Older Hiker: Rim to Rim at Grand Canyon

[@off-trailsouthweston1778]

Being approx. your age, am impressed with not only your story, but your attitude and vision of "Being older" and "Getting out!" Keep it up, Wes

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks so much, and the same to you!

[@osimnod]

At 85, you look great! Thanks for sharing your insights on tackling this iconic trail system.

[@GC-Hiker]

LOL. Thanks for watching the full video. I can't wait to get out on the trail in the Spring and do it better.

[@PC-kd7dj]

I understood GCHiker to say that he is ~65, but that completing a GC R2R hike in a day could add 20 years to one’s age (thus making a 65-year-old look like they’re 85). I’d say he looks in great shape -far more fit than most 65-year-olds. It’s a good thing he’s a mind-over-matter sort of person or he’d never have attempted, let alone completed his hike.

[@Mr.DsBackyard]

Interesting video and thanks for sharing.

[@GC-Hiker]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RogerBank-o9j]

Agree.

[@GC-Hiker]

@@RogerBank-o9j 😀

[@stevecibolo7725]

I am the same way there's more sooner and not much later now; I hike the GC yearly now and love it.

[@GC-Hiker]

Some people visit once and never return. I return again and again. There is something addictive about the Canyon. Thanks for your comment.

[@bg5215]

Thank you. I am 60 and plan to do a bucket list hike that I've had since I was 23. (S Kaibab - Tonto - Grandview). I too am having self doubts for the 1st time in my life. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@GC-Hiker]

Sounds like a great hike. I am no fan of Grandview, because I have a mild fear of hikes, but going up it would likely be better than going down it! Let me know how the hike goes!

[@debdennison6947]

Thank you for your inspiration. Being an older hiker who fell on a trail today, was very humbling. I have hiking poles but wasn't using them and had my pharmacy at home. Both mistakes you addressed, and I am now inspired to plan differently. Thank you, kindred spirit !

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks for your kind comment. The older I get, the more I realize the hiking poles are essentail to my safety. Sorry you had a fall and here's hoping there was no damage. Thanks for watching!

[@PC-kd7dj]

When I was GCHiker’s age my son and I backpacked R2R (south to north as GCHiker did), but we took four days in May (already 100°F high temp. in the inner canyon) to savor the journey with a day each to enjoy Phantom Ranch and Ribbon Falls. That was my third GC backpack and I didn’t have any trepidation then. But four years later I fell at home and badly fractured my femur, requiring the ball joint to be replaced with a prosthetic one. My running days were over, and I thought my backpacking days might be over too. But after physical therapy and personal training, and facing the possibility that I might have to bail before completing the route, I once again backpacked -34 miles- in the canyon, proving to myself that I could do it. I’m now 72, and plan to go again! Btw, the oldest person to backpack R2R is Alfredo Aliaga who at age 92 accomplished it last October! Keep doing what you can as long as you can.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks for that great history lesson. Congratulations on your regaining the ability to hike, and let me know how your next hike goes, it is an inspiration to me. I did see the videos of Mr. Aliaga's hike. Very inspirational as well. Hopefully we will meet on the trail someday. Thanks for your comment.

[@Matsulovesyou]

Wow, quite an adventure! Thank you for sharing it.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks, it is always a great hike, no matter what the circumstances.

[@derbywinner6316]

My husband and I did r2r north to south . It was beautiful and a strenuous hike. We want to do it again but in 2 days to enjoy more time in the bottom of the canyon. Thank you for sharing your hike

[@GC-Hiker]

Agreed, it is a beautiful hike, and some more time sounds like just the right strategy for pausing and enjoying it more!

