August 30-September 2nd, 2012  Snowbowl (Flagstaff) to the south rim Grand Canyon (about 90 miles, mostly downhill and flat)

After my first 4 day hike in 2011 I said I would never do that again.  Well I'm still a slow learner.  I actually planned this as a five day hike, but finished in 4.  I originally thought this would be a 3 day hike and a 2 day hike.  When I went out to stash water I changed my plans because of the logistics of getting in to the trail about halfway was just a nightmare.

View of the Peaks as I headed north

I had talked with a friend of mine who had done the complete trail in the spring.  He said that if you usually do 15 miles in a day on this segment you will do at least 20.  So with that in mind I planned for 5, but thought  I  might be done in 4.

I did finish in 4, but it took me a month to recover:)  This segment was a lot of ranch roads (across the Babbitt ranches) and old two track roads.  One thing that I have learned is that for me, dirt roads are harder on my body than going up and down single track trails.  Of course on this trip it was just the shear mileage that took its toll.

As I plan for the remainder of the trail it looks like I may end up doing one or two more 4 day hikes, just do to logistics.

This hike was great, filled with open views mostly great weather and an end view of the Grand Canyon.

View of the Canyon at the end

It rained every afternoon, a few times heavy, but usually very short.  The big surprise was on the morning of day 4 it started raining about 4 am.  And it didn't stop until about 11 am.  So I had to pack up and hike the first part of day 4 in the rain.  That was a new experience.

You can call me the "horse whisperer" These horses were in a field I walked through.  I was headed towards a gate and as soon as they noticed that they started to follow me.  As I went through the gate they got within about two feet of me.  

One of the original AZT markers.  There were several of these still standing on this segment.  

This was my lunch spot on day three.  There are no restaurants with views like this!!!!

Other than the views and the scenery, this trip will be remembered for the after hike affects.  First, I was sore in spots for a good four weeks later, it may have been flat, but it was still 20+ miles a day for four days.  Second, on day 4 I either got bit by something, or rubbed against something on my left elbow.  I got some kind of infection and had to get a shot and 10 days of antibiotic.  Caitlen said it looked like I had three elbows. sorry, I didn't get photos of the elbow:(