THE BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL

One of the most famous hiking trails in the entire world is located right here at Grand Canyon National Park. The Bright Angel Trail starts in the Grand Canyon Village, and drops over 4,000 feet in 8.1 miles, where it reaches the Colorado River. The original trail was developed by the Havasupai Native Americans, who seasonally stayed at Indian Garden, about half way between the rim and the river. In 1890, Ralph Cameron set up residence at the Grand Canyon, and improved the trail due to the increasing numbers of tourists arriving to see this natural wonder. For the next 38 years, Cameron charged a toll to all who used the Bright Angel Trail. In 1928, 9 years after Grand Canyon National Park was created, Cameron relinquished control of the trail, and the Park Service dropped the user fee.

When Nancy was here a few weeks ago, she and Patty hiked down the upper part of the trail, but I haven't set foot on it yet. Now that I think about it, the chances of me doing any hiking on the Bright Angel Trail are slim to none. Not really my thing, but thousands hike up and down this classic trail every year. Every morning at 7am, the famous Grand Canyon Mules take people down the trail to Phantom Ranch for an overnight stay at the river.

I took these photos of the trail from the Hermits Road Trailview Overlook, on my bicycle ride last week. From this vantage point, the entire trail from the rim, down to Indian Garden is visible. The farther down the trail you look, the more the people resemble ants, as they either descend or ascend this zig zagging historic trail.

Today is my 2nd work day of the week, and Patty is off on a Ranger walk down part of the Hermit Trail. By the end of the summer, she's going to know this place like the back of her hand.

We'll be pulling out of here on September 11th, the 10th anniversary of the Muslim terrorists attack on America. Every time I think about that date, and what happened, I can't help but wonder what perverted thought process is in the minds of these people who think killing themselves, and innocent people is for their greater good. I guess it's like trying to reason with a drunk, in most cases, it just isn't possible.