[@johnnywarnerperfectroad66]

In the words of Janice Joplin,' Do it while you can.' The only way to have no regrets is to do what you are doing all the very best and keep up the good work. I spent a few hours at Grand Canyon, but arrived in a car and only walked a short way down from the rim.... But if I get the chance to come back I'll stay and explore on foot... 56 years a type one diabetic and haven't looked back since I was a very ill 16 year old, have been on medication that didn't suit for the previous 8 years👍 Hope you're able to keep walking for even longer that you hope 👍

[@GC-Hiker]

I think a road trip is the perfect way to see the Grand Canyon and the Western US. Good for you. If you ever pass through again, staying a night makes the Canyon that much more dynamic. Keep on trucking (as the Grateful Dead would say).😉

[@johnnywarnerperfectroad66]

@@GC-Hiker Lol and Sounds wonderful, I bet it would be great on a Starry, Starry Night, though if walking rather than driving I would have to loosen my load, though it would be good to Take it easy. Guess I need to see the East too possibly a Sweet Home (in) Alabama. All the very best Johnny 👍

[@GC-Hiker]

@@johnnywarnerperfectroad66 Oh boy, the hit songs of our youth!

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

Hey GC 👋 I so agree with you! Knowing our time is coming makes each time out there more sweet. I know over the last decade I have done hikes that I won't be able to do at some point in the future. The 10 mile hike we did in Pictured Rocks this summer was one I practiced all spring for. It is probably one of the best hikes of my life, one I don't think I will get to do again. I enjoyed your trek through the GC here, as someone who knows their limits, I would not ever be able to do this. So I enjoy watching those that can. The views and colors are beautiful, and what a nice waterfall. Your advice is always solid. I can't tell you how many falls trekking poles have saved me from over the last several years. I'm so happy that you were able to push through and do the entire trek! Well Done 👏 ✔️ You don't look 10 years older, just a bit tanner.😊

[@GC-Hiker]

LOL, flattery will get you everywhere. I do think I looked 20 years older, but it was worth it! I would bet you are younger than me, and I only started hiking Grand Canyon in my late 50's, so you never know what you may be able to do! I will eventually do a video entitled "hike to live," which explains how I got started. It was tough for me to accept hiking poles, but they are a necessity now. It is one of the accommodations of aging. The scenery in the Autumn on North Rim is the best. If you drive-in the Aspens are spectacular. I used to try to make it to the East Coast now and then for the colors, but they are just as good right here in the West! I always appreciate your kind comments and your love of adventure. Thank you for watching!

[@hiker1658]

Thank you so much for this video. What an adventure! I know exactly what you're talking about when your back spasms and you can do nothing but lie there and moan. I hope you get relief and have many more hikes.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks, I have been home for almost two weeks now, and I am still having back problems. But I have faith that I will be back on the trail--I have a hike scheduled in two weeks, so hopefully I will make it. Thank you for watching.

[@melbanks2271]

Very admirable. I am impressed. Good job and great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thank you for watching.

[@mtkk22]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. It gave me alot of positive motivation!

[@GC-Hiker]

Aw, thanks, some people complain I am too negative, but I just try to be honest. I appreciate your comment.

[@denniswoods3700]

Thank you for all of your tips for us older hikers. I especially appreciate your philosophy of life and death, which seems to be: death is certain, but life is what you make of it. Very inspiring!

[@GC-Hiker]

Thank you. I know the acknoledgement of mortality is not popular, especially on KZbin, but it is something I contemplate daily. And my conclusion is the best course is to live while you can and to make the best of what you have. Thanks for your comment.

[@fredculver7401]

Congratulations you did a great job. I did it at 64 I said if I make to seventy and have my health I will do it again have a year to go

[@GC-Hiker]

Thank you. Hopefully I will see you on the trail!

[@mccandrew52]

Congratulations on pushing through. I am 71 and just did the Rim-to-Rom (North Kaibab trail down and Bright Angel trail up the south side) on June 2. It went well. Temps were close to 100 in the Furnace (Bright Angel from the river to Havasupai Gardens. Temps were 93 at Phantom ranch about 11:30 am and 91 at Havasupai Gardens at 3800 feet after the Furnace section. The keys were a lot of electrolytes and soaking my shirt regularly in the streams that are still running in June.

[@GC-Hiker]

Congratulations on an incredible hike, I happened to be on the trail the same day on a rim to river hike. It was pretty darned hot, and I was probably up the trail a bit ahead of you. People underestimate the effects of the heat. Congratulations on surviving and thriving along the trail!

[@Starfish2145]

You’re lucky. Two people have died in the canyon this year so far. Much younger than you. A 48-year-old died near Havasu Falls. I certainly hope you didn’t attempt RTR in one day.

