Staffan, Maria, Martin & Johan were planning on hiking down to the bottom, staying overnight and hiking out in the morning. It is 6 miles down on the Kaibab trail and 12 miles up on the Bright Angel Trail. Our nephew Joel, a seasoned hiker, and his two sons, Ethan & Eli joined them for half of the hike down. It was so great to have Joel there because the trail was really icy for the first few switchbacks down and none of us would have known that it gets warmer as you descend and there would be no ice there! Thanks Joel. You were such a huge help!
While we were watching them, Elwood saw the shadow of a HUGE bird rise up from the canyon. Here it was a California Condor, a bird, the largest North American land bird, that has been near extinction but is now being saved through a conservation plan. At one point there were only 27 of these birds left. Now there are 210 living in the wild. The condor soared up the canyon and then high over our heads. This picture was taken by the park ranger who was chatting with us. It was his first time seeing one too. What a thrill!!
We stopped for lunch just before we entered the national park.
At the top!
The hike begins. A little wave and they are off.
We had thought we could hike part way with them
but with the ice so bad at the top we decided not too.
We stayed and watched them for as long as we could see them.
While we were watching them, Elwood saw the shadow of a HUGE bird rise up from the canyon. Here it was a California Condor, a bird, the largest North American land bird, that has been near extinction but is now being saved through a conservation plan. At one point there were only 27 of these birds left. Now there are 210 living in the wild. The condor soared up the canyon and then high over our heads. This picture was taken by the park ranger who was chatting with us. It was his first time seeing one too. What a thrill!!
This is a Raven sitting on the tree.
It really is a big bird but is small compared to the condor.
We hiked around at the top of the canyon and also went to visit the mules.
The most mules I have ever seen in one place!
On Sunday we did hike down a bit to meet the hikers coming up.
It still was quite icy but was starting to melt.
And it was cold if you weren't in the sun.
It is incredible to see. God's mighty handiwork!
The hikers return. Johan first.
Then Martin.
Then Maria & Staffan.
Job well done. What an accomplishment!!
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