not bad for being just 20 minutes from my front door.

James checking in at the top.  I hate to say it, but it is nice
to have cell service up there.

Me.  Head down, lungs burning, calves as tight as a rock, but having fun!
A great view looking down "Lower Bowl".

 Most people's ski season is pretty much done.  Mine may just be starting.  I just received an invitation to do some spring skiing on Independence Pass.  The pass doesn't usually open until June 1st.  My buddy Ryan Bradley invited me to head up and ski for a few days with him.  After today I would say that I would really like to go.  I hope that it will work out!

Now, I just need to get my hands on a pair of these-

And I need to go here-

Kellen, Mei, and the Cousins

Kellen and Mei are lucky.  In fact, I think that they are the luckiest kids on earth.  Why is that you might ask?  Well, because they have the four best cousins anyone could ask for.

For those of you who don't know my children well, there is Kellen who is 5 and a half, and Mei Li who is 3 and 3 months.  Kellen is a preschooler and will be attending Kindergarden next year.  He loves Legos, G.I. Joes, and Martial Arts.  Mei is a wonderful little three year old.  She loves crafts, games and to draw.  They are two very sweet children.

Mei dancing with a sword.  When your only sibling is a brother you better like swords!

Kellen, in classic dude pose, at ski school.  Snowbowl, AZ winter of 10/11.

The cousins, as they are affectionatly called, consist of four girls ranging from ages 12 down to 5.  Their parents, my sister Claudia and brother-in-law Blake, live in Phoenix.  Since the cousins are so close we have the opportunity to see them often.

The first and oldest cousin is Isabel.  Isabel, or Izzy as she is frequently called, is nothing short of amazing.  She is in the gifted program at school, can drive Mario Cart like a pro, and is in general one of the coolest kids around.

From left to right, Isabel, Caroline, Mei, Grace, and Charlotte.
The girls are at the turn around point on the Fay Canyon Hike in Sedona.

Next is Caroline.  Caroline, or Liner as her grandfather (Pop Perry) calls her, is just as amazing as her older sister.  Caroline is sharp as a tack in school, can run far and fast, is an amazing dancer and just might be Mei's favorite cousin.  Caroline is sweet and loves to beat Pop Perry at Wei bowling.

Caroline and Mei hiking in Fay Canyon, Sedona.

Third in line is Charlotte.  Charlotte is a sweet and affectionate girl.  She and Kellen love to play together and she also crushes at Mario Cart.  Charlotte is quite smart and quick witted.  I do believe that she made "I stepped on a duck" a house hold phrase for her family.  Charlotte is fun and we love her.

Kellen, Grace, and Charlotte in Fay Canyon, Sedona.

Last, but certainly not least is Grace.  Grace will probably be the kind of person who will be busy setting a world record for something one minute, then off to New Zealand to climb mountains the next.  Grace also loves to play with Kellen and she crushes at Wei bowling.  We love spending time with Grace.

Grace leading Kellen on a hiking adventure in Sedona.

All in all it is hard to believe that one house can hold these four, but it does. 

We love our cousins and can hardley wait to spend time with them again.

Grand Canyon Hike with Blake and Eric

My brother-in-law, Blake, called me about six months ago and asked if I wanted to hike the Grand Canyon with him and my uncle Eric in March.  My response was, "Heck Yea!"  The trip was set to hike down on March 4th on the Kaibab Trail, spend one night at Phantom Ranch, then walk out on the Bright Angel trail on the 5th. 

This would be my tenth canyon hike, but my first time to Phantom Ranch.  I have never hiked on the Kaibab at all and had only been to Indian Gardens on the Bright Angel.  I was so excited to explore this portion of the canyon and to have a light pack for once.  :)

The trip meant more than just hiking the canyon.  Each team member has had a different health problem to deal with in the last few years.  Blake, my brother-in-law, had a damaged Mitral Valve in his heart which required repair.  He had his surgery several years ago and is doing very well.  Eric was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocitic Leukemia.  He finished his chemotherapy almost a year ago and is now in remission.  I was exactly one year post ACL tear and four months post Bankhart Fracture repair.  We were quite the group.

Blake and Eric picked me up early on the 4th, and we drove up to the park. 

Blake's new rig.  It's big, it's diesel, it's good.

View from the canyon's rim.

