One Week...

[SA Bill]

...and counting!

One week from right now, I should be finishing my breakfast and getting ready to shoulder the pack and hit the trail for the S Rim. I'm hoping to start out at sun up (or before) and take my time getting to SW3. The weather forecast looks good so far! I hope it stays that way.

My training regimen has been severely disrupted these past two weeks with business trips out of town and with helping my sister move out of an apartment she's been in for 20 years. I'm going to walk 2-3 miles with the loaded pack on my back the next couple of early mornings. Hopefully that, plus the work I've done over the last few months to get ready for this trip, will be enough for me to make it to SW3 without too much trouble. I'm not going to rush it so I expect to be okay, even if it takes me 6 hours to make the hike up.
  Can't wait!
    Bill

[walkingman06]

I'm excited for you, Bill. I can't wait for your trip report.  Keep us posted.

[TexasAggieHiker]

I'm jealous.  Bring back lots of pictures!!

[mule ears]

My training regimen has been severely disrupted these past two weeks with business trips out of town and with helping my sister move out of an apartment she's been in for 20 years. I'm going to walk 2-3 miles with the loaded pack on my back the next couple of early mornings.

It's always that way, life gets in the way of training. Just take those last walks (maybe with 10 extra pounds in the pack) to get the feet used to the boots and the shoulders and hips used to the pack. Take the day off before you leave to let all the muscles recover so you have fresh legs and you will be fine. Can't wait to hear how it all goes.

[Boot Canyon 1 Cougar]

Bill, you will be there at such an awesome time, with the cooler weather and all of the WATER. 

Re:  your physical training, daily stretching can also be very beneficial--as will a bottle of Advil on the trail.  And the trekking poles.

Just take your time heading to the South Rim.  That way, you soak in more of the beauty.

Gosh, you'll probably be able to find water in Boot Canyon.

Dude, have a great time!

[SA Bill]

Thanks all!
I'm pumped to be going when everything seems to be so green. I'll take lots of pics!

Weather forecast couldn't be better!
http://www.intellicast.com/Local/Weather.aspx

One week from right now, I'll be waking up on the S Rim...probably a little sore..anticipating the trek back down!
  Bill