Adventures as a family
Someday is today
BACKPACKING FROM A FAMILIES PERSPECTIVE!
Hi everyone! I would like to take a moment to introduce you to me and my family. My name is Crystal aka Momma Bear! The rest of the tribe consist of my husband, Ryan aka Family Mule, our daughter, MaCayla aka Dreamer and our son, Nolan aka Tiny Turtle. We decided to start this blog because we found the references are scarce when it comes to family backpacking. The sources are abundant for individual backpacking which is great for an individual. This is our learning process. The great thing about this blog is that it is intended for anyone and everyone that would like to gain insight regarding backpacking, camping, hiking, or rock-climbing from various viewpoints! I sincerely hope this blogs helps you and if you have topics you would like to discuss or questions then please let us know!
Day 17 on the Arizona Trail
We stayed decently warm last night. This morning was cold and the snow was starting to come down. I made the decision to go ahead and call a taxi then get a rental car and site see why this snow storm passed. I am over the snow, rain, and cold especially since we are in Arizona where it is supposed to be warm. Family Mule would have kept going most likely, he stays warm all the time so the weather didn’t bother him! It’s okay to be jealous, I am! The snow began to fall faster and was starting to accumulate quickly.
The taxi driver called and said the roads are getting covered too quickly and was scared she would be stuck. We started walking towards her, which she was about 3 miles away. Shortly after we started walking a truck with three hunters stopped and asked if they could give us a ride. We jumped in! By this time, the roads and everything was covered. We made it to the taxi and switched vehicles. We went about 15mph all the way back in to Flagstaff. She dropped us off at the airport to rent the car. The snow storm was unexpected and even flights had a delay. The locals said they usually don’t get this weather until much later in the season.
We got the car and headed to go see Sedona. We ended up stuck in traffic behind a four car crash for over an hour. Once we finally made it past, we came to another four car crash only about 2 miles up the highway! Several vehicles were off the side of the road since they were now covered in snow and ice! People were clueless about driving in these conditions. It was scary!
Day 16 on the Arizona Trail
Mileage: 13.5 miles
Weather: 46 degrees, cloudy, wind at 13-19mph, nighttime was 19 (feels like 8 degrees). Snow
The morning started packing out of the lodge and saying goodbye to Maple and Shufflin. We took a taxi to the same spot we left the trail on 417 Forest Road. This driver was similar to our last one. She told us about the history of the area and her experiences. Very friendly. Apex Taxi Service has worked out well for us lately!
We began our hike! Of course we are starting back on the dirt road walk. It’s hard on the feet and boring mos the time. The scenery at least was changing slightly today. Most of the time we did see Mt.Humphrey, just different angles.
About 3 miles in, I had a blister on my heal. I know not to wear new shoes on a long hike without a break in period but I needed the shoes. We stopped and I put a bandaid over the blister to stop anymore rubbing, then added a second pair of thicker socks. This seemed to help.
We came across an abandoned truck! Of course Family Mule had to jump in and check it out. We had a little snack while we were sitting there.
The trail does go into the words around mile 10, which made for a softer walk. We were both happy about that. Family Mules shoes are working out great so far. His feet hurt from the road walk but he was doing well!
The trail was busy with vehicles (mainly hunters)! We passed 14 vehicles and 2 hunters walking. We didn’t like the fact of so many hunters out here on the same trail we were hiking and camping. We now were glad Family Mule’s shoes are so bright! We saw two tarantulas crossing the trail today. They weren’t as big as the first one we saw.
The temperature started dropping quickly, the wind was picking up, and snow flurries were starting. We decided to go ahead and set up camp since we had a good spot with a beautiful view. It doesn’t take long for camp to be set up at this point! The mountains looked beautiful. Then within about 20 minutes the snow started coming down quick and we couldn’t even see the mountains! We layered up our clothes and got in the sleeping bag. After about an hour we decided we better get some dinner made. The cold caused a bit of issue with keeping the fuel going to cook dinner. We put the canister in the sleeping bag and warmed it up and it worked! We had our spaghetti and called it a night!
Day 14 and 15 on the Arizona Trail
We spent these two days at Drury Inn in Flagstaff getting ready for the next push and staying warm. The hot tub felt fantastic and the company was a lot of fun! We really enjoy when we get to make friends with other hikers and hang out, the stories are always relatable and interesting!
