They're out!

Well they will be later today

Yesterday

Day 5: Grand Canyon Trek: Carbonate Canyon
Trek approx 5-6 hours / 8-9 miles

This morning sees us heading up-canyon to the Tonto Platform, a broad terrace of shale and sandstone which runs from east to west along much of the Grand Canyon. Our route, which is strenuous in places, takes us through a hidden cleft in the rock onto the Platform, which affords breath-taking panoramic views across the Grand Canyon. After plenty of time to soak up the vista, we return to camp for lunch and then trek up Carbonate Canyon, a narrow canyon that extends beyond Havasu Falls. Carbonate Canyon was a popular place to dig for minerals in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and we can look inside one of the old mines here before continuing on to more waterfalls.

Today

Day 6: Havasu Falls Camp – Hualapai Hilltop – Las Vegas
Trek approx 5-6 hrs / 10 miles; drive approx 5 hours

After an early breakfast, we leave camp, returning to the crater rim the same way we arrived. The first part of the trek climbs gradually back along the streambed, but once we arrive at the hair-pin bends we take our time, ascending steadily up the side of the canyon. This is very demanding, but is the last part of our Grand Canyon challenge! Back at Hualapai Hilltop, we load up the vehicles and drive west, enjoying the wonderful wilderness scenery for the last time. We cross into Nevada and come to Las Vegas, entertainment capital of the world. On arrival we are free to relax and explore.

I had a brief message from Mandy earlier to say that they were just today's (Thursday) walk which would see them making their way out of the canyon.

While we are tucked up in bed she will be arriving at their last stop before home, Las Vegas, and their comfy hotel beds.

Day 7: Las Vegas

Vegas is renowned for its casinos, shows, spectacular hotels and wedding chapels. We are free to explore the sights, including the famous sound-and-light fountain shows, fake erupting volcanoes, Elvis impersonators and replicas of everything from the Eiffel Tower to the Sphinx! It’s not subtle, but it’s a real contrast to the past week and great fun! We meet again in the evening for a slap-up celebration meal to celebrate our achievements of the past week.

They're in!

Another early start for the team before a short drive for breakfast. After breakfast they made use of what was going to be the last WiFi connection before Las Vegas to update friends and family and have a wander around the Grand Canyon Caverns Curio Shop.

They then had to put together some lunch before heading off on the next part of the adventure, to trek into the Grand Canyon.

After driving for about 1 1/2 hours, taking in the sites as they drove, they trekked down into the canyon to a small village where they were amazed to find another WiFi hotspot. Mandy took the opportunity to upload what is now sure to be the last images until Vegas.

Day 4: Grand Canyon Trek: Beaver Falls 

Trek approx 5-6 hours / 7-8 miles

Another adventurous day today, with some spectacular scenery! Leaving Havasu Falls, we head down the trail towards Mooney Falls. Our route takes us down the waterfall using a series of ladders and tunnels to reach the base. The descent is not for the faint-hearted, but it allows us to access the beautiful canyon below the falls. We continue our trek on a rough trail which crosses the creek several times before reaching Beaver Falls. From here we return to camp, exploring hidden falls and pools on our way.

In we go!

Up at 6am MST (2pm BST) Mandy and the trekkers had breakfast before getting into the vehicles and travelling through the Sonoran Dessert to Sedona.

Mandy sent the following quote last night from the restaurant where they had dinner "Views are breath taking, very green and mountainous. As we approached Sedona the red rocks became more apparent in the landscape - the red is apparently caused by red oxide - rust. We trekked through red rock park to get used to the temperature, the views were amazing"

 

This will be the last communication I will get from Mandy until she gets to Las Vegas. She will trek into the Canyon later today and will be there for 4 days and 3 nights. I will continue to update the blog with her planned daily itinery each day for you as promised, and load images and quotes when I receive them.

Day 3: Flagstaff – Grand Canyon Trailhead – Havasu Falls Camp 

Drive approx. 1.5 hours; trek approx 4-6 hours / 10 miles

We drive to our trailhead at Hualapai Hilltop, where we begin our descent into the Grand Canyon! We are heading towards Supai, the centre of the Havasupai Indian Reservation which will be our home for the next three nights. The only way to reach Supai is by foot, mule or helicopter; it is the most remote village in mainland USA and still uses mule trains to carry out its mail. The trail takes us steeply down from the crater rim, following a series of hair-pin bends down into the canyon – the first mile is the day’s toughest part! Having descended roughly 3000ft, we reach a dry stream-bed and follow this through cottonwood trees and red sandstone. Crossing a bridge into Supai, we continue on through the village, following the canyon until we reach Havasu Falls and our camp.