It was 35˚ at the North Kaibab Trailhead when we started hiking; before we arrived at Cottonwood at 2:00PM, it was 104˚. "Start early" was the advice I had read for surviving the June heat below the rim. I arranged for the shuttle to take us the 2 miles from North Canyon Lodge to the trailhead at 5:30AM. Arrange the shuttle to the trailhead when checking in at the lodge. I found out the next day there was was a guide who arranged a 4:30AM shuttle for his crew on the same day we hiked to Cottonwood while visiting with the guide's crew of noisy, exuberant girls in the Phantom Ranch Canteen the next day. Be more assertive; ask more questions; a lesson I am still learning.
With a trail breakfast of beef jerky and granola bars in our pockets, we were on the trail by 6:15AM. First day on the trail is always a bit slow, adjusting packs, learning what not to bury in the bottom of your pack.
Our crew carried 2 or 3 liter water bladders and a 1 liter Nalgene bottle each. Bladders allow sipping water continuously and an electrolyte drink in the bottle. Drink some Gatorade when you need an extra boost. Hike wet. Start early. Take breaks.
I should have followed that advice.
By mile 5, the outside of my left knee was killing me. I don't know what happened with water/salt/food/electrolyte mix, but I got it wrong the first day. We took an extended lunch at the pumphouse. (Hiker's restroom is on the porch. It is stocked with TP, but they do run out. Be prepared.) We rested in the shade, ate, drank Gatorade, and I took an Aleve. I wet my shirt and head before we left the pumphouse.
Arriving at Cottonwood at 2:00PM, I was nauseated, and my legs felt like lead. We rested in the shade at the ranger's cabin(no ranger), spent a little time in the creek, and some more time resting in the shade. Returning to our campsite, I was very thankful to find that the canyon and trees had made us some shade (there is not much shade at Cottonwood) and the rest of the crew were doing the chores. Tents were up. With no chance of rain and wanting to take advantage of any cooling breeze, Mark and I opted for no rain fly. I crawled in my tent and stayed on my NeoAir until the risotto was ready. Thank you, Connie for making me dinner. I was only able to eat 1/2 of my dinner. Sad because whatever wasn't eaten had to be packed out in its re-hydrated form. By 11:00PM, I was pretty sure I was going to live and finally was brave enough to chug 1/2 of a liter of Gatorade. Should have started sipping the Gatorade as well as the water much earlier and immersed myself in the creek to cool off.
It was a clear starry night with a bright half-moon framed by the canyon walls.
Everyone survived day 1, and day 2 would prove to be much easier.
