Flagstaff, Arizona — Yesterday’s newspaper report that another Canyon hiker had bit the dust, this time by falling 70 feet (21.33 meters) into the waters of Glen Canyon Recreational Area, reminded me that ALL hikers need to use caution in Canyon Country. Unfamiliar territory, temperatures and weather conditions all take their toll on visitors and locals alike.
Earlier this month, while the 7-days All-Women’s River trip was getting their safety instructions, another hiker disappeared into the recesses of the Grand Canyon. They found his body while we were down there. Another hiker died on his Canyon hike the day after we pulled out. And now this 49-year old male falls off the side of a cliff while traversing an area of loose rock far above the Escalante River just off world-renown Lake Powell.
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel Tip
While in Canyon Country avoid dizziness by drinking lots of water and eating more food – especially salty snacks – than you normally ingest. Take caution and always watch your footing. Go with an adventure company that has a long history in the Canyon – like Canyoneers, the river company that outfitted and guided our 7-day Grand Canyon river rafting trip. Learn more at www.canyoneers.com
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Stacey Wittig is a Flagstaff travel writer.
Today I can’t stop exploring the world (I blame it on my father’s Viking blood) and write about my adventures – many as a solo woman traveler. Life isn’t always rosy; I lost my firecracker reasoning skill to head injury in a horrific rollover accident that should have taken my life. Brain injury hasn’t stopped me from traveling, although it sometimes makes for amusing travel antidotes that I hope you will enjoy. That’s why they call me “UNSTOPPABLE!”
