More Grand Treks Into the Canyon

Susan Spano’s trek into the Grand Canyon sparked fond memories for my wife and me (“Conquering the Grand Canyon,” April 14).

In four years we hiked into the canyon three times: first in 1968 with a troop of senior Girl Scouts, and in 1970, this time with senior Girl Scouts and Boy Scout Explorers. As we reached the river at Bright Angel Creek junction we saw rafters shoving off to shoot the rapids, and we knew what our next goal was. So in April ‘71, 28 Scouts and leaders headed down the Kaibab Trail again and had the adventure of our lives.

Spring is the best time to avoid the heat. Also beware of the steep trail. I lost the nails on my toes from banging against my boots.

RAY and IRENE POQUETTE

San Luis Obispo

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In September 2000 three friends and I did the same trip in two days. About six to nine months before the trip we hiked at least every other weekend, mostly in the San Gabriel Mountains, and Mt. Wilson was our big training site.

It took us two years to get reservations at Phantom Ranch, and we only stayed one night there, but I wish we could have stayed two and hiked part of the North Kaibab Trail. It was more than 100 degrees when we got to the bottom. From the bridge to the ranch I thought I would pass out numerous times. That night I wondered how I was going to make it back up. That last part of Bright Angel is a killer.

I was the last one to reach the top. I was 44 years old, and it was the worst and hardest thing I had ever done--but also the one I’m most proud of.

I’ve quit hiking since then but dream of going again to the Grand Canyon.

What I liked best was the feeling of being on another planet. We played in the creek, sat around the ranch and played games, wrote postcards and reenergized.

SANDY MANTIK

Sylmar