Training #6 - Sea to Skyline

You read that title right. We decided to do the challenging Skyline to the Sea trail again, but this time
backwards - up hill to get more climbing in. This is our last big training hike in preparation for the Rim-to-Rim hike. We expected the hike to be ~27 miles and ~6k of elevation gain.

Greg and I (Gary is on vacation) were dropped off on the Waddell Beach Skyline to the Sea trail-head at 6:30, just as the sun was coming up. We started early because we knew the hike would take a long time, and because it was suppose to be in the 90's later in the day.

We set a blistering pace, getting to Big Basin (about 15 miles) not much after 10:00. This was too early for lunch to stayed maybe 15 minutes and continued. We continued our fast pace until ~12:00 when we decided to eat lunch.  Greg opened his pack and again pulled out beers having carried them ~20 miles this time. What a treat!

We didn't rest for very long and hit the trail again. As we climbed it started to get hot. And as we moved out of the trees, we could really feel the heat. This didn't seem like a problem. We were getting a bit tired, but still feeling good.

After another few miles, Greg's calves started to cramp. He stretched out and we continued. But the cramping was just the tip of the iceberg. He started feeling it in his stomach and them across his body. He hit the wall.  He rested up and pushed on for another mile or so. We happened to be in text / phone range so called our ride. After trying to go on, we decided to go back a bit to a place where we could be picked up.

We were ~2 miles from the end but did 26.5 miles and 5527 feet of elevation gain. A great training hike! And great learning in terms of eating enough, at the right frequency and making sure to get enough electrolytes.

I feel confident that we are fit enough for the Grand Canyon. I am really looking forward to it!!