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| - I just completed A.O.A.'s Rim to Rim hike along with a stellar guide (Jimmy) and six other wonderful new friends. It was a tremendous experience right from the outset! A.O.A. is top shelf.
Day One had us starting off at 8 A.M. from Scottsdale and the day's beautiful drive in the A.O.A. van up to the North Rim allowed a number of things to happen: We quickly began to get to know each other; we were enchanted by Jimmy's passionate, professional, and oftimes humorous narration covering the land that we were passing through (he had been "special requested" as a guide by two in our group who had him as a guide two years prior); a nice picnic lunch was provided by A.O.A, and we were thoroughly informed and acquainted with how the rest of the trek would unfold.
Luck was also with us as we approached the North Rim Lodge which had just reopened for the season; an opening thought to be delayed because an avalanche had cut off the water supply. Snow was visible in patches, but the weather was good as well as the forecast. Arriving at the North Rim, we got our first stunning views of the Canyon, then settled into our rooms, finally meeting up for a lavish dinner at the Lodge during which Jimmy instructed us on prepping and packing for the coming hike(s) and the two days at Phantom Ranch. An early evening loomed, a 5:00 A.M. "meet up" time beckoned, and a great deal of anticipation swirled through our entire team.
The day dawned bright, clear, and not too cold. Just as we began our descent on the North Kaibab Trail, Jimmy gave us final instructions. All of us could tell that he had already "read" us in terms of personality, but now he would actually see how we stood up to the rigors of the trail. As the unquestioned leader, he kept us together physically and mentally as the morning chill quickly burned off and our individual strengths and weaknesses showed themselves. He was aware of it all...
Lunch on the trail was quite a gourmet feast all "presented" with style by our leader! Back on the trail, Jimmy worked his magic again to help our team. With a number of subtle actions, firm conversations and perfectly timed rests, he led us (as a team) all the way to Phantom...in time for "beverages" before the Canteen closed to prepare for dinner.
After showers and dinner (salad, stew, veggie chili, and chocolate cake...Family Style) the bunk beds in the dormitory, while not luxurious, were very welcoming to all of us.
The peacefulness of nighttime at the bottom of the Canyon is a treasure.
The "rest day" at Phantom was great as we enjoyed a later breakfast, a River Loop hike, chatting with the Rim to Rim (in one day) folks, marveling at the Rim to Rim to Rim extreme athletes passing through, and enjoying a bit of beach time observing the rafts, dories, & other river crafts cruising through on the Colorado River. Steak Night (& a repeat of veggie chili) awaited us at an early dinner, but prior to all that Jimmy had assisted in having some gear to be sent on mules up to the South Rim the next day in order to help lessen the load for those who needed the aid. He did this in a very matter of fact manner...no drama or judgement involved.
A 5:00 A.M. breakfast and a beauty of a morning greeted us on our final day of hiking...up the Bright Angel Trail. The day never got too hot, but there were challenges afoot for one and all as we navigated all the switch backs, the mules (and mule "presents"), and the downhill day trekkers (some even eating mint chip ice cream near the top!) who rarely heeded the protocol of "uphill hiker has the right of way". With very strategic stops for water, food, rests, Jimmy got us all to the top by 1:15!
With sweaty hugs, high fives, a "beverage" or two, and a ton of smiles...we had accomplished our R2R!! Showers, a stunning walk to El Tovar, and a celebratory dinner that included speeches, a few tears, and superb food, topped off a grand day on our adventure!
The final day included free time in the A.M., a micro-brewery lunch in Flagstaff, and exchanging photos while we drove back to Scottsdale.
Upon arrival at the hotel, while we said our goodbyes, we began to realize that as we were about to re-enter the "real world", we needed to stop and take notice of the fact that we had just had one of those "moments in time" experiences that each of us will never forget.
Memories from this journey coupled with all the photos taken and images in my mind transform this experience from a simple Rim to Rim into a wonderful guidepost in my life...
Many thanks to Jimmy, the entire A.O.A. staff, and the new friends that I met on this amazing trek!
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