Bucket List - Mule Trip to the Bottom of the Grand Canyon

                13 months ago I made a reservation to ride a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.  My daughter-in-law, Toddi,  said she wanted to go with me, but she had to make a big commitment.  And, that was to lose more than 50 pounds.  She started January 1, 2016 and made her goal by our ride date of October 31st.  On the evening of October 30th we reported in for the weigh-in at Bright Angel Lodge. We were issued our yellow rain slicker, bota bag for water, a ridiculously small plastic bag for our overnight things, and told to report to the corral at 7:00am.

                We were at the corral plenty early.  It was a little brisk, but not too bad.  Since we had opted not to bring jackets, we did start out wearing our  yellow "Mule Ride"  slickers.  One of the managers gave us a talk about the ride - warning us if we didn't want to go they would give us our money back.  But, the minute we start down the trail there is no refund and we have to walk back up!  He also warned us about the bad things that could happen - but none of those things happened.

                soooo......Before we knew it we started down the Bright Angel   trail FAST!!!!!

                  There was no warm up to being on the mule.  Off we went down the trail - and before we knew it we had gone down about 4 switchbacks.  I admit I was a little frightened at the beginning.  The Bright Angel Trail switchbacks down and down and down.  And, every time we stopped the mules are turned to looking out into the canyon, they looked like parallel parked cars.

                  About 2 hours out we stopped for our first break.  I could hardly walk when I got off the mule.  I had to hold Toddi's arm as we walked to the bathroom.  But, after a few minutes I was fine.

                Another hour or so and we stopped for lunch at Indian Garden.  They gave us a really huge lunch.  A big turkey and cheese sandwich, an apple, chips, cookies, carrots, and peanuts.  We saved some for later and for the next day.  After lunch - it was back onto the mule and down, down, down, we went.  We finally saw the Colorado River.  It took at least another hour before we went through a tunnel and onto the black bridge that the mules use to cross the river over to Phantom Ranch.  We arrived about 1:00 at the Ranch.  We received our cabin assignments, dinner time, and were free until  5.

                 We took showers, hiked up the North Kaibab trail a ways.  We also walked down through the Phantom Ranch campground.  The whole area of Phantom Ranch is quite lush.  Lots of trees and beautiful stream running through the area.  It was about 80 degrees.  Dinner was steak, baked potatoes, salad, cornbread, chocolate cake, and of course we indulged in a glass of wine!  Breakfast the next morning was at 7  (pancakes, scrambled eggs, juice, coffee) and we were on the mules by 7:30.

Back over the bridge and up the South Kaibab trail we went.  This time, there were lots of stops to let the mules rest.  We were able to take more pictures and just enjoy the view more.  By 1:00, we were at the top.  We were given our official Mule Skinner Certificates and put in a van for a trip back to Bright Angel Lodge.  What a trip - my daughter-in-law says she can't imagine visiting the Grand Canyon without going into the Canyon.  I tell her she is spoiled!  We are talking about rafting the Colorado - wouldn't that be fun?