Planning

July, 1966: During an extended family vacation around the western half of the country, we visited the Grand Canyon. There was only enough time for my brother, Dale, and I to hike down to Indian Gardens and back. Ever since then I've been wanting to complete the trip.

In 1999 I called about reservations for Phantom Ranch and learned that on the first of each month, they open reservation 23 months out. Reservations fill up quickly. I read John Annerino's book "Hiking the Grand Canyon" and decided April would be the best time for a hike. I guessed when our school system would plan spring vacation in 2002 and then started planning the trip. I called Amfac resorts on May 1, 2000 at 10 a.m. EDT which was when the office opened in Arizona. I called for 20 minutes before I got through the busy signals. In the 20 minutes, about 2/3 of April 2002 was booked. There were enough slots left that I got 4 reservations for Phantom Ranch dorms for April 14 and 15.

Preparation

Medical questions

With 250 pounds on my 48 year old body, there were family members who questioned my sanity. Since 1994 I have suffered from the same arthritic big toe condition that affects Shaquille O'Neal. Visits to a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon taught me what was wrong. While expensive custom orthotics helped, what really did the trick were visits to local sporting goods stores where they know something about hikers. I now have 2 pairs of sturdy hiking boots with stiff soles that allow me to walk in relative comfort. I take Ibuprofen occasionally. I take glucoseamine and chondroitin sulfate daily because I think it might help.

Conditioning

I started walking whenever possible. I would walk 2-3 miles on my lunch hour 2-3 times a week. Whenever possible I would walk to church, the grocery store, the bank and other errands. About once a month I would take a 5-8 mile hike. In June of 2000 I joined a local group called Pack, Paddle, and Ski for a 20 mile hike through Letchworth State Park. The Genesee River gorge through this park is sometimes called the Grand Canyon of the East. This was a supported hike which means they had a van to carry water, meals, and hikers if necessary. I learned that if I get very winded, I will be very sore by the end of the day. I also learned that I can finish a long hike.

For what it's worth, there is a connection between Letchworth and the Grand Canyon. John Wesley Powell, who was the first to explore the full length of the Grand Canyon, was born in Mt. Morris, NY. This is next to the Genesee gorge. This is sheer speculation, but I can't help wondering if the deep gorge through many layers of rock in Letchworth was the seed of Powell's interest in geology.

In October I went to Bristol Mountain ski area and hiked up and down their 1200 foot slope three times. That winter, we had a good year for cross country skiing and I went twice a week. I took my son to Lake Placid in February of 2001 and skied about 50 km over three days at Mt. Van Hovenberg. (That's good for me.) In the spring I continued walking as much as possible. In June, Jane and I went with Pack, Paddle, and Ski for a hike across Pine Creek Gorge. This is sometimes referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. The gorge was 1000 feet deep. The total hike was about 12 miles long. Jane learned that she can easily keep up with the average hiker. In August we went to a family reunion in California. We did a little bit of hiking in Sequoia National park. We learned that 7000 feet makes a big difference. Later that month I took my son to Lake Placid again so he could attend a training camp. While I was there I climbed Mt. Marcy (highest point in NY). It was a 15 mile round trip and a 3200 foot ascent. I learned I needed a better fitting pack. I was very glad I had a pair of trek poles, especially for the descent. I learned that I can handle a serious climb although I'm rather slow. It took me 12 hours for this hike.

The 2001-02 winter was terrible for cross country skiing. We found some snow by driving 40 to 120 miles, but there was nothing worth skiing on locally. The good side was I was able to do plenty of walking through the winter. Jane continued her weight training and treadmill work. As we approached the date of our trip, we made time to put on packs and hike up and down the 150 ft. hills in local parks.

Equipment

Well used yet sturdy hiking boots
moisture wicking sock liners and Smart-Wool socks (no blisters!)
extended briefs underwear (avoids chafing in the crotch)
trekking poles
Camel back or Platypus hydration systems
camera harness (see picture) to keep my camera secure, yet always ready

"Procedures" (if you can call them that)

We allowed a day and a half to get used to the altitude. This is minimal.
We made it a point to take a drink every 15 minutes.
We stopped to rest and snack at least once an hour.

Best advice we received

You know you are hiking at a good pace if everyone else is passing you. You are not going to do this very often. Take your time and enjoy it.