Cindylu's Grand Canyon Adventure

“I was excited about this day hike down the Grandview. I hadn't been in the Grand Canyon since December, and this was my boyfriend Wayne's first hike below the rim. The weather was clear and promised warmth. We started down the trail about 8:30. We made steady progress, stopping here and there for a drink and a short rest, or just to take in the view. Some friends had spent the last night of their hike at Horseshoe Mesa, and were hiking out. We were to meet them on our way down. It was a trip I would have loved to join, but was unable to. We decided to hike down for the day, and meet them on their way out. We met them in various groups. We found Mary and Robert, and their granddaughter Katie about two miles down, in the Supai. We talked for a while, and then headed down to meet the last of the group.

Then the unexpected happened. Just a few minutes after we left Mary and Robert my right foot slipped off a rock. I had already started stepping up with my left, so my full weight fell on my right foot as it fell about a foot and slid along the loose rock, bending my foot outward. I knew something serious had happened right away. I didn't feel pain, but there was a shock and a numbness I'd never experienced before. I looked, and saw that my entire foot just above the ankle was displaced about an inch, and was twisted outward in an unnatural way. I sat down in the trail. Wayne ascertained that I was okay for the moment, and ran back up the trail to catch Mary and Robert. Meanwhile JJ and Carolina came up the trail and found me sitting in the trail gripping my foot. Soon Mary, Robert, Katie, Bill, and Wayne were there too.

The group immediately became an emergency response team. Bill took a GPS reading so the rescue crew would know exactly where we were. After a short discussion, it was decided where best at the top to get help, and then JJ was on his way to the rim to summon help. Then the group got to work making me comfortable in every way possible. They pulled out their sleeping pads to slip under me, and placed packs around me to support me, while I held my foot in the position which caused the least pain. Someone gave me a codeine pill. The pain was not yet unbearable, but was growing. At first the sun was welcome, because it was keeping me warm. So they put sunblock on exposed skin. Later when it was hotter they rigged a tarp to shade me. They helped other hikers find safe ways around the blocked trail. They discussed the possible actions and rescue plans, and how best we could prepare and be ready to help the rangers once they arrived. All of this action did much more for me than just ease my discomfort. They all seemed to know just what to do, and that helped me to stay calm. I could see I didn't have to worry about anything. I could concentrate on my job of keeping pain from overtaking me, and I could stay in touch with my condition so I could report it accurately.

Four hours after the accident three rangers arrived. Four hours might seem like a long time, but considering the time for JJ to reach the rim, locate the right people, and for the rescue team to gather and hike down to our location, it's clear to me that no one wasted any time. My personal emergency team turned over control to the rescuers. The rangers immediately set about assessing my condition and the rescue options. They very carefully put a Sam splint with ice packs on my ankle. My pain diminished immediately. They decided that the two options were assisting me the mile to the Mesa to the helicopter, or performing a short-haul, lifting me along with a ranger off the trail on a rope and taking us to the Mesa. It was soon apparent that walking me down was not feasible, and they began preparation to short-haul me to the Mesa.

Greg Moore was the SAR member present that was qualified in short-haul, and he put on his flight gear. Communications took place with the rim to set up the helicopter operations. During some of the wait times, Greg carefully explained to me what would be happening, and what I would need to do. We also talked a lot about hiking and rock climbing. All three rangers answered each of our questions patiently and fully. By the time I was hooked in a harness and ready to be raised I had complete confidence in them and I was not a bit scared. In fact, I very much enjoyed the trip from the trail to the Mesa, far above the canyon below. I had a full panoramic view from a vantage point few people ever get. It was definitely the "A" ride that Greg promised me. I'm not sure how long the ride was, but it seemed like only a minute or two. Soon Greg and I were being lowered onto the Mesa, and we touched the ground very gently. I sat on the ground while the helicopter was prepared for takeoff. I was helped into the helicopter, given a helmet and buckled into a seat, and given an emergency procedure briefing. Then we were on our way.

Soon I was at the helipad, where an ambulance waited. Mary and Robert were there too, to see me off. Wayne was still on his hike out, along with Carolina. They had both stayed down until the helicopter left. The ride to the Flagstaff hospital was rough. The bumpy road caused me more pain than anything had so far, but there was morphine at the ready to ease it. We changed ambulances halfway. The first one needs to stay close to the Canyon. Then I was finally at the hospital. X-rays revealed a "trimalleolar ankle fracture dislocation." I was sedated while the foot was straightened, then later surgery was performed to install a plate and some screws. The surgeon said that the bones fit back together perfectly and that I could be hiking again by June. I was released Tuesday into the capable hands of Mary and Robert. Wayne will come to take me home on Thursday. I will be out of work for two to three weeks, and on crutches for two months.

I will be missing two planned Grand Canyon hikes, one in April to Thunder River, and a New Hance trip in May. Well, those places will still be there when I am ready to do them!

