Dawn breaks over the Grand Canyon.
Morning meditation.
The team are ready for the 7 mile hike down the South Kaibab Trail to the Colorado River. "Kaibab" is a Paiute Native American word translating to "mountain lying down".
There is a vertical drop of 1 mile from the rim of the canyon down to the river.
The team offer corn flour to bless the day.
The air is a little cool as we start.
We meet this exhausted hiker who has been walking for over 24 hours and has no idea that he is just 10 minutes from the rim.
The trail is well marked but you have to watch your footing on the loose dirt, and there are no safety rails.
As the sun rises the temperature rises, and the rocks begin to grow red.
We stop for hydration and snacks.
Mules carry supplies for paying hikers.
Finally, after almost four hours, we reach the bottom of the canyon, and take a swim in the freezing cold waters of the Colorado river.
Lunch by the river.
Time to climb back up the way we came. This year the connection to the Bright Angel Trail along the river is closed.
We meet several hikers and runners along the trail who carry the Peace Torch.
Three amigos .... feeling the heat of the sun.
One of runners was looking forward to a cold coke at the top. On the way up, a man running down approached us, offered us a cold coke from a plastic bag he was carrying, then ran on. A miracle!
Father and son.
The hikers still have some strength left.
The views are awe inspiring!
At the top. Success.
A well deserved ice cream. Liquorice and Gold Digger flavours, since you are interested.
And finally a big Mexican meal, thanks to Marias.
