Nice Views from Above

Fortunately, an unexpected hailstorm the day before had lowered the temperatures. As we descended, clouds loomed overhead, and the forecast suggested a 30% chance of rain. This was a welcome change, alleviating my concerns about the heat. My initial worries about the high temperatures turned into my first lesson:

Learn to appreciate clouds and gentle rain while hiking in hot conditions.

This brings me to my second lesson:

> “A storm can appear from a clear sky; good or bad news can unexpectedly arrive.” — Chinese Proverb

We should not become fixated on either positive or negative experiences. Instead, we must remain open to various outcomes in life and respect the forces of nature.

> “When the weather is hot, maintain a cool demeanor. When it’s cold, nurture a warm heart.” — Ajahn Brahm

The Descent

Our journey downward was enjoyable, filled with breaks, snacks, and friendly exchanges with fellow hikers. The breathtaking mountains and the shifting hues of the landscape, ranging from brown to green and red, mesmerized me. We encountered wildflowers and the unmistakable signs of mules—vital creatures that have been transporting tourists and provisions for over a century.

We also met a Ranger who appeared a bit overheated, yet we were pleased to note our own progress.

As we neared our destination, the sun climbed higher, intensifying the heat. To cope, we soaked our hats in water, dampened our bandanas, and replenished ourselves with salty and sugary snacks. Although my face turned red, I barely noticed it; the dry heat can be deceiving.

In under six hours, we arrived at the historic Phantom Ranch, where we could relax in an air-conditioned cabin. My friend congratulated me, pointing out that fewer than 1% of Grand Canyon visitors reach the bottom, and I was among them!

Building Connections

After a refreshing shower, we gathered at a communal table, conversing with other hikers about how we secured our cabin through a lottery, shared muscle relief ointments, and exchanged stories about our origins. The camaraderie among the hikers, café staff, and Rangers was palpable, as they recognized that those who venture into the canyon share a unique bond.

While my friend took her customary nap, I busied myself making travel notes. Not feeling tired, I explored the rustic accommodations, the wilderness, and the banks of the Colorado River—unchanged for centuries. Upon her awakening, we collected wildflowers to create wildflower Ikebana and discussed Haiku.

Heat and Anxiety at the Bottom

After returning to our cabin, we savored beef stew and ample butter, fueling ourselves for the next day’s hike. As we settled in for an early night, I began to feel overheated—first in my face, then my neck, arms, and thighs.

Another shower didn’t bring relief, and I faced the daunting prospect of hiking back up at 5 am the following day.

My body felt alien to me, as if I had lost control.

“Could this be a fever? Covid? High blood pressure?”

My mind raced, even as it slowed down. With no cell service, I couldn’t call for assistance. A queasy feeling stirred in my stomach. To make matters worse, the toilet stopped functioning, and I felt utterly embarrassed when the staff at the Ranger station had to assist.

My friend reassured me, “I think you’re just panicking; we don’t have to hike up tomorrow. Let me check for cabin availability and seek medical advice. Wear lighter clothing and get some rest.”

While her words were soothing, I still felt hot and anxious. I wondered if a helicopter would be necessary to get me out. Our instincts often default to worst-case scenarios.

“No helicopter. We can certainly hike back up,” she said confidently, which helped ease my worries. (I later learned that helicopter rescues are rare; most people just need to rest before making their way back.)

I practiced slow, deliberate breathing. My body cooled temporarily, only for the heat to return. I found myself making multiple trips to the bathroom, feeling guilty for potentially disturbing my friend’s sleep. Fortunately, she was a heavy sleeper and remained undisturbed.

The Following Day

After a restless night, morning arrived, and we decided to take another day to rest. I had cooled down but remained unsure of what had transpired.

The Ranger we encountered earlier checked on me, listening to my symptoms and suggesting I had experienced heat exhaustion. Sometimes, the body takes time to adjust, particularly after intense exertion in high temperatures, especially for someone unaccustomed to such conditions. My digestive system had faltered as my energy was redirected to my limbs.

This aligns with a Harvard Health Study: the connection between gut health and mental well-being is significant.

> “A person’s stomach or intestinal distress can be the cause or the product of anxiety, stress, or depression. This is due to the close relationship between the brain and the gastrointestinal system.” — Harvard Health

Calm your mind to facilitate your body’s healing.

After lunch, we heard a thunderstorm overhead. What a relief! The temperatures dropped again. We enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the Colorado River, practiced yoga, and chatted, taking the day as it came.

Ready for the Ascent

When the alarm went off at 4:30 am, we rose, enjoyed our pre-ordered breakfast, drank plenty of water, and filled our bottles. By 5:30 am, we were on the Bright Angel Trail, a 9.5-mile trek that, while longer, was less steep. I was determined to complete the climb, taking it step by step with the aid of my trekking poles.

The ascent proved to be more challenging in the heat, yet I remained upbeat and determined, often listening to my friend as she periodically doused me with water to keep me cool.

At the midpoint, we paused at the beautiful Indian Garden and met another Ranger who assured us, “I know you two will have no trouble making it back up.” That encouragement was just what I needed!

Along the way, we noticed other hikers showing signs of heat exhaustion, their faces flushed. My friend offered them advice and her electrolytes, but many insisted they were fine and declined assistance. (Salty snacks and sweets are essential when hiking in hot weather, as our bodies lose sodium through sweat. Replenishing with food is crucial.)

Regarding the overheated hiker, even though I knew my friend was experienced, the others did not. Trust is built over time.

My fourth lesson was:

To successfully complete a long hike, preparation and self-care are essential. Heed the advice of seasoned hikers and maintain humility!

Returning to the Summit

After nearly nine hours of hiking, we reached the trailhead. “We did it as a team!” my friend exclaimed.

Although my body began to heat up again, I didn’t panic this time. I placed a wet bandana around my neck and cooled myself with water. Our night back at the campground was tranquil, a perfect way to unwind.

Key Takeaways

The Grand Canyon is a place of spiritual significance. I ventured down with limited knowledge of summer hiking but returned with renewed confidence and insights. Here are the lessons I learned:

• Embrace the uncertainties of nature and life with open arms; nothing is entirely good or bad.
• Recognize the body-mind connection; calming your mind can promote physical relaxation.
• Approach nature with humility, ready to learn and adapt.
• Tackle challenges one step at a time.
• Seize opportunities that come your way and step out of your comfort zone.
• While pushing your limits, prioritize safety and make informed decisions.

As a bonus for summer hikers, here’s a glimpse of our car camping gear list. For detailed advice on healthy hiking foods and drinks, visit this link.

Thank you for reading, and I wish you memorable and safe hiking adventures!

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