I cannot say enough about how terrific the rescue and helicopter teams are. They are definitely world-class. I believe I received the best possible rescue from these terrific people. And my own friends were absolutely terrific, too. Thank you all so very much!

Cindy”

“Wow...some adventure, Cindylu. I hope I never have to go through one like that. Speedy recovery!”

“Having gone through a break and ankle dislocation last summer, I know how it feels. Keep thinking good thoughts, crack some jokes, and look forward to getting back on the trail. When that day does come, and it will, you will be pleased to no end.

My ankle still gives me some trouble, but I am hiking again and slowly pushing my limits back to where they should be. Takes time, but it's a slice of life.

Heal quickly.”

“Hiya CindyLu. You were obviously with a very competent group of people. It sounds like everyone did everything right.

Hope your back on your feet in no time!”

“So that's the story?? C'mon, what were you and Wayne REALLY DOING?!?? ;-) LOL”

“Backpacking, 99.9% of the time is Not "Adventure". It's only an extended walk with some camping involved.
I usually don't even open a thread if the word "Adventure" is used because as it turns out, "Adventure" is the last thing to describe a typical trip. I've been backpacking, rock climbing, Caving, hiking, ect for 15 years. Not once have I been through anything I'd consider "Adventure".

However, When a helicopter has to be called in to haul your ass out because of broken bones, That is the makings of "Adventure".

Get Well Soon Cindy!!”

“Glad to hear you are out and sorta about. I do not think you could be in better hands than MaryPhyl and Roberts. They are exceptionally good people. Heal quickly the trails await!”

“Cindy Lu Who, Who Was No More Than Two”

“woah. Too much excitement for this cowboy, <G>

Get Well Soon!”

“I hope your up and around as quick as possible. June will be here before you know it. When you get out there again, it will be sweeter than ever. Best of luck !!”

“Thanks for the report! Glad you had good people around you!”

“What good fortune to have so many people, right there, who knew just what to do! Your "trip report" is like a lesson in accident response. Thanks for writing it up Cindylu.”

“a broken ankle all black and blue.

Get better, the trail awaits...

in time, the wound will heal and you can plan lots more dates...”

“I bet that chopper ride was almost worth a busted ankle... get better soon”

“Well. I do not recommend it...

But woooohoooo that really was a helluva terrific ride!!!!”

“From today's Morning Report:

Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)
Search and Short-Haul Rescue



On March 30th, a 51-year-old woman from Arizona went on a day hike down the Grandview Trail. At a point about three miles down, the took a misstep and felt her ankle give way. Other hikers ascending the trail reported her injury via cell phone. Coconino County SO dispatch received the call and relayed the information to the park communications center. A park team descended to her and found that she was resting comfortably. She was treated by ranger Brian Bloom, who determined that she had a possible closed fracture of the right ankle and stabilized it with a splint. An effort was made to help her hike out to Horseshoe Mesa, but it was stopped due to the difficulty of the terrain and concerns that the injury might be aggravated. A litter carryout was ruled out due to the steep slopes above and below the trail, the rocky and uneven terrain, and the potential for injury to rescuers. The park helicopter accordingly lifted her out by short-haul. Ranger Greg Moore was her attendant, helitack/firefighter Mark Murray served as spotter, and Greg Haufle flew the helicopter. The woman was taken to a landing spot on Horseshoe Mesa, where helitack/firefighter Jay Lusher was managing the helispot. She was then evacuated to the rim and transferred to an ambulance. Ranger KJ Glover was IC.
[Submitted by Jennifer Flynn, Backcountry Supervisor]”

“How's about that 15 minutes of fame? <GRIN>”

“Congatulations CindyLu, you surely earned it!”

“Neat-O!”

“Wow!

That's a big hole to be broken down in!

Was the bird a smooth ride, or did it go "Whump-whump" bounce-bounce, like a Huey?”

“Sorry to hear of your injury on your hike. Glad you were successfully extricated with care and profesionalism. That's what we are here for.

PS, Brian didn't flirt with you did he?"”

“can't really remember. but I don't think it whump-whumped.
And Brian didn't flirt. but he DID remove my sock.

there are some picture links on
this page
Got staples removed today and fitted with a "fracture boot". Ever so much more comfortable :)”

“OH MAN!! That's one funky looking leg in the 'Brian applies ice packs' picture.”

“Cindy, ya doing pretty good these days?? Hope so!! :-)

All these photos reminds me of when my long-ago ex broke his leg motocrossing. I happened to be right at the corner where it happened WITH CAMERA. He stuck his foot out to plant with going around a tight corner, somehow ended up falling over in slow mo and another motocrosser ran over his leg.


I had photos of that. PLUS photos of the ambulance crew cutting off his leather boot (long enough ago it was leather, not high tech plastics), etc.

Hmmmmmm, he took all those in the divorce. You go figure!! LOL!”

“hey Cindy Lu!

Awesome pics!! Not too many people have such an eclectic hiking album. LOL

Get well soon.”

