We use no mules on this trip. It is strictly a knapsack affair, meaning using our own feet with our own belongings, the most independent form of travel. Since this involves being on one's own for several days, planning of what to take is very important. Go light! The bus is ours for the entire weekend so we may leave any excess gear on it that we don't wish to carry.
WHAT TO BRING: Sleeping Bag (dawn preferable). It may be cold, at least upstairs!... Good knapsack w/ shoulder pads... Food for the four days, plan this at home. Dried foods fine since plenty of water at camp... Good hiking shoes- break in new ones before this trip... Mole skin or other anti-blister material... Rain gear in form of 3 ft. diameter plastic tube, 9 ft long. Bradley's in Pasadena sells 'em. Include a length of nylon line 20' long with 5 clothespins for tent making. Advise a plastic sheet made into a poncho for rain hiking. Do it on sewing machine at home-be sure it covers both you and knapsack. We can't forecast weather from this typewriter... Gloves... Canteen, preferably two... Insect dope in perfume vial... Razor blade(beats carrying a hunting knife)... Chapstick... Sunglasses... Small air mattress if you like 'em... Don't forget the T. paper... Broad-brimmed hat... Minimum canned goods. The cans make adequate utensils when desperate... Aluminum foil comes in handy... Bathing suit... For a more interesting trip bring a Topographic sheet (send 62¢ in stamps asking for Bright Angel Quadrangle to Westwide Maps, 114 W. 3rd St. LA 13. Here's an SC sked advertiser w/ one day service)... matches... Penlite flashlight W/ batts... And in addition to all this be sure and bring along a good disposition!
Now don't panic if you think you might not be able to climb out of the Canyon. There is, -as an ace in the hole, emergency mule service from the bottom, but the fee of $ 35 = keep walking.
There may be those who wish to eat a meal or two at Phantom Ranch. For meals only, we will send a group reservation at bus time. Dinner is $ 4, Breakfast $ Box Lunch $ 1.75.
For those wishing lodging and their meals (American Plan), it will be the duty of such hikers to make their own arrangements with Fred Harvey Hotels, 530 W. 6th St. in LA (MA7-8048). Don't forget, all this food is hauled down to Phantom by mule train. Lodging is $ 5-a night. There are no cots available for open-air campers.
Attention Fisherman: Bright Angel Creek is full of trout. Yes, we need non- resident Arizona licenses within the National Park. Fri May 31 will be trout day, about 10 miles of it. A 5-day trout license, Class B-C costs $ 5, while a one-day trout one. Class D, is $ 2. Apply beforehand @ License Division, Arizona Fish and Game Dept., 105 State Office Bldg., Phoenix 7, Arizona.
If the sound of this dramatic event sounds appealing, your reservation may be placed by sending a check, payable to Robert 0. Greenawalt, for $ 25.00. This covers round-trip bus transportation and holds a seat for you. Since bus holds but 38 knapsackers, it is very wise to get your bid in now.
Hope you can be with us to share our thrills.
ASS'T LEADER
GRAND CANYON TRAVERSE LEADER