We walked to REI and we bought new shoes and thermals! It was bittersweet to throw my 8 year old Merrell’s away. They have been with me for miles and miles. I hope these new ones (I am brand loyal so I stayed with Merrell’s of course) serve me as well or better than my last ones! Family Mule bought the only pair of comfortable shoes in his size which happened to be the brightest shoes in the store! This is completely out of character but when your feet hurt, you wear what you need!
We also walked to Target and picked up stuff for our resupply. We were able to get everything we needed except our Gatorade packets. We did splurge and buy a a big tub of cookies and creme ice cream to enjoy in the hotel room. Needless to say, the ice cream was completely finished in one evening!
We also took the time to try a couple new restaurants in the area. We had lunch at the 1899 Bar and Grill. It was good and had a good ambience. It was on the pricey side but not as bad as some of the places we went to. We then tried Chopstix. It is a Vietnamese Cuisine. It was okay. Similar to my Ramen Noodles but with big chunks of chicken. The Wontons were very good.
Day 13 on the Arizona Trail
Mileage: 16 miles
Weather: Windy and cold
The morning started with frost all over the tent. We took the fly off the tent and shook as much of the frost off as we could. Then proceeded to fold up the rest of the tent. The poles felt like ice sticks on my hands. I have gloves but I don’t have much dexterity with them on, so I had to suck it up and deal with the cold as we packed up. I then put them back on my hands to get warm again.
The terrain was the same as the past few days. More flat, zig zagging through the field. It was boring so I found myself day dreaming a lot. The strong cold wind would bring me out of my day dream and remind me I seemed to be aimlessly walking in the cold and my feet were killing me. Family Mules feet was killing him as well even with the inserts he bought in Canyon Village.
I must have been letting off bad vibes or vibes of being miserable and cold. Family Mule picked up on it and made the comment, “that hot tub is going to feel good tonight”. I looked at him and just shook my head. He said we have an intersection coming up where we could get a ride to town and reassess! I was on board with the plan! We needed to hike another 7 miles to get there. We had a quick lunch with some hot chocolate and pushed forward.
We past a hiker named Rubbles. She was feeling the same way with her feet killing her and this was the most boring and cold past few days! It was actually comforting to know it wasn’t just us feeling this way! She was ready to get to town as quickly as she could as well and was deciding if she was going to continue or not.
About half a mile from the intersection we past a couple guys with a van and a jeep. They were a support team for a hiker who was trying to beat the fastest known time. She has to finish the trail in 14 days. She is fully supported which means she carries nothing just has to complete the trail. We learned there are supported and unsupported fastest times. I don’t know what the unsupported fastest time is currently. I know for the men’s, it has to be done in 13 days. Either supported or unsupported, that is awesome they can do that challenge. It is not something I have any desire to do mainly because I want to be able to look around and see the views. Also, I’m not a runner!
We made it to the intersection! We tried to get an Uber but no luck in the area. We were able to get ahold of Apex Taxi Service and they picked us up in the next 45 minutes! The driver was great. He educated us on the area as he took us to the Drury Inn. The cost was only $75! Well worth it!
We checked in to the hotel, put our stuff in the room, and headed straight to dinner with our hiker friends, Maple and Shufflin! It’s so wonderful how the Drury Inn serves dinner as part of the stay. I ate 2 baked potatoes, 2 salad bowls, plus a cup of chicken Alfredo! I was starving!
Day 12 on the Arizona Trail
Mileage: 16.5 miles
Weather: sunny most the day, night was 26 degrees and a few snow flurries
The morning started out cold. We were packed and ready to hike within about 15 minutes! Not bad! We are getting quicker (could also be the fact the faster I move the warmer I get).
The terrain was pretty flat and not much change of scenery from the past couple days. Honestly, this section has been boring and it seems I am looking at the same thing over and over and over while walking zig zags through the field. We were just walking along and then suddenly six elk come quickly across the path right in front of us. Then the seventh elk with a full rack comes slowly to the path, stops, and stares at us. We snapped a few pictures and he went about his business chasing the other elk.
Around mile 15, I started getting pains in the right side of my calf. I figured it was from the bottoms of my feet hurting so much. By mile 16, I knew it was time to rest the feet and give it a break before it got worse. It was only about 3:45 but we went ahead and called it a day.
We found a place to camp not too far off the trail. The wind was pretty strong all day and now we could see the dark clouds rolling in. We set up camp and made dinner. About the time we settled in the tent and started having dinner the rain/sleet started coming down and the wind started to blow harder. The temperature dropped pretty quickly. We finished up dinner and tried to get some sleep. The night was very cold! Actual temperature was 26 degrees but the wind made it feel even colder. I didn’t stay very warm except the side that was pressed against Family Mule. I kept tossing and turning and tucking in the sleeping bag around me. It could have been me being cold because Family Mule on the hand was sleeping without pants, in a t-shirt, and half a bag unzipped. He always runs hot!
