April 29, 2006
The Zane Grey Highline 50-Mile Endurance Run is held below the Mogollon Rim near Payson, Arizona. Western author Zane Grey built a large cabin near this historic trail (hence the name for the race). In 1990 a massive forest fire destroyed the historic cabin, 46 homes, and also tragically took the lives of six fire fighters. 24,174 acres were burned. (Cabin rebuilt in 2005)
April 21, 2006
On a whim, I decided to take time off work and make a quick trip to the South Rim for another double crossing. This would be my 4th double crossing, and my second double crossing from starting at the South Rim. The long 9-10 hour drive is a pain. I arrived in the early evening. The weather was sunny, warm, and wonderful I decided to take a leisurely walk along the rim in the tourist crowd. At Mather Point, I could see a great view of Phantom Ranch and The Box (canyon) heading up to the North Rim. The Canyon was hazy due to some controlled burns in the area. I felt anxious to get going, but I planned to start around 1 a.m. (Utah time). I like to do most of the first crossing in the dark, and make the return trip in the morning before it gets too hot at the bottom.
