SMB Group Meeting - Grand Canyon - Page 4

Ultrasport12 · 10-19-2012, 01:05 PM

Mac,

Thanks for posting the pictures I have never been there and I never tire of seeing others photos of anything.

Mike,

I wished we could have met you guys someplace but maybe the next time. Happy Birthday in advance.

Herb,

Yes that van has a CCV top, interior and 4x4 conversion.

Marc

to you too.

...Jamie

Tapatio · 10-19-2012, 03:07 PM

Never seen that rental until now. Cool option for tourists who want to camp without the hassles of a fullsize RV.

http://www.jucyrentals.com/vehicles/jucy-champ.aspx

Ford_6L_E350 · 10-20-2012, 02:59 PM

Arrived at the South Rim yesterday and stayed at Desert View. Quiet. The sights are like Sportsmobiles:

All the same and totally different at the same time.

I'm in my space (#63) at Mather campground. Cellphone died, so I have to walk to the cafe to use the WiFi and communicate. The phone is a month old and it irritates me that it won't connect. The next irritation is the Park Service says I have to vacate my campsite Tues/Wed so they can replace picnic tables. WTF? Why do I have a reservation? I guess the rest of my year will only get better.

Tomorrow (Sunday) the high at the river is supposed to be 83. Lowest high for the week. So, I better go while I can tolerate the heat. Last time I was halfway down it was 95 Lower temps will certainly help. Pack up tonight and try to get an early start (6am) tomorrow.

Here's wishing myself good luck and happy trails!

I will take pictures every mile or so down and up the trail. After I get home I will post them.

Mike

**daveb** · 10-20-2012, 08:01 PM

Sorry to hear about the park service BS you're going through Mike. I'll try to wish some good weather at you but it never seems to work. I am wanting to see those pictures

Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Dave

86Scotty · 10-20-2012, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

I think that green Ford van conversion has a Colorado Camper Van pop top on it.

Herb

Yep, that guy's name is Kim, an early CCV customer.

We skipped the Emerald pools hike when we were there this summer. Man, I won't do that again. Looks very nice.

Thanks for the pics and update!

cellularSTEVE · 10-21-2012, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveb

Sorry to hear about the park service BS you're going through Mike. I'll try to wish some good weather at you but it never seems to work. I am wanting to see those pictures

Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Dave

x2

Steve

JoeH · 10-21-2012, 08:48 AM

If you take dirt road that heads south near the turnoff to Grandview Point there is lots of nice dispersed camping. Before and after the old fire tower which is fun to hike up as well. And you can pick up the AZ trail there which is a nice stroll or bike ride in the woods.

Jeffrey · 10-21-2012, 11:58 AM

Joe, now we're taiking. I've camped in there before and climbed the tower, too. I would never even consider camping anywhere near the GC except for that small patch of remoteness. I think it is a lousy place for a SMB meet up. Nothing to do, nowhere to go, no place to stay except motels and noisy crowded national park style campgrounds. When I visit the GC it is a day visit and then I'm outa there. Unless is is a non SMB visit where I may stay in a hotel. When I was there last August, the weather was perfect, with stormclouds, lightning, rain, scattered sunlight. It was beautiful.

JoeH · 10-21-2012, 03:14 PM

Here's another tip. If all the time you have is to do the south rim overlook dealio with the rest of of the tourons then go to Shoshone Point. It's where weddings are held and is the next point/overlook east of Yaki Point and the S. Kaibab TH. There's a pullout where you can park. Go past the locked gate and then hike the 1.5 miles to the overlook which you will have all to yourself. Unless there is a wedding/reception on-going.

That's where I go when I have friends visiting and I get the inevitable "don't you want to go the the Grand Canyon with us" question.

Ford_6L_E350 · 10-22-2012, 02:42 PM

Well, I survived my hike! On the way up my knees were killing me. A little over 14 miles and 1 vertical mile. Coming up the Bright Angel Trail it seems like most of the vertical mile is in the last series of switchbacks up a near vertical wall.

Pictures have to wait until I get home and can upload them.

The Coloverde River (it was GREEN, not red) was spectacular. Wait till you see the pics.

Surprisingly, my legs and the rest of my body feels fine today - no residual aches from the trek.

Mike