[@GC-Hiker]

@@Starfish2145 There have been three heat related deaths at the Canyon in the past month. so the risk is real. I agree that people should be aware of the risks and take precautions to stay safe. I don't think anyone wants to die hiking.

[@mccandrew52]

@@Starfish2145 Thank you for your post. The Rim-2-Rim season usually ends about June 5, so we were close to the end of that time. After that, temperatures can get really hot in the lower reaches the canyon. The season picks up again around October 1. We did the hike in 1 day. We started preparing in January, including multiple hikes of 15+ miles with a lot of up and down. In May we also prepared in hotter weather, which we can do because we live in Phoenix. We were very diligent about water and electrolytes and took many opportunities to soak ourselves with water to cool down using evaporative cooling in the low humidity. I did a Rim-2-River-2-Rim in 1 day last year (South Kaibab down and Bright Angel up - about 18 miles),. It was 92 degrees at the bottom, and so I had an idea of what to expect.

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Amazing views.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thank you!

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

I think your philosophy and positive outlook are fantastic. The fact that you layout turnaround points shows the experience and trekking poles are a must in my book. They won't stop every fall, but they do stop most falls. Great hike, and thanks for sharing. New Subscriber.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks for subscribing. I did use the turn-around points on my most recent hike. I used to think it was a failure when I did not complete a hike, now I accept it as an accomodation of the realities of life. Thanks for your comments.

[@jeffroma56]

Thank you for sharing your story here. I was in the US in May this year and we ended up at 5 or 6 of the National Parks on a short 4 week road trip. When we got to the Grand Canyon (after Yosemite, Death Valley, Zion, etc) we were new to the 'going down is optional, coming back up is mandatory' mantra, so tried out as far as the Havasupai Gardens and return the first day. My sons were keen to go to the river and return the next day, but were a bit worn out and agreed to the Hermits trail as an alternative instead. Being the 'old' one of the party I was okay with them not pushing themselves and was certainly not going to try it myself. Since returning to Australia, I can't seem to shake a sense of being almost homesick for the incredible hiking trails that we enjoyed while visiting the US, and find myself thinking of how I can get back there again, almost despairing that soon I may be too old. Plenty of diagnosed health issues too, which funnily enough didn't seem to surface at all whilst hitting the hiking trails. Your story here has renewed my hope that I can continue to plan, train, keep in shape, and keep an eye out for the next opportunity to get over there and enjoy a south to north (or vice versa) rim hike. Again, thank you.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks, it is comment like yours that make producing these videos worthwhile. Some people visit the Grand Canyon once, check it off their bucket list, and move on. However, others are touched by it, and seek to return. I am one of those, and probably you are too. Too see the Grand Canyon in the various seasons and to test your ability against the Canyon is a constantly varying experience. And, at least to me, one that keeps me more healthy. I never thought I would publicly share my health issue with others, but for better or worse, I did so in my "hike to live" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6fCiWiinrR8na8 I hope you will follow your heart and pursue the rim to rim experience, even if it involves some effort and inconvenience. Life is short and sometimes you need to follow your heart. Thanks so much for your comment and best of luck to you in your adventures.

[@OtisSmith-d8x]

Thank you for taking us along on this hybrid of a trail guide and adventure video. Congratulations on your success and best of luck next year.

[@GC-Hiker]

There is a competition between motivation and the realities of aging for me. I will hopefully try at least two rim to rim to rim hikes this season, but I also acknowledge that this could be the last year I do them. Thank so much for watching and for your encouraging words.

[@FrankOldfield]

Good job and excellent video. Thank you.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate your comments.

[@daily-traveler]

와. 이렇게 멋진 곳을 걸어가시나요. 정말 멋진 곳이군요. 20:43

[@GC-Hiker]

I agree, it truly is a wonderful place!

[@colleenrenegar7770]

Great job, I know how hard it is to keep going every day when battling the C word. Watched my husband do it for 14 years. I hope you get better and can continue enjoying life, you are right life is short. I am 63 and you inspire me that I could hike rim to rim. Thanks for the video. Also, you have great looking legs. lol

[@GC-Hiker]

LOL, thanks! I think as long as one understands they will not be as fast as they used to be, going rim to rim is very doable. For now, my health is very good, it is just the after effects of the chemo (joint pain, etc.) that seems to slow me down the most. Let me know if you make the hike!

