Yesterday’s hike was great. Seven miles up and back to the
top of Bell Pass. Each time we go out, new folks join us. Today Will, Anthony's
best buddy, came out to hike for a little while with us along with his awesome
mom and 2 dogs. Anthony was so excited!
Darrell and Mike from the Phoenix Fire
department came out and brought two new guys, Tupac and Taqua. It was also nice
to have Bob from the Gilbert Fire Department out again as well. Tina and Tim
our Canyon experts came and brought a friend that Tina was training for a rim
to rim experience (yes, 47 miles!). Lizzy, our trail angel (as Oliver calls
her), had to slow her “bad-ass self” down a little so she could learn to be in
back lifting the chair. Each position takes a completely different approach and
changes as the terrain changes. The team learns more and more each week about
how to handle turns, drops and steps. They are experimenting with different holds,
gear and solutions for every possible scenario. I am so grateful to everyone one
of them for being part of this experience. It is absolutely amazing to see a
group of this size, with this much talent, be humble and work so hard together with
no egos what-so-ever to make this dream come true for one family. It just
brings me to tears every time I think about it!
We have been debating whether to take Kaibab down and Bright
Angel up or Bright Angel both ways. The pros of South Kaibab down were that it
is shorter and very pretty. It’s also perhaps a little smoother so Anthony can
be rolled a little rather than carried. Bright
Angel has high steps. It’s also less crowded and no mules. However, I think the
majority of us are leaning towards Bright Angel since there is water, shade, and
help if we need it. It is a lot less steep since its 2.5 miles longer so a
little easier on the knees carrying. Also when it’s windy South Kaibab can be
scary with all the exposure and ridges.
Linda from daring adventures came out this time and we
talked a lot about the logistics of the base camps as well as the duffel service.
We have mules carrying the gear down for the men carrying Anthony so it will
makes things more pleasurable for everyone involved. Thank God we have her to
help coordinate that!
Anthony got a little sore this time and we needed to stand
him up to get the blood flowing. Oliver fell behind when we were going up the
switchbacks. I told him he could wait there since it was an up and back and I
left him. There we were at the top eating and taking in some fluids and a great
view, and we look down and there is our awesome son climbing the hardest part
of the hike with total determination. He refused to be left behind. LOVE that
kid!
This week we will continue to collect donations, go after
sponsors and gather items needed for the trip. We will be doing another training
hike next Saturday at 9am. Please let us know if you want to come out and get
inspired! We would love to have you. Soon I will be posting a slide show on the
blog of all the team members along with quotes as to why they are doing this.
On this hike, I thought a lot about humility and how many people
are helping us. Asking for help has never been my strong suit. I realize now
that as Anthony needs more help, I need more help too. I understand now that
letting my pride stand in the way, is not only robbing Anthony of all these
connections, but also robbing others of the joy they are experiencing and the
lessons they are learning by helping. Things like this Grand Canyon Adventure
could never happen without the help of many and the kindness of strangers. I do
see the big picture and even though there are many days where things seem
small, there are even more days where I see this is so much bigger than just
Anthony and our family. This is about all of us.
No comments:
Post a Comment