The Grand Time

Tom's Journal

June 20, 2007 - Day 36

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This was a day of reflection and rest.

After sleeping in a real bed at the Yavapai Lodge at the South Rim Village, I awoke with my whole family for the first time in over a week.

In addition to taking care of some trip logistics including loading gear and food on mules who would haul it to Phantom Ranch, I was able to spend some time with our boys.

Better yet, I got to see many in-laws (and no doubt some outlaws) including Corrine, T.J., Petra, Dave, Denise, Emily, Jim, Marilyn, Jon, Lisa, C.J., Jim, Kristie, Lance and Bob.

At mid day, my brother Dave, Tim and Al finished their long walk up the Bright Angel trail. Even though it was a long haul, they had no trouble because Dave had with him an “Al-Tim-eter”.

The incoming group of my brother Gary (remember him from the first few days over a month ago?) and his family Leslie, Mason and Spencer along with my long-time Steve O’Dell (also along one of the early days back in Colorado) all had a chance to meet for lunch. Of course none of us thought to take a photo. Oh well…

By just after 4 pm, the five incoming folks headed down the trail to Phantom Ranch. Jim and I stayed at the rim and I had a ball-throwing a ball-with my boys and some of their cousins. It was also great fun enjoying everyone who made the time to visit us.

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to so many people who have sacrificed to make this adventure possible, especially Corrine and Kathy. Thank you all!

Once again in a real bed, I drifted off to sleep knowing that this break wouldn’t last as long as I would like.

I’m typing this on my lap top computer which doesn’t have a long battery life, so this and the next entries will probably be shorter than what you have seen here in the past.

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Mile by Mile Photos

June 20, 2007 - Day 36
Mile 742 through Mile 757

May 16 2007 - Day 1May 17 2007 - Day 2May 18 2007 - Day 3May 19 2007 - Day 4May 20 2007 - Day 5May 21 2007 - Day 6May 22 2007 - Day 7May 23 2007 - Day 8May 24 2007 - Day 9May 25 2007 - Day 10May 26 2007 - Day 11May 27, 2007 - Day 12May 28, 2007 - Day 13May 29, 2007 - Day 14May 30, 2007 - Day 15May 31, 2007 - Day 16June 1, 2007 - Day 17June 2 - 11, Day 18 - 27June 12, 2007 - Day 28June 13, 2007 - Day 29June 14, 2007 - Day 30June 15, 2007 - Day 31June 16, 2007 - Day 32June 17, 2007 - Day 33June 18, 2007 - Day 34June 19, 2007 - Day 35June 20, 2007 - Day 36June 21, 2007 - Day 37June 22, 2007 - Day 38June 23, 2007 - Day 39June 24, 2007 - Day 40June 25, 2007 - Day 41June 26, 2007 - Day 42June 27, 2007 - Day 43June 28, 2007 - Day 44June 29 2007 - Day 45June 30, 2007 - Day 46July 1 - 13, Day 47 - 58July 15, 2007 - Day 59
The last day; The river’s end