[@DaveHoffmancowboyhiker]

You are amazing!! I'm 48 and hoping to be able to get through the canyon half as good as you do it! I have a permit for thanksgiving. Dealing with a torn rotator cuff and hoping I don't have to cancel.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks. The weather should be great around Thanksgiving, so I hope your health will allow the hike! The Canyon is spectacular any time of year, but it will likely be pretty cold when you start the hike. Good luck!

[@xihuantiyu]

You are inspirational. I am always interested in Rim to Rim. But I also have all kinds of doubts. You proved you can do it if you are determined enough. Great job

[@GC-Hiker]

Thank you. It does take some effort and planning, but it is also very doable. I hope you have the opportunity to make the hike!

[@behindenemylines9033]

Great video, very inspiring.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks for watching!

[@LetswalkaroundGothenburg3]

Nice my friend, thank for sharing. Have a great day🙏🙏👌👌🌹🌹😁😁

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@rickwasmer89]

Great video! Five days before your hike I completed my first R2R, I'm 66 and I am so glad I did it! I'm from Ohio and when we got there I was still on the fence, not sure if I should give it a go, and the lady at the info center strongly discouraged the idea, lol. But I decided to go and it went pretty well. The last 5 miles were tough but I learned a lot and would love to try a R2R2R. I went down south Kaibab and up north Kaibab. Thanks for the video, brings back some great and some not so great memories :).

[@GC-Hiker]

Congratulations on your success! On every R2R, I swear it will be my last until I get home and start planning the next one, you may find yourself in the same boat. For your first R3, you might consider a night in the hotel on the opposite rim, which is what I do. The return trip, after you have done it one way, is not so much of a challenge, and I generally do it a bit more slowly and savor the Canyon more. See you on the trail!

[@CharlesVenable-fd6gz]

I’m wondering about a pack. Never saw you with one on this trek except sitting next to you.

[@GC-Hiker]

Perceptive question. I share carrying the pack with my hiking companion, the microphone works much better when there is no pack noise involved. But on this hike, the deal was if I could make the hike, I would have to do very little pack carrying. That is probably One of the biggest reasons I did not make the hike back. Hopefully, next year, my back will be much better.

[@GabBanks]

Beautiful scenery and an inspiring journey. Thank you for the video.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thank you!

[@EmmaWarick]

This is a very helpful video. I appreciate it. Thank you for sharing.

[@GC-Hiker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CatherineThomas-bs1xt]

This video has been so helpful to me for my upcoming hike at Grand Canyon next month and I just want to thank you for sharing your own experience and expertise on this video. Thank you so much and great work.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks for watching!

[@hikingwithchris]

Thanks for sharing!

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks for watching!

[@NO-background-music-in-videos.]

Loved this.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks so much! (and no background music!)

[@theicangram]

SSSssooo incredible and inspirational! I plan to spend quite a bit of time in the Grand Canyon over the next couple years and hope to do at least one rim to rim.

[@GC-Hiker]

Congratulations, I hope you make the hike, it does give an enormous feeling of accomplishment, and the Canyon is spectacular! Best of luck to you!

[@gbosearcher336]

Loved this. Thanks for sharing. I hiked about a mile down Bright Angel a few years ago with my husband. Can’t do it anymore.

[@GC-Hiker]

It is a lovely hike and there are still so many remaining nice hikes along the paved rim trail. I know some day my hiking days will end, but I will enjoy them while I can. Thank you for your comment.

[@JT_70]

My wife and I, both over 70, hiked a mile on Bright Angel earlier this month. I want to go back and do a R2R or R2river2R but I’ll need at least 6 months to get in shape and prepare.

[@DouglasKubler]

Great video and inspiration for an older guy. Obviously the camera wasn't run by a robot, who did the work of carrying water and gear for 2? His story would be worth a video in itself.

[@GC-Hiker]

Agreed. The cameraperson elects to stay off-camera. In fact, when I started the channel, I wanted the same thing too, but I figured it needed a face, so here I am. I will pass along your message.