We arrived at the Bright Angel Lodge at 7:30am and promptly went to breakfast.  Blake chose the "Bright Angel Lodge" breakfast which was essentially eggs and toast.  Eric and I chose the breakfast skillet.  Just the fact that the word "skillet" was in the title should have steered us away from it.  This dish had two eggs, cheese, potatoes, corned beef hash, and two slices of toast.  We should have known better.   The good news was that we were both full and really did not need to consume one more calorie to complete the hike. 

We hopped on the 9am shuttle from the Bright Angel Lodge to the Kaibab Trailhead.  At the trailhead, we put on our Yak Traks, extended the trekking poles, and launched what would be a fantastic hike.

Blake donning his Yak Traks.

Eric's smile shows how much he was loving that skillet!

The first mile and a half was very icy and quite slick.  Even with my Yak Traks on, I still slipped once or twice.  Once we passed through the ice and snow, we started making good time.  Before we knew it, we were at Skeleton Point and nearly halfway to the river.

Team skillet (Eric and I) on the way down.

Eric and Blake enjoying the walk to the river.

As we headed down we shedded layers and really enjoyed the walk. Before we knew it we were at the river.

The Black Bridge over the Colorado.

Blake at the short tunnel that leads to the Black Bridge.

There are two bridges over the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.  The Black Bridge, which is at the bottom of the South Kaibab Trail, and the Silver Bridge that sits at the bottom of the Bright Angel.  The Black Bridge was completed in 1928 and is situated 65 feet above the river.  (Give or take a few feet depending on water level.)  All of the materials for the bridge were carried from the rim down to the construction site either on mules or on the backs of men.  The 550 foot long cables that form the suspension portion of the bridge were carried by 42 Havasupi tribesmen who walked single file from the rim to the river.  The bridge is an impressive feat of engineering and effort.


After crossing the Black Bridge, we walked the flat half mile up a side canyon to Phantom Ranch.  We took four hours to walk to the river at what we felt was an easy pace.  Blake got us checked in, we all enjoyed a hot shower, and then we relaxed until dinner.  Amazingly, none of us had a blister or even a hot spot on our feet.  We were, however, quite happy to be done going down.

Blake settling in at the ranch.

Eric representing the Red Raiders while in the Canyon.

While waiting for dinner, which was at 6:30pm, I snuck out to look around and take a few pictures.

Zoroaster Temple in the evening light.  Going to have to head back and climb this one soon.

Looking up stream at the Black Bridge from the Silver Bridge.

Looking down river from the Silver Bridge.

The mules.  Cute but also stinky!

Dinner was great.  Stew, salad, and chocolate cake.  It was tough to beat.  We went back to the bunk house and went to bed.  (It was all of 7:45pm when I hit the pillow.)

The next day started early.  Breakfast of eggs, bacon, and pancakes at 7:00am.  We started hiking out on the Bright Angel Trail at 8:00am. 

Eric and Blake crushing it on the way up.

The Bright Angel Trail, interestingly enough, was built by the railroad as a tourist attraction.  It is one of the longer south rim trails and for the first mile or so walks next to the river.  It then takes an abrupt left turn and starts climbing through the geologic rock layers to Indian Gardens, the halfway point, and eventually to the rim.  Our group climbed quickly and comfortably out of the canyon's inner gorge and up to the small canyon that houses Indian Gardens. 

We stopped at Indian Gardens to take a short rest, have a drink, and eat a snack.  It was a perfect 50 degrees with a light occasional breeze.  We were really enjoying the walk to the rim, but we knew that the steepest climbing was about to start.

   


Shortly after leaving Indian Gardens, we made our only mistake of the trip.  We allowed a mule train to pass us.  At the moment, it seemed like the logical thing to let them go by because when the mules were walking they actually go pretty fast.  What we didn't realize was that this particular mule train was being captained by the most talkative driver in the canyon.  He liked to stop his mule train every 15 minutes or so and talk at length about the trail, the mules, and himself.  We were less than impressed to say the least.  It is nearly impossible to pass a mule train, so we resigned ourselves to the "South end of a North bound Mule".  Just to let you know, it doesn't always smell so great on the south end.

Eventually we stopped for a break to put some distance between us and the mule train.  I was able to snap a couple more pictures.

Looking back at the inner gorge.

 After a break for water, a quick snack, and to put on our Yak Traks, the hiking began again.  It was still winter in the higher canyon elevations and more than just the trail was icy.

