Climbing down into the void

The day started off innocently enough.  25 college students and their TA were planning on taking a 3-mile hike down into the Grand Canyon, then back up in time to return to LA.  We got up extremely early so as to realize this goal, and my camera died on the hike down.  Grr.

When we reached a point that was about one-half mile from where we were supposed to turn around, a park ranger informed us that the temperature was going to get too high that day to go any further, as those who did may face serious health risks trying to climb back up.  We took his advice and turned around.

For some reason, I was unable to keep up with the others.  I thought this was strange, because I'm in fairly decent shape and haven't had any real problems with my physical condition before.   I soon found myself entirely incapable of breathing, and had to take very frequent - read every minute or so - breaks to catch my breath.  It was about 1pm, and the heat was getting to me as well.  If it wouldn't have been for my hiking partner Dave and his wonderful Gatorade with all of its electrolytes, I'm quite sure I would have passed out.

Long story short - I made it out alive, but just barely.  A doctor diagnosed me as having asthma the next week, and admonished me for having pushed myself like I did.  Not that I had much of a choice - when one is at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, one really doesn't have many other options than climbing back out.

Aside from almost dying, however, it was an amazing experience.  Next time I think I'll take a pack-mule so as to not strain my lungs on the climb out.  If you're asthma-free, though, I would definitely recommend taking this hike.  It's absolutely beautiful...I don't know quite how else to describe it.