Pam Rowland from Hager Hill, United States shares Grand Canyon Experience
Pam Rowland from Hager Hill, United States provides insight into a Grand Canyon Trip. Pam shares perspective on the best Grand Canyon attractions and things to do in Grand Canyon. See some incredible photos of Grand Canyon South Rim and surrounding area too!
From Landscapes and wildlife to history and adventure, what’s the one thing about the Grand Canyon that has intrigued you?
The Colorado River, I cannot wait to raft the Colorado through the Canyon. Hopefully, my next adventure.
If this is your first visit to Grand Canyon, what motivated you to visit? If this is a revisit, what’s your reason for wanting to come back?
This was my first visit and my #1 Bucket List item. Hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim.
What are five things your Backpack to the Canyon must contain?
Water
Food
Sunscreen
First Aid Kit
Camera
What is the best way to get to the Grand Canyon – By Air, By Road or By Rail? Why?
We flew to Phoenix by way of Vegas and rented a car in Phoenix. Flying over the Canyon gave a spectacular view. The road trip from Phoenix was scenic and offered a different perspective. I haven’t traveled by rail so can’t offer an opinion but would love to some day. I would love to have the time to do a long road trip since you get to see so much more of the country.
What is travel to you in one word?
Adventure
What are three tips for an awesome budget trip to the Grand Canyon?
Camp
Hike
Dehydrated meals
What type of camera did you bring? Any tips on shooting the Grand Canyon?
What surprised you about the Grand Canyon?
Temperature changes between the North & South Rim and Phantom Ranch.
For the question below about ranking the Canyon as a travel destination . . . I am choosing 1 hoping that means best.
As a travel destination, how would you rank the Grand Canyon from 1 to 10?
1
Tell us a little about yourself!
Hello, my name is Pam Rowland. I’m 52 years old and I’m an adrenaline junkie.
I have been married for 35 yrs. and have 1 son. We live in a very small town in eastern Kentucky. In 2005 we went white water rafting on the Chattooga in northern Georgia and ended up swimming out of a class IV rapid. It was a major adrenaline rush and my idea of a fun vacation changed from that point on.
I have been fascinated with the Grand Canyon for a long as I can remember. Two years ago I read an article about hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim and my initial thought was there was no way I could do it, I was too old and I wouldn’t physically be able to complete the trip. Then I begin to say why can’t I, other people older than I have done it; so the only thing stopping me was me. I mentioned my plans to some friends from high school and 2 were intrigued with the idea and we began researching what we needed to do to make the trip happen . . . and we began training.
March 2014, 14 months before our planned departure we began walking on a local trail. At first we were only walking 1 mile at most but by the end of summer we were hiking 6-8 miles over strenuous terrain regularly. We discovered Red River Gorge in Slade, KY and made it a frequent destination for our hikes. There, we have climbed Indian Staircase, Cloud Splitter and Half Moon along with many other trails, formations and arches. Oh, did I mention that I had a severe fear of heights, lol. Once I climbed Half Moon and hiked it’s full length I knew I had overcome my fear to the point I would be able to hike the Canyon.
June 1st 2014, going on faith, I booked reservations at Phantom Ranch and Maswik Lodge for 3 soon to be 52 year old women; 2 Postal Workers and 1 retired Teacher. On May 28th 2015 we flew out of Louisville, KY wearing hiking boots and carrying backpacks as we headed for the biggest adventure of our lives . . . so far!!!
Pam Rowland
Hager Hill
Kentucky, United States
Please note: Photography on this page is copyright of Pam Rowland.
If you’d like to participate in our “Almost Famous” program and get your own page on our site, we’d love to have you! Visit the Almost Famous Entry Page and enter your details. We’ll review and post the page with 48 hours.
