One, tick one off the bucket list. We hiked rim to rim last Friday, starting at Bright's Angel Trail all the way to the North Kaibab Trail, a total of 24 miles on foot, 12 hours and 15 minutes later.

Thank goodness we hiked with folks that had done it as many as 10 times. I felt the pace was fast, with few breaks, but had we not kept that pace, we would not have dug out until 9pm.

I am in darn good shape. Kid yourself not, this is a tough hike. The first 19 miles were good, but the last 5 miles involves straight up climbing. Hiking poles were my friend all the way along, particulary at the end.

And a greater power intervened that day for me. I am TERRIFIED of heights. I had no idea that after the Artisans Gallery, we would be climbing on narrow trails with huge drop offs. By focusing only on the feet of the hiker in front of me, I got through it. Honestly, I don't know how I did it, I really don't.

The two guys that went with us trained far more than we did, and they still struggled at the end. So yes, prepare, but don't expect to feel fresh afterwards. Nothing that a good ale cannot cure!

I highly recommend it. We really had a blast!
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