Mark with Mules for Trip Down Canyon
We considered ourselves fortunate to get places on the mules for the trip down the Kaibab Trail on the North Rim of Grand Canyon. We had walked for a while on the canyon rim during the morning, taking pictures and exploring. Then Mark happened to overhear that there were openings on the 2 PM mule trip down into the canyon. We hadn't anticipated this since the South Rim trips were fully booked with about a four page list of backyup riders. We poinced on this opportunity and bought tickets for the boys and I.
Around 2 PM we mounted the mules and headed down the canyon walls. I had anticipated the boys and I riding together so I could take pictures of them, but this was not to be. There were about thirty riders who were assigned mounts and divided into three groups - we wound up in three separate groups. It was not such a big deal though since the trail was so wooded that photography was nearly impossible anyway.
The trip started at about 8300 ft and descended about 6000 ft, taking about 3 1/2 hours round trip. We rode down the Kaibab Trail to the tunnel, had a short break and then returned. It was quite a treat for the boys. Mark had expressed interest in the mule ride the whole trip but we had been almost sure we couldn't get on one. Jeff also enjoyed it and said that if he came to Grand Canyon again he would choose the North Rim. August 9, 1982.
Mark on Mule for Trip Down Canyon
August 9, 1982.
Jeff on Mule in Grand Canyon
August 9, 1982.
Mark at Rest Stop in Grand Canyon
August 9, 1982.
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Jeff and Mark on Mules in Grand CanyonRod and the boys went down the North Rim canyon wall on mules. They were in separate groups, so Rod just caught glimpses of the boys while they were on the trail. At left, Jeff is coming down a trail just above Rod. August 9, 1982. |
| Mark was in a different group which was some distance ahead of Rod and Jeff. At right is a distant view of Mark on the trail below. Mark is the last rider in the column shown. |
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This shows another mule column in the distance. We rode the same trail under the towering cliffs. The color was reminiscent of the Vermillion Cliffs we had seen on the loop from the South Rim to the North Rim. August 9, 1982. |
Mule Column in Grand Canyon |
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Jeff and Mark on Mules at Grand CanyonNear the end of the mule ride, the boys come through a grove of aspens where Brenda awaits our return. August 9, 1982.  |
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Mule Trip Down CanyonRod returns through the aspens from the mule trip down the North Rim, Grand Canyon. The trip started at about 8300 ft and descended about 6000 ft, taking about 3 1/2 hours round trip. We rode down the Kaibab Trail to the tunnel, had a short break and then returned. August 9, 1982.  |
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Trip Day 9