[@chrisj8764]

Sure is a spectacular hike! Kudos for doing this in a day! Am around your age (a little older) but not sure about using poles; the only place I use them is when going up or down steep scree slopes, when they are extremely helpful. But I agree with watching every step, especially when tired.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks, we are all built differently, I never had great balance and the poles keep me from falling, but I am glad you do not need them. But the damage possible from a fall seems to me to increase with age. Glad to hear you are still hiking successfully, and as for me, I think I will skip the scree slopes. I did it when I was younger, but packed trails are the best way for me now. Thanks for your comment.

[@RogerBank-o9j]

I really enjoyed this video very much. Great tips and thank you for sharing. Good job.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thank you!

[@msromike123]

I'm 66 and going to try this in the fall. I think I will try to one or two overnight campgrounds, just to break this up.

[@GC-Hiker]

Makes sense, you have to carry more, but you get a longer break. Do check the process for getting a permit to stay at the campgrounds.

[@msromike123]

@@GC-Hiker My initial plan would be S Kaibab to Bright Angel Campground then Cottonwood Campground, then up and out. If the stars align. If I can't get any campground permit, I'll just try for a 3 day use permit. S Kaibab to Horn Creek on Tonto the first night, and then just push straight up to N rim in one shot from Horn Creek. Don't know anything about this, but that's the plan Google AI and I came up with. If you have suggestions I am all ears.

[@GC-Hiker]

@@msromike123 I may be hiking to Horn Creek this weekend, so I will post a video if I do. There are those that ignore the permit issue and camp back country, or some who plan to hike straight through and then overnight it on an emergency basis. Horn Creek would add six miles to your hike, so you might as well just come down from the rim (4.5 to Havasupai Garden) and then just hoof it to NR saving 1.5 miles! South Kaibab is a tough trail to go down for people of a certain age (me!) so you might want to consider Bright Angel if it is open. If you do not get the permit, you could just hike through in one shot. There are lots of videos about older hikers doing it, watching them might give you confidence. Hopefully I will be on the trail in 2025, about the same age as you.

[@msromike123]

@GC-Hiker can't wait for the Horn Creek video. I appreciate your input.! I was thinking of S Kaibab just because of better views, but if is too tough, I just need to be realistic.

[@GC-Hiker]

@@msromike123 To be honest, I meet countless older hikers who regret going down South Kaibab when Bright Angel was an option. But it all depends on your health and your knees. I will go down it a few times this Winter because Bright Angel is closed to the river until 5/15, so I will let you know how it goes with another year on the odometer. Horn Creek hike looking pretty likely, I was monitoring the weather, but looks like 20% chance of snow, so not too bad.

[@JanePorto-qk8wr]

Great tips. Thank you for sharing.😊

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks for watching!

[@BrianWeekley]

Awesome video. Thanks so much.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks for watching!

[@Starfish2145]

Nobody except endurance athletes should attempt this in one day. Lots of people end up in the emergency room or dead trying to do it in one day. 2-3 nights. Take your time and enjoy it!

[@GC-Hiker]

A funny story, I chatted with a family at Cottonwood one day, the father had been a runner and said he never even knew there were campgrounds along the trail, he had been so focused on the run. There is real merit in slowing down and enjoying the Canyon. Thank you for your comment.

[@OldBrownDog]

I talked with you last spring 6 months ago I'm still training for GC maybe but I got a distill bicep repair last month took 2 weeks off, back on the trail now 👍

[@GC-Hiker]

Hopefully the training will go well!

[@travelingfool9096]

bright angle was open when I was there June 24

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks, yes, I made this about a year ago. Bright Angel closed, then re-opened, and now it is scheduled to close again about October 21, 2024 to May 14, 2025.

[@roydoncrerar2852]

The Grand Canyon is truly spectacular. ❤

[@GC-Hiker]

Agreed. I never tire of it.

[@OliverPlan]

Great video, thank you 👍

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks for watching!

[@FinHannah]

Great video.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thank you.

[@nwsvndr]

When is your October, 2024 hike? I'm a little older than you and am going to give it a try in early Oct (and possibly come back for the return leg in mid Oct).

