I arrived at Grand Canyon a day ahead of the ASB crew (on my own dime, auditors!). The morning was brutal -- cold, windy, and stinging snow -- but the afternoon mellowed a bit and I decided to take on the bobsled course that is South Kaibab Trail [1]. Winter has been relentless here and the first several hundred feel of elevation remain covered in ice and snow.
I soon wished I had brought crampons.
I didn't.
I also wished I had packed my trekking poles.
I didn't.
Finally, I fervently hoped I would avoid a butt plant.
I didn't.
But -- ahh, however -- after a while mud replaced ice, the temps climbed above 50 and, on the whole, I'd say it was all worth it.
I hilked a considerable distance past Skeleton and seemingly had the Canyon all to myself. Renewed snowfall eventually prompted a 180,but, all the same, I killed a sensational afternoon and personally avoided the same fate. In my book, a very good day.