These mules symbolize what's wrong with this country (No tasers were harmed in ths illustrated rant)

Are these mules really necessary?

Have we gotten that fat, soft, lazy and spineless?

Can't we handle a simple 18 mile hike in the desert with drastic changes in elevation, temperature and terrain?

This nation has some great fearless people.

They think to themselves: I'd like to go see that river at the bottom of the canyon. All I need is a good pair of boots, a couple granola bars and some water. I sure as hell don't need to ride on the back of some animal.

Alas, too many people think to themselves: The signs say it's a strenuous dangerous hike. What if I don't make it?

I can't speak out. What if my boss gets mad?

I can't ride a bicycle in traffic. It's not safe.

Fuck that shit.

Living in fear is just another way of dying before your time.

I want to live.

I want this potentially great nation to live and thrive.

Who's with me?

Or would you rather just stand at the edge and gawk.

Peace

Even if you wanted to use an ATV it wouldn't make it

While I think I understand your message and agree with you in general, I just want to say that the mules being ridden up and down the canyon are not a new invention created just for lazy Americans. They've been the favored form of transportation for hundreds of years. Prospectors, miners, settlers, etc. all used mules to carry their supplies and goods. I think it's part of the "old west" experience sold to tourists.


An incredible way to see that river at the bottom is by raft, and not just for one day. Don't miss spending the night out there. You really need to make a fire and cook on the banks of the river and sleep under the stars. If you can do that for 3-4 nights, you're a new person. Unbelievable. For me, the Grand Canyon is amazing and life altering. It's mystical, magical, spiritual, healing, energizing... You meet the Universe there. You meet yourself there.

I've never done the donkey ride.

How many tools do you need for an 18 mile hike?

I couldn't sit in a saddle that long. My butt hurts just thinking about it.

I felt exhilaration and satisfaction.

I felt great because I stepped outside my personal comfort zone, took some chances and accomplished something that I wasn't sure was possible.

There's a lesson in that for all of us which is one of the reasons that I started this thread.