Rim trip and Mule Trip

Captains Log September 14 – We left earlier than normal as it's about an hour to the North Rim

and we had several places we wanted to stop on the way. I packed a picnic lunch so we could eat before Melissa and I had to be at the stop for the mule ride down into the canyon.

Along the road to the rim we stopped at Point Imperial, Cape Royal and Bright Angel Point. Fabulous views at each location. There was no crowd so it was really nice to take your time and not work around a lot of people to get your

photos. Melissa and I ate our lunch on the way

View at Inspiration Pt.

to the rim so we wouldn't be late for the mule ride.

We checked in at the lodge and were told all the rules and where to wait for the bus to the mule corral. The group was divided into 2 with a wrangler leading each one. Our group was first and the other was about 20 minutes behind. I will say my mule Joe was great. Melissa was on Homer who was kinda big bellied. She was

right in front of me. The going down was rather brutal. A lot of the trail is deep steps and you landed hard each step down. Going back up was much more comfortable!

You go down to Supai Tunnel where there is a water fountain and they “park” the mules while you get  water and bathroom break. The second group arrived while we rested and there

Melissa on Homer

were quite a few hikers there as well.

The ride back up was much easier on the body than the one down. It was beautiful in the canyon and we had some laughs and education also. The guide would take breaks so we could all catch back up and he told us about the mules, the trees and plants, and other things on our
stops.

My mule Joe and I made it back alive!

It was a fun and informative trip but it felt great to get off the mule.  

We hunted around for Bill at the lodge and couldn't find him and he was at the truck. So after 3 hours on a mule it was good to sit in a truck even and head back to the RV.