“I am off crutches! I have a "walking boot" and I'm using a cane some of the time, but I don't need to around home. I'm back to my regular work. If you can call working at Target anything close to "regular work".
I am gonna go hiking and try climbing this weekend. it's a short hike, but rocky.
In a month I will get to go without the walking boot and put my hiking boot on again. No physical therapy. Just hiking and walking a lot!”

“cindy, congratulations! i hope i'll get to meet you again this year, and that i don't turn out to be bad luck twice!”

“Cindy:
"note to myself. STay away from tarbubblebaby"

LOL!!”

“Glad to hear of your progressing recovery CindyLu”

“Great news! I was wondering about you.”

“Good news! Hope you have a fast recovery from here on out!”

“Cool. PT = hiking and walking! Maybe the doc could prescribe some really nice orthopedic boots on the insurance co's dime?”

“CindyLu, will be looking for a guide to take me down the Grandview Trail. When will you be up for it?

Glad your recovery is going well.”

“Don't listen to the doc - what does she/he know?

Belle's "sergry leg" doc said "Do not go on next month's Montanapalooza!" and I said "K" (as I shook my head 'no')...

Belle did fine - tho packless.

In fact, she didn't wear her pack again until last months TT Wilson Creek trip. That's a packless period of about 11 months.

Go easy on the rock hopping, and you probably might be okay... perhaps.”

“Today I got the okay to "wean" my foot off the walking boot. Put on a hiking boot. Walked maybe a couple of blocks total today. Feels pretty darn good! No pain, just kind of stiff and unyielding... and if I twist it too much, feels a bit like a sprain.
Wean? I think not. Cold turkey!!
Got a Colorado trip in July...(not a backpack, but a family visit with some hiking) and a Canyon hike in October.
I'm back on the trail, yippeee!”

“Hey Cindy LU - I'm really glad you are on the mend!”

“Goody, that's GREAT!!! :-)”

“That sounds like a fast recovery. Hooray!”

“Wow, time flies. It seems like it was just a couple of weeks ago I was reading 'bout the spill. Good Healing!”

“YAY! Good for you Cindylu!”

“Break a leg, kid!”

“Shut-up, Tom! LOL

Don't be a turkey like me... get some physical therapy.”

“BTW... check Snow Nymph's aerial Canyon pics!”

“Go soak yer head, Tilt!”

“It's about due for a good soaking....”

“....spin dry?”

“Yep. Watch out for the pea soup...”

“Not sure if I was ever listed on the injured reserve list, but I'm no longer on it if I was!
Four months ago I got a permit for an overnight in the Grand Canyon for my sweetie's birthday, not knowing if I would really be able to make it. But I sure wanted to.
Well, the day rolled around last weekend, and we ventured out. We had a permit for one night at Indian Garden. We decided it would be a lot more fun to go down the South Kaibab trail and up the Bright Angel instead of both down and up the Bright Angel. So Saturday morning bright and early we started down the South Kaibab, headed for Phantom Ranch, but willing to cut across the Tonto trail to Indian Garden if my ankle wasn't up to the trek all the way to the river.
We reached the tipoff, where the Tonto trail crossed the S. Kaibab, and I was still feeling good, so we continued down to Phantom Ranch. It took us 6-1/2 hours to get to the Ranch, a bit slower than it has taken me before. But that was as much due to Wayne's stopping to take pictures as it was to me stopping to rest. It was his first time down (except for the accident hike) and he was like a kid with a new toy. It's really fun to take a Canyon newbie on their first hike below the rim. You get to see things through new eyes, and you get to see that great first-timer enthusiasm.
We spent less than an hour at Phantom Ranch. We had lunch there and bought Phantom Ranch t-shirts and patches.
It was about 3 pm when we started out for Indian Garden. It's the second time I've hiked that section, and it is absolutely marvelous!! Once we hit the uphill, I suffered a bit from fatigued muscles, but we took our time and rested frequently, and finally made it to Indian Garden at 6 pm, just after sunset.
We had a great campsite, not far from water or toilet. We cooked a simple supper, and then got a great night's sleep under the stars. We didn't rush breaking camp in the morning, and got on the trail about 8 am. It took us 5 hours to get to the rim. It was a great hike out, but I was sure glad it wasn't any longer than it was!
My leg muscles were pretty sore the first part of this week, but not as bad as I expected, considering this was my first real hike since I broke the ankle. The farthest I've trekked til now is about 3 miles.
The 11-1/2 mile first day was probably more than I should have tackled, but I am extremely pleased that I was able to complete this hike. I don't think I want to do that much in a day in the Grand Canyon again, though. I would have liked to spend a lot more time stopping and looking.
No injuries to report this time. And Wayne finally got to see the river!”

“yay, cindy! i'm so glad to hear you've recovered so well and that you didn't let that canyon keep you away for long. congratulations!”

“Good for you! I'm so glad to hear the hike went well.”