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While going up the seemingly endless series of switchbacks, it helped for me to look back every now and then. It helped me to look at some point that seemed way below me and know that is what I had climbed. For others, this was discouraging. It seemed a bit silly to ignore beautiful scenery, since for me, that was the main point.

There were a few photo-ops as we got closer to the top. There’s the second-to-last arch before the top (cruelly confused with the last arch by many), mocking the Don’t Fall Down sign, and finally the unofficial finish line.

My legs were quite sore for a few days, but thanks to the cooler than forecast temps, I didn’t cramp up, and using Charles web site tips, I had no blisters. I would definitely do it again, and almost immediately started considering a rim-to-rim. I was told that, physically, it is not that much more difficult, but the logistics are kind of a hassle. The North Rim is a 4 ½ hour drive from the South Rim. The Rim To Rim To Rim is what some crazy people mentioned over the campfire, but I think that crossed the line from physically challenging to self-torture.