Grand Canyon Hike with the Kids

It has been said that any journey or great adventure begins with a single step. This I have found to be true. In my own experience, any journey or adventure is greatly intensified by adding children. I learned this by carrying an extra 15-20 lbs of "stuff" in my pack. I am so excited that my kids are starting to reach the age where they can make a meaningful contribution to our adventures.

Facts:
1) When you plan a Grand Canyon trip, reservations generally have to be made 3 months in advance. We planned this trip in January.
2) I worked 12 shifts in a row, up until the day before this trip. Therefore, I did not pay attention to the 90% chance of rain (at the bottom) and expectation of 6-12 inches of snow (on top) until the day before we left.
3) Craigslist is amazing. No need to ever cancel a trip because of in-climate weather. I found a 4 person backpacking tent (brand new), just 10 hours before we left on our trip.

Front from left: Toby 10, Tianne 12, Brian 13 (Mark's son), Mark
Back row: Me, Jamie (my brother)

We hiked down South Kaibab Trail and spent 2 nights at Bright Angel campground (next to Phantom Ranch). On the third day we hiked out on Bright Angel Trail.
Day 1. Overcast, windy, sprinkles
Day 2. Overcast, sprinkles, rain, and rain all night
Day 3. More rain, snow the last 4 miles out.

We Had a great time, despite the weather and long exhausting hikes. Mainly because we ate well, and caught a fish.

Look how happy we are at the end of our adventure.
See video below for slide show

Lucy the "Raging Ball of Fur"

Lucy is my daughters Christmas present and our family's best friend. She's a 5 month old "Aussiedoodle". LIKES: attention, treats, fetch, and tug of war. DISLIKES: people who do not complete her likes list.

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UNADVISEABLE!? Of coarse, because Thats How We Roll!

My brother-in-law, his cousin simply known as Steve, and I spent 4 days backpacking in the Grand Canyon's rugged back country in an area known as The Gems, named after the side canyons in the area (Ruby, Saphire, Turquoise, etc). This trip was highly discouraged by the park service. Partly because the road to the trail head (South Bass trail head) had recently received a lot of snow, was very muddy, and on a dry day usually requires a 4X4. Secondly, we planned our 50 mile death march in a 4 day trip (side note: Don't put 50 mile death march on the permit request, raises Red Flags). To get the permits to do the trip, the park service required us to sign additional wavers. The wavers were signed without hesitation. Thats just how we roll.

Left to right: Steve, Nate, R-Dub, not pictured Rex (our driver)

Last San Tan Hike for a bit

My 4 day back country Grand Canyon death march is next week. I have been doing P90X (im ripped) and various day hikes to prepare. Went mountain biking yesterday. I pulled 2 slugs in the bike trailer who kept yelling "faster! Faster!", then i crashed into a cactus and palo verde tree, racked myself on the handle bars and had to push the bike and trailer up out of the wash that we were stuck in. i still love them and yes it WAS their fault.
Today i set out to redeem recreation with a hike. I did 11.5 miles in 3.5 hours with a 40lb pack. My wife was nearly appalled with some funky odor when I got home. As I embraced her lovingly in my arms, I assured her that it was the smell of pure awesomeness.

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Dating My Girls

I thought it would be good to take my girls out on a date so they would know they are special. I have heard that there are several different love languages. I am admittedly a love language moron. However, we had a great time. I showed them love with quality food, time, gifts, entertainment, and of course yogurt jungle.

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Another day another hike

Hiked this afternoon in the San Tan Mountains. 5 miles round trip. Nice view overlooking the East Valley in this fine 70 degree weather.

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Derby Champ!

Pinewood derby is a big event in a boys life (use of pocket knives, power tools, etc.) I can still remember just about all 45 minutes of mine when i was 9ish years old... vivid memories of my car screeching behind all others by what seemed like 10 seconds or more. However, the awesome design including winshield got me a "best in show" award! (Thank you dad!)
Toby required far less help than i did and did very well as a racer and designer. Plus, he looks stellar in his Cub Scout uniform! GO TOBY and "Pit Viper"!

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