Ice on top and flowing water on the bottom.

From this point, we just put our heads down and cruised to the top.  Eric and Blake both did awesome.

Blake cruising to the top.

Eric, still powered by the skillet, enjoying the final few switchbacks.

Before we knew it, we were at the top and back to reality.  We paused for one last look back and then drove off to Flagstaff, food, and family.

The expanse of the Grand Canyon.

All in all, it was a great trip and time well spent.  It was so much fun, I'll be going back for more next month.

Getting into and back out of the Climbing Routine

Kerry climbing out of the shadow and into the light.
Joshua Tree National Park

Rock and Ice climbing are my favorite recreational activities.  It is difficult to explain the feeling to a non-climber, but a good day of climbing is like combining Christmas and endorphins.  What I enjoy the most though is the friends that I climb with and the places I go to climb.




High on the walls of Zion.
(Lunar X, Amoeba Pitch)

 


Climbing "Skillet's Revenge" with Matt and Ryan
Near Ouray CO

Climbing is what initially brought Kerry and I together.  It was the perfect vehicle for our first several dates and a great test of our compatability.  Before we had kids climbing occupied most of our non working time.  Every weekend was dedicated to climbing something somewhere.  Kellen and Mei changed where and how much I climb, but did not alter my desire.

Last spring I tore the ACL in my right knee.  (See my skiing post.)  That meant spending some time away from climbing.  Honestly, the timing of my tear was pretty good as we were headed to China to pick up Mei and would not have the time to get out and climb anyway.

With the passing of time my knee recovered from surgery and Mei fell into the groove of our family.  This meant that it was time to start climbing again.  I started by climbing on our indoor climbing wall one or two days per week. 

Finally the doctor let me start climbing outdoors.  Two days later my parents were able to watch the kids for a few hours so Kerry and I could sneak out for a little climbing.  We had a great afternoon climbing on the pond wall at Queen Creek.  We got in four routes in about an hour and a half.  I whipped on the last route we climbed so it was on again.

Sunset in Joshua Tree National Park


 Three days later Kerry and I, with Mei in tow, hiked up to a local area call "The Peaks".  This cliff ranges from 40" to 100" tall and the routes are awesome.  We were a little pressed for time and decided to squeeze in one more route prior to the hike back to the car.  As I climbed up into the dihedral that mades up the majority of the route I slipped and shock loaded my left shoulder.  I felt my shoulder dislocate and then I felt a crunch, my arm went numb but my shoulder really hurt.  Just as quickly as it dislocated, my shoulder reduced itself and was back in place.  The only problem was that I felt it crunch again as it slipped back in.  By this point in my life I have broken enough bones and torn enough muscles, tendons and ligaments to know that I had done something bad. 

So, one week after being cleared to rock climb by my ortho MD I was back in his office for a shoulder evaluation.  He felt that a shoulder MRI scan was necessary and we scheduled it for the following Friday.  The scan showed a ligament tear (anterior/inferior portion of the shoulder capsule), a Hill-Sachs Lesion, and a possible Glenoid Fracture.  To confirm the Glenoid Fracture I needed a CT scan which was completed while I was at work the next day. 

You know that there is a problem when your doctor seeks you out to give you the results of a scan.  My CT scan demonstrated a Bankart Fracture.  My Bankart Fracture was significantly displaced and without immeadiate repair would leave me with a very unstable shoulder.  So, we scheduled surgery for the following Thursday, October 28th at 3pm.

Surgery and the subsequent recovery is never fun, but I am certain that shoulder surgery is the worst.  I spent the night at the surgery center after my proceedure mostly because I came out of the OR so late.  (6pm)  The next six weeks were spent in a sling.  PT started two weeks post op. 

At the moment I am three and a half months post op and doing very well.  I won't be back to climbing until probably August or possibly September.  That is OK as I am enjoying a few other activities instead.  I was cleared to start running again just a few weeks ago and I am laying down base miles on the bike trainer.  I have progressed from using no weight for my PT to now exercising with 10-15 lb dumbells.  I have a long way to go, but it is a good start.  My PT says in one year I will be 90% and 100% in two.  Sounds like a pretty good investment to me. 



I will be back to climbing before I know it.  There are too many climbs that I have not done yet!



Kerry with El Cap dominating the landscape