Hiking in the Grand Canyon in the wee hours of the morning can be a surreal experience, as the following video shows. You are traveling along a cliff face, and yet it doesn’t seem all that dangerous, perhaps because it’s so dark.
Watch the Temperature
It is essential to be aware of the temperature inside the Grand Canyon, since it kills several hikers every year. In this case, the posted temperature is not too bad at about 4 a.m. The projection for that day was 91 degrees at Phantom Ranch, which is actually on the low side.
Down is Optional
The Park Service has this sign posted all over the trails within the Grand Canyon. The temperatures can go well over 100 degrees in the summer, so they want you to leave before you get too hot. The Park Service conducts about 600 rescues per year in the canyon - hence, the signs.
Hiking Along a Cliff Face
Starting at 2:28 a.m. on the Bright Angel Trail means hiking in the dark with a headlamp, and along a trail that drops a really long ways on one side. That’s part of the deal when the trail is cut into the side of a cliff. Keeps you alert. Here’s a sign just a short ways down the trail.
The Starting Line
The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Trail has two possible starting points. I started here, at the Bright Angel Trailhead - though not until very early the following morning. The trail goes down to the Colorado River, at which point everyone switches over to the North Kaibab Trail for the hike up to the North Rim.
Time for the Rim to Rim
October 13, and time for the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim hike, which is 6,000 feet down, 24 miles across, and 6,000 feet back up the other side. Here is the start, at the south rim. I’ll be starting tomorrow morning in the dark.
The Only Guaranteed Job in Japan - Dish Washer
Traditional Japanese meals are massive, with easily a dozen courses. And lots of dirty plates afterwards. Here is a sample.
Cutsie Japanese Marketing
The main thrust of all Japanese marketing is to be as cute as possible. As noted in this photo.
Kyoto Heat Warnings
Kyoto has a reputation for being beautiful, but it’s also bloody hot and humid. Here is one of the better heat warning signs in the area.
Japanese Vending Machines
One of the great aspects of life in Japan is the vending machines - all ten billion of them. Here is a small sample.
Japanese Sense of Humor
We ran across the following two signs on a Japanese ferry. Someone enjoys their job.
Lost in Translation
We happened to be passing a Japanese cemetery in Kyoto and saw this hilarious sign. You get the general idea, but…
Flat on the Floor
There’s nothing quite like sleeping on tatami mats. Pretty hard, and a stiff back the next morning.
Hogwarts Express?
No, but this train did have a steam engine. Hagrid is nowhere to be found.
Hiking through Whitby
This looks bucolic, but soon got worse - a lot worse - and ended up with an eight mile slog in the rain.
Moldy Boots
Well, they weren’t actually moldy, maybe just utilized in an alternative fashion.
Sheep from Hell
There is something unsettling about these sheep. Reminds me of a Jack Nicholson movie…
Clouds and More Clouds
The sky is the best part of the Coast to Coast Trail, though the walls are pretty nice, too.
Rustic Vehicle
Rustic might not be the word for it - rusted? This was sitting in a field along the Coast to Coast Trail in England.
Perfect Green
This lovely shot came from our walk along the access road on the north side of Ennerdale Water, actually next to the River Liza.
