Prelude to the Arizona Trail

It's just two weeks from my next big trip. Nine days backpacking on the Arizona Trail from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon followed by two nights partying in Las Vegas.

This trip came about by the Raleigh Trail Runners organizing a trip to the Grand Canyon to trail "run" from the south rim to the north rim (21 miles). Some even doing both ways (42 miles). These folks will depart the south rim the day I hike back from the north rim. Hopefully, I will see them all to cheer them on.

As the majority of this hike is at around 6,500 feet elevation I anticipate the nights to get below freezing.

I intend to post on-trail updates on facebook as I go, but don't expect the worst if these don't come.

Highlights I anticipate

Not seeing a soul for five days. No town, no civilization.
Sleeping under the Milky Way away from any light pollution.
Hiking rim to rim (north to south) in a single day.
Sleeping next to the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon
Manage obtaining enough water
Party with friends in Las Vegas

Concerns I have

Can I hike consistently 20 miles a day? Will the legs hold up?
Finding sufficient water (just minor concern)

Concerns I do not have

Wild animals and humans
Emergency situations. There should be cell phone reception and I have a satellite communicator

Anticipated itinerary

Day 0: Fly to Phoenix, take shuttle bus to Flagstaff, buy propane at REI, sleep in Motel
Day 1: Hike 20 miles to Alfa Fia Tank
Day 2: Hike 21 miles to East Cedar Tank
Day 3: Hike 20 miles to a wildlife water tank
Day 4: Hike 21 miles to another wildlife water tank
Day 5: Hike 20 miles to Tusayan town and eat until I puke
Day 6: Hike 7 miles to Grand Canyon south rim Mather Campground
Day 7: Hike 9 miles down the canyon to Bright Angel Campground
Day 8: Hike 12 miles up to the north rim and sleep at North Rim Lodge (1st non-tent night)
Day 9: Hike 21 miles from north rim to south rim and see all the fabulous Raleigh Trail Runners
Day 10: Ride to Las Vegas and party !!!!! (2nd non-tent night)
Day 11: Wake up with hangover and tiger and party some more
Day 12: Early in the morning fly back to Raleigh

Finally, some related photos from previous trips: