The watch shows 5:15 am, temperature is -2 degree Celsius (29 degree Fahrenheit). We already packed our food and drinks to get ready for the South Kaibab Trailhead. Here Michael and I want to start our day trip.

Unfortunately I had a cold so we decided to do a short day trip and see how I will feel. At the Ooh Aah Point we enjoyed this eye popping sunrise and continued downwards to the Skeleton Point. Several times mules with relaxed tourists were passing us.

Starting from 2213 m (7260 ft) elevation we got down to 1865 m (6120 ft) already after one hour. We were surprised since they estimated for this round trip 4-6 hours. Day hiking down and up to the Colorado River is NOT recommended but since we feel great we want to see the river.

Sarah and Nathan had told us about their crazy hike down and up in one day. So we stand in front of the wild Colorado River and it is just amazing. So we decide to go up on the Bright Angel Trail because they have several stops with drinking water.

People we passed called us mules or power hikers but we feelt incredible. It took us 7.5 hours for 27.5 km (17.5 miles) and 3000 m (10 000 ft) elevation change. Maybe it is easier to go down first and than up. It feels weird since you normally climb the mountain first. See the pictures and follow the red line, this is our “day”-hike.

We had seen already two sunsets and wandered around the south rim but to get a feeling for this canyon you have to do some hiking.

Our highlight was flying over the Grand Canyon with a small airplane – thanks to Rita und Dieter. I did this already in 1998 with my dad and my sister and I just remembered how mind blowing it was.

And we had a bilker on board– the Schoemer-girls’ bird was enjoying the flight.

With the Grand Canyon for Rita and Dieter a dream came true. Bye bye Grand Canyon with its inspiring landscape, deep Canyon (1.6 km or 1 mile), wild Colorado River (446 km long or 277 miles) and colorful rock layers.