UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Marie's Challenge

The Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

The Grand Canyon - history and facts

The first successful boat trip down the Colorado River, through the Grand Canyon was made in 1869,

by Major John Wesley Powell and his party of nine. By the late 1900s, the spectacular beauty of the Canyon

 began to draw both visitors and businessmen alike.

The Grand Canyon became a national monument in 1908 and on February 26, 1919,

 it was designated as the seventeenth national park.

Today, five-million people a year visit the Grand Canyon.

To hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon requires at least one full day down and one full day back up.

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Start of the South Kaibab Trail

  We will keep you posted as Marie makes ready for her big challenge. May 3, 2008 in Arizona at the sourh rim of the Grand canyon, Marie and two of her friends will hike to the bottom of the grand canyon, (via the South Kaibab trail).Hike up the Colorado river and  back to the top of the canyon, (via the Bright Angel trail),  in one day, an extremely physical and mentally challenging feat.

Marie's love for sports and the outdoors began when she was three years old, hiking and camping in the blue ridge mountains with her twin sister Myra and her grandad. This over the years developed in her a love and appreciation for sports and physical conditioning. While in middle school and high school she was very active in sports. While in high school and on the vollyball team, they won two state championships. She loves running, swimming, bicycling and weight training. Her favorite gift for high school graduation was an introduction to sky diving and a free jump at the local airport. She presently holds down two jobs, office manager for a small local automotive service company and membership administrator for the YMCA, she loves her work and she loves people. Her biggest challenge yet, will be the Grand Canyon hike.

The latest, Marie flew to Arizona Thursday night. Spent Friday night at the Grand canyon Lodge. Will start her hike this saturday morning.

                                                                                      MARIE                                                   RONDA,    (friend & mentor)

Marie is working out daily and all of her friends are in full support.

Marie's world famous globe-trotter grandma gave her some words of advice, "Go for it girl","Getta Done".