Day 11 on the Arizona Trail
Mileage: 11.7 miles
Weather: cold, rain, 30mph wind
We started the morning packing in high winds. The trail was very similar to yesterday as far the terrain. We were able to get a little better views today at least but not many.
We stopped and had lunch about mile 5. We needed the warm food and hot chocolate. It was cold, windy, and cloudy. It looked like it could rain at any moment.
We pressed on the trail and within half a mile the rain started. We put our rain jackets on and pack covers and headed for a better spot. We were still another 5 miles from the next water supply, which we needed. The rain kept starting and stopping.
We finally arrived at Russel Tank, which was a lake. There was as a privy there with a little covered area. We set under the covered area to get out of the rain for a minute and decide what we were going to do next. The wind was still very strong so we moved into the privy to get out of the cold and wind. We even had candy bars in privy. Yes, we did that!
We decided to call it a day and set up camp. We found a spot in the few trees around and made camp. It was only about 1:30pm. We laid in the tent and rested. Family Mule immediately fell a sleep. I talked with the kids since we could get a bar of cell service.
Around 5pm Family Mule went and filtered water and then made dinner. After we enjoyed our meal we called it a night and went to sleep. All night the wind beat on the tent and we tossed and turned. Family Mule put extra stakes in it to help keep it secure with the wind and rain.
Day 10 on the Arizona Trail
Mileage: 23.7 miles
Weather: party cloudy and temps around 55 degrees
We started our day around 7am when we checked out of the lodge and headed down the trail. We had 6 miles of paved trail walk. This is always hard on the feet but the terrain is easy. We found a little place called Foodie Club once we reached Tusayan. It was good food but still on the pricey side and no refills on coffee or tea. They did have a good cheesecake!
Once we finished our breakfast/lunch we set out back on the trail. We got lost because the FarOut app was showing the trail right behind the McDonalds. We saw an RV Park/Campground so we walked down to it to look around. A gentleman saw us and asked where we were heading and we told him. He then lead us straight to the trail, which is behind the campground! We were back on course!
The terrain was still pretty flat with lots of small rocks. The mud luckily was dried up mostly. You can tell many ATVs take this path.
As we were walking along, a tarantula came out from the grass right along the path. He was heading north! He was the NOBO Tarantula!
The terrain stayed the same with very little elevation change. The bottoms of our feet were sore from hard surfaces and rocks. We reached a good camp area about 5:30. We worked together quickly to get the tent set up because we had to find water. It was another .5 mile off the trail. We grabbed our lights and headed that way. When we reached it, it was a gated area with a tank that looked gross! We needed water so we filtered it anyway. It filtered clear at least. We then headed the .5 mile back to camp in the dark.
The night was long. The wind kept getting strong through the night. We both were tossing and turning all night long.
Day 9 on the Arizona Trail
We slept in this morning! We didn’t get up until around 7:30am. We took a nice shower, gathered our dirty clothes and heading to breakfast. They have a breakfast buffet at the lodge that was really good. Lots of options.
After breakfast we headed over to Mathers Campground (across the road) to do laundry. The laundry mat also has showers (not very clean) and plugins for charging your electronics.
After we finished our laundry we headed back over to the lodge, relaxed, and caught up with the blog, family, and friends. We walked to the general store which is in the parking lot of the lodge and got a few essentials like baby wipes! We found the back of the store, which is more for the backpackers was fair priced opposed to the front of the store which is full of tourist items! We did find an alcohol section which sold a AZT Pale Ale, which Family Mule had to try of course!
After we were we all set for the leave tomorrow we set at the tavern inside the lodge and had dinner. Decent food but expensive as expected. We turned in early in anticipation of tomorrow’s long hike.
Day 8 on the Arizona Trail
Mileage: 8 miles
Weather: Sunny around 82 degrees
We headed out of camp about 6:20am. The climb up the south rim is “brutal” but take it slow and keep going according to the ranger. I was already anticipating this was going to hurt especially considering the blisters developed in multiple spots at this point. Family Mules feet wasn’t in the greatest shape either….we won’t even get into the smell of his shoes at this point.
