KingJellyfish

the garden!

just go. you know you want to. you know why.

In May…well first of all, to book a cabin or site at Phantom Ranch, in the bottom, is maybe a two year waiting list, so you best sign up yesterday, or just kind of mosey your way into the personal life of an ex or current employee like yours truly. Anyway, first time doing this, so its not impossible in the least, pack a rucksack, probably 55-65 pounds when said and done, including dehydrated meals, sleeping pad, lanterns, socks, water, water, water, propane tank (very small) stove, etc, because unless you have a reservation, you must carry in and out all your own meals. Its rough, you need powerful boots, and a cheerful spirit, cuz that bitch gets warm. The experience was grueling, but rewarding on so many unexplainable levels, namely, that if you (5 days later, we stayed and hiked around the canyon a while) make it out without injury, which I did, but some of my party were less fortunate, you recieve a special look from tourists. As you gasp windblown, sunburnt, near death, uphill out of this marvelous massive hole that most are content to stare down with binoculars from the safety of the rim, the awestruck look and universal question “Did you come from the Bottom of that?!” that you recieve…priceless. When you look back, its an amazing feeling of overcoming overwhelming odds that will stay with you forever, and is worth ALL hardships. Granted there are many experiences one can have there. Some opt to have their bags carried down by mule seperately, some opt to hike at night, some stay in cabins, some (myself) pack down their own bag and/or tent…but the heftier the task IMO is all that much more rewarding. Go!

accompanied a loose conlomerate of local hip hop heads/artists and th Digable Planets, live band in tow. Stayed at the Haunted Hotel nearby, Bon Jovi room, engaged in merry dancing in and outside, the snow was fresh, the crowd vibrant. Enjoyed several days of jubilee.