A message from Sarah Snell our Community Fundraising Manager following her amazing Grand Canyon Trek with a team of fundraisers - Thank you to everyone who has supported me and the Merlin MS Centre - I have done the Grand Canyon Challenge and am back at work today (Thursday May 22). It was tough, but an amazing experience. Trekking the 10 miles into the Grand Canyon was hot, dusty and arduous, but despite a few blisters, aches and pains, we all managed to be at the campsite by the afternoon. No rest though as we then had to erect our tents and get our kit from the mules, before a well-deserved meal. Day 2 in the Canyon was the most challenging for me as we had to descend down a 200 ft drop to Mooney Falls using the rock face and chains to cling on. I am petrified of heights. so by the time I reached the bottom, my muscles had completely seized up. The eight miles of walking helped, but despite the beauty of the next falls I knew the only way back was the 200 ft climb out. I managed it, but never want to do that again!!! The final day was the climb out of the Canyon. We set off after an early 4.30am wake-up and the first two miles was a steep climb to the village of Supai where we filled up our water bottles - essential to carry 4 litres as there would be no water from now on. The next four or so hours was a case of putting your head down for the long trudge, before the final ascent and a steep climb to the rim of the canyon. By now it was hot and dusty - there was no view of the top until about one third of the way up where the pin pricks of people looking down seemed unreachable. Avoiding the mules who come trotting past you, seemingly with little effort, it took another 90 minutes to reach the rim and to a big cheer from those already there. I knew the feelings of elation would come soon, but for the moment I just felt nauseous and in pain from my back which was still suffering from the earlier 200 ft climb. It is a stunning, awesome place and a magical experience - a lovely bunch of trekkers and hugely supportive guides. Thank you to everyone that has given to my challenge - my challenge was small compared to the daily challenges face by people with Multiple Sclerosis so if you wish to make a donation you know it will be will go to a brilliant charity that makes a real difference to people living with MS. THANK YOU!
Posted on: Fri, 23 May 2014 09:22:02 +0000
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