We saw a deer just sitting along Bright Angel Creek as we started our ascend. The trail started with a tunnel into the rock. That was awesome! Then immediately it was a steady steep incline. About 2 miles in, we passed the mules bringing supplies to the bottom. That was cool to see. We knew they would be bringing the postcard we sent back up!
We passed many people just sitting along the side of the trail in any shade spot they could find (there isn’t many!) and catching the breath or putting mole skin on those hot spots. Some even crying that the trail was just too hard.
We came to a rest area about 3.5 miles up roughly. It had a restroom and a couple picnic tables. There were lots of people just taking a rest before proceeding. We took advantage and had a protein bar with some water. We then proceeded on our journey.
The views were magnificent although you had to stop moving to look up and see what was around you. Otherwise your eyes were constantly watching your footing and your pushing upward. We took several short breathers to see the views, catch our breath (me really), and take it all in.
I like to think I’m pretty fit for my age but honestly getting up the south rim of the Grand Canyon was tough and I felt like I did something awesome. It was only 8 miles but you will feel it, or at least we did! It is a constant push all the way to the end or what they call the Chimney. Most people never go down more than 1/4 a mile if they go past the chimney at all. It’s worth the full hike, do it!
Once to the top we planned to stay at Mathers Campground but that didn’t work out. The attendant, a larger gentleman, said there were no vacancies even though the AZT hiker area was empty and really wasn’t helpful at all! Very disappointing. We found the post office on our own and was able to get our resupply our children sent us! Send your resupply boxes to 100 Mather Business Center, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023. Be sure and put c/o then your name. The post office will hold them for you as long as you have your information including expected arrival date. We ended up staying at the Yavapai Lodge. It was a decent place just very expensive! After all it is a tourist area for the Grand Canyon! We did meet up with our hiker friends and had a great evening with them! We are hoping to meet back up at the next stop in Flagstaff!
Day 7 on the Arizona Trail
Mileage: 16.25 miles
Weather: Sunny with temps around 80 degrees
This was the big moment we were anticipating! The Grand Canyon! Family Mule and I have talked about hiking the Grand Canyon since we were just dating in high school and here it is! The time has come!
We woke up for a not so early start as we had to wait for the backcountry office to open and issue a permit for us to camp in the bottom of the canyon! After all of the legalities, we started on our journey down. Family Mule could hardly contain himself. The initial start to the trail was steep and had lots of rolling rocks. Footing was important. We don’t use trekking poles, but most people do. At least that is what we observed. The trail is constant switchbacks as it descends. The trail was wider than anticipated but still only wide enough for one person. As you get further down in the canyon, the trail has spots where it tunnels into the side of the wall. This little bit of an overhang offers some much needed shade and an opportunity to catch your breath or a snack in our case. Paydays are amazing on a trail as a snack. It’s salty and provides protein. Not the healthiest but when you are burning 1500 extra calories a day, who cares! Eat the candy bar! We found a nice spot where we could climb up on the rock and have lunch. We can now say we had Ramen Noodles in the Grand Canyon. Yes, we eat those a lot camping but they are perfect and easy especially since you can make them in their own bag!
About 6 or so miles down (don’t quote me on this one) our trail we came to restrooms with a rest area. We could sit there by the water and have a snack.
We reached the Cottonwood Camp about 8 miles in. It looked like a nice camp with good sites. We filled up our water and used the restroom. It was clean and the water source was good.
We then passed through Phantom Range at about 15 miles. This place was great. There was a lounge where you could get lots of snacks and drinks including alcohol if you wish. We stayed in Bright Angel Campground which was about .4 from Phantom. They have a designated area just for the AZT hikers. Again, get the permit which cost $40 for two people. They check them upon arrival. If you are not a AZT hiker, there is a wait for slots so reserve early!
The views from the time we started the trail all the way down was amazing! Pictures couldn’t capture the magnificent views, sounds, feel, and even the smells. It was hard to take it all in. Family Mule tried to capture every moment on camera and there would be times I would look back and he would just be standing in amazement trying to snap the pictures. He had such a goofy excitement that it made it even better for me. A camera just can’t take that in, you must experience it for yourself.
Our campsite was beautiful! We could hear the water flowing from Bright Angel Creek. It was so peaceful. We met up with a couple hikers we met back on day 2 and again at the North Rim Campground! They are from Nova Scotia and are just down to earth people! So helpful! Once camp was set up, we headed to the lounge for a beer and lemonade at the bottom of the Grand Canyon! Once we settled in for the night, Family Mule couldn’t help but to sleep naked since it was so warm (we have a double walled tent so no one could see).
Adventures as a family 