[@GC-Hiker]

The weather is suprisingly hot this October, it is normally below freezing on North Rim, but now it is in the 50's. I hope to be on the trail soon and I am currently finalizing my plans. If you can stay in the Lodge, you can get both legs of the hike done in a single trip. I hope to see you out on the trail!

[@nwsvndr]

@@GC-Hiker Thanks! Just did SK to NK. Didn't break any speed records, but a great experience. I think to do R3, I'd want two nights on the north rim, so I could start at 3 am both times (otherwise, you get so little sleep for multiple nights in a row).

[@GC-Hiker]

@@nwsvndr I have done it with one and two night stays, and the two night is the better way for me. With one night, by the time you re-supply at the general store, you get only a few hours sleep, and then you are back on the trail again. With two nights, you get some sleep and a bit of recovery and relaxation time. Congratulations on your successful hike!

[@JT_70]

Congrats! You’re an inspiration. If you were solo hiking, who was handling the camera?

[@GC-Hiker]

Not a solo hike, the cameraperson prefers to stay off camera and be unindentified!

[@KvichakSmith]

Totally relate dude!!

[@GC-Hiker]

Thank you.

[@seraj3158]

You did great! Good luck for your Rim-Rim--Rim hike. What was total timing on this hike??

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks, I think with the challenges, it ran about 13;45, but I am working from memory. I was just happy to make it. Only three months to the next hike, so I need to start getting in shape! Thank you for watching.

[@GenX_-um2ct]

The men in our family all 3 generations of us did the hike in 2015. My dad would have been 65, I was 39, my brother was 34, my oldest son was 17, my youngest son was 16, and my nephew was 9. We did well until we got to the bottom, and then my dads knees started to fail him as he had been taking statins due to a mild heart attack he had at 60. We were all in shape too, but getting to the bottom of that basin was all we could do. Good thing we were able to rent a cabin and start out in the morning. We started out early the next day and made it back up. Great experience that should be done in 2 days.

[@GC-Hiker]

Wow, that must have been quite a memorable hike for all involved! Having a cabin at Phantom definately helps, thank goodness one opened up! I am probably hard-headed, but I will be on the trail again if all goes well in 2024. Thanks so much for sharing your experience!

[@sean9957]

Hi, I started to watch your video to gauge what is considered an "older" hiker. I see a comment saying you look great for 85. I'm assuming this comment is an exaggeration or joke, as there's absolutely no way you're 85 or even close to it. Hoping to inquire about your true age, as I find it helpful to use as a reference point. Thanks!

[@GC-Hiker]

I am 65. The 85 reference was to a joke that you age 20 years going rim to rim.

[@birdman5223]

U R The Man 😱

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks, you are too kind. I probably should not have made the hike, but somehow I survived. Hopefully the next one will be better.

[@Starfish2145]

Those mules do not go to Supai. Supai is on the Havasupai reservation and by the way, they are abused and neglected. Never rent the Pack mules or horses on the Havasupai reservation at Havasu Falls.

[@GC-Hiker]

I should have clarified that the mules were at "Supai Tunnel" on North Kaibab Trail. I am no fan of the mules or of their presence on the trail. I do have another video called, "I hate mules." kzbin.info/www/bejne/raOvqJdrgdmGmbM

[@melbanks2271]

❤

[@GC-Hiker]

Thank you!

[@alienxyt]

how old are you?

[@GC-Hiker]

65

[@DouglasKubler]

@@GC-HikerTo answer your question at the end of the video, "No, you look 65!" Congratulations

[@GC-Hiker]

@@DouglasKubler Aw shucks, that is so kind.

[@VictorBick-nq1pv]

😊

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks for watching!

[@ll1881ll]

Wow dude , you are a bright ray of sunshine, not .

[@GC-Hiker]

Chronic pain and physical challenges do affect one’s perspective. But I think my personality is pretty much set with or without these. I am who I am, and at this point in my life, I probably will not change. There are plenty of other perspectives on this hike.

[@ll1881ll]

You should complain more

[@GC-Hiker]

Point taken. We all have different challenges and different approaches to dealing with them. This is mine. There are plenty of travel logs that have beautiful pictures of this hike, and plenty of younger, more competent hikers who knock it off without a problem. Those may well be better suited to you.