Copy/Repost Hike

I completed two R2R hikes and a Rim to River hike last week taking advantage of the relatively cool conditions. Last Friday, I first did a quick Rim to River test hike to see how difficult it would be to hike directly up SK from the river to SK Trailhead if it was 90F at Phantom (since I usually take BA which is closed.) Hiked down SK from SK trailhead & reached the beach at about noon. After soaking in the river for an hour, getting really cold and hanging out with the boat rafters, headed back up SK at 1PM. Wearing a soaked icy cold cotton t-shirt, I cruised up the SK trail to the Tip Off in air conditioned comfort. The rest of the hike up seemed pretty routine, not really that hot, and stunningly beautiful as always. I do think that 90F at Phantom is close to the upper limit for hiking up SK midday though. After a rest day, hiked R2R (SK to NK) to the North Rim Lodge and then returned R2R (NK to SK) a few days later with Dhiraj and his personal trainer Fati from San Francisco. Got a break on the weather- it was relatively cool on Sunday for the R2R from SR to NR and was just starting to get hotter (90F at Phantom) on Tuesday when I did the return R2R on Tuesday NR to SR. (By Thursday it was Hot AF-- Phantom was 105F midday). Because of the mild weather, we were able to do both R2R hikes taking full advantage of the daylight-- leaving at 5AM so could enjoy the beautiful views right from the Rim rather that leaving at 3AM in the dark. Besides enjoying these challenging beautiful trails and world class scenery, I always really like meeting all the R2R hikers along the trail- there is so always much positive energy, friendliness and good vibes! Special thanks to Dhiraj & Fati for making this a really fun trip!

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