June 10, 2003
Day 1
Location: South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park

Tonight I sleep in the bed of a pickup. I can almost write by the moonlight alone. The trees are glowing above the campfire, and I swear I can hear the Canyon nearby. It almost seems to whisper.

My hiking companions and I stood at the edge of the South Rim today, where I last stood five years ago when Steve and I hoisted our packs and set off on our honeymoon. Had it been five months or five days ago, my reaction would the same: Awesome! And no matter how many people stand there with me.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon bustles with activity most of the year, but tomorrow we'll leave more than 99% of the Park visitors behind, when we drop below the rim. I expect the numbers will decrease as we move toward the Kaibab Plateau on the north side of the Canyon.

I'm pleased to find that my hiking partners are like old friends. Easy to be with and talk to. Good people to share this hike with. I feel very lucky to be here.

--Ramkitten