[This is an edited version of a log I kept during a Grand Canyon Hike taken with Steve Anthony, Bill Griffin, Andrew Mecom, Jeff Tesney written on July 21 and 22, 2010]
We were three days and two nights into the canyon. All of us were sore. All of us were tired. The weather had been kind to us (overcast on the hike out from Phantom Ranch to Indian Gardens). "Devil's Corkscrew" was completed with an overcast sky and an occasional cooling breeze. A light rain had fallen (and so we had skipped the waterfall normally visited on the way up).
Our arrival in Indian Gardens in such temperate weather had given the team the idea that exiting the canyon was within reach. There was optimism. We cooked our dinners for lunch at a campsite in Indian Gardens. Some opined that we could exit the canyon in the evening but I insisted that the reason for coming was to see the spectacular viewing points and Plateau Point was, by some measures, the most spectacular viewing point in the entire Grand Canyon (a straight shot view of the river 2000 feet below and 3500 feet of rising canyon walls above). We went out to Plateau Point for the sunset view.
We had a second evening meal which Bill declined. He indicated that he felt good but was not hungry. In fact Bill was eager to go and suggested that we wake up before 3 AM to depart. I countered this suggestion (heard on prior trips) that leaving early just meant extended stays at mile house 3 on the way out (to get the sleep one misses!) I did agree that if they woke up early I would go. To my surprise all but Jeff was up and packing by 1:30 AM. We departed at about 1:50 AM in the dark from Indian Gardens. Bill had started the morning having had no dinner and no breakfast but he did take a collection of electrolyte pills (including salt tablets and Tums).
During the hike up to Mile House Three Bill became vocal about his discomfort. He became weaker, slowed and was having a hard time keeping up once the steep portion of the trail was entered about 2:30 AM. I was startled when he indicated that he was becoming "chilled" (early signs of dehydration). Bill requested we stop numerous times (and I am always happy when someone wants to stop but this concerned me). I asked him to drink but he was weak. He started rather enthused but was now in a struggle. Just as we saw Mile House Three Bill had us stop and talked of being nauseous. This was alarming to me and Bill himself was cognizant enough to say "These signs are not good."
We put up at Mile House Three and I announced that we are in no hurry, we are far far ahead of schedule and we can stay as long as it takes for Bill to feel better (plane does not leave Phoenix until tomorrow). My major concern was dehydration. Bill was showing the classic symptoms of 2nd stage dehydration (nausea). I told him that we would wait until he urinated before considering departure. Everyone agreed that we would not depart until Bill was feeling better.
Time passed and Bill drank the water available. His headache receded and his nausea stabilized. An hour and one half after arriving Bill went to the restroom. He appeared to feel better. We rearranged the packs so that Bill did not have to carry any pack (Steve took Bill's pack, Jeff took his lap pack back and Tim took Steve's pack). The concern was that under load Bill might quickly relapse into his previous state. Such a relapse would delay the team. In humility Bill accepted the assistance for the good of the team and himself. It was impressive to see the care of men for each other. Clearly he was a team player who recognized that together we could do more by helping and working with each other.
We slowly ascended Bright Angel Trail with more than 30 steep switchbacks. Bill was feeling much better at Mile House 1.5. We gave him back his back pack but all took some items from the pack to lighten his load. The steep ascent and increasing elevation (above 6000 feet for a team of men tired and sore and used to sea level) and was providing us with considerable challenge. I kept reminding them of how close we were to the top and that ice cream awaited us.
All of us emerged healthy and happy. The exhilaration a team feels when finally arriving at the top is always hard to describe. Some of us were teared up. All of us were smiling. Every member of the team was happy and so very grateful we had all made it to the rim in good health. We emerged at the trail head where numerous people ask of what we had done and where we had been. Steve and I left the packs and walked to the Suburban parked at the Back Country Office on the other side of the Parking Lot (it is abouth a 1 mile walk on mostly level ground). I was delighted to share the walk with him (usually most team members wait for me to bring the vehicle back). This was a special group of brothers and we will share this experience the rest of our lives. An experience of challenge and adventure to puts us in touch with who God has made over the years.
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Please note that the views expressed here by me do not represent the views of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, Archdiocese of Mobile or any part of the Universal Catholic Church.
