Remember last year when I said I was going to make my bud run the Grand Canyon next time? Well, I did it. Here he is all sweaty after running back up. New year, new attempt at the Bright Angel Trail. Pokin and Wing didn’t do the whole hike last year, so they went back to try again.

The morning started bright and early. We were taking the shuttle over and because Pokin was worried about having enough time to do the hike, she made them take the first shuttle out. It meant they started the hike when it was still dark.

It being dark apparently didn’t prevent all the runners from booking it as soon as we got off the shuttle. I was trying to be considering and so I was with Pokin as I watched all the lights blink and rapidly disappear down the canyon.

I could see my bud was feeling jealous and feeling impatient. But we all stuck together at first.

Soon the sun came out, and it appears like it’ll be an overcast cloudy day! Lucky for Pokin, as it’d be otherwise a scorcher of a day.

What started out as relief of the cool day turned into worry as it looked like it was going to start to pour. I wasn’t feeling thrilled.

My bud though – he got the opportunity to run! Wing and his friend weren’t feeling great from the hike (because they started injured) so my bud ended up running up Grand Canyon – first back to the hotel to drop off his bags to come back and assist.

In the end we all made it up, and I managed to stay dry, so everyone was happy. Grand Canyon 2023 edition was a success!