Grand Canyon Christmas: National Park Hiking Adventure, #3

By Arnold Marsden

Christmas magic on the trail! 

 

Bob Riley is on a mission to complete his deceased wife's bucket list of hikes after she died on the trail. 

 

His new partner, Liz, surprises him with a prized reservation at Phantom Ranch over Christmas, hoping a romantic stay at the bottom of the Grand Canyon will take their relationship to the next level.

 

Follow Bob and Liz, along with a single mother, her two young children, and a grieving curmudgeon, as they face challenges posed by the trail and their haunting pasts.

 

Can Bob satisfy Liz's lofty expectations and his commitment to his deceased wife, or will he be forced to choose between them?

 

Will Santa be able to find the hopeful children at the bottom of the canyon–and provide much-needed Christmas magic to the kids-at-heart?

 

Join the adventure from the comfort of your home as you relive your own hike or plan your next adventure.

 

This is a work of fiction.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arnold Marsden
• Release date: Nov 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215883839

Book preview

Arnold Marsden

Grand Canyon Christmas

A National Park Hiking Adventure Novel

First published by Striving for Safety LLC 2023

Copyright © 2023 by Arnold Marsden

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

First edition

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

Find out more at reedsy.com

Contents

Author’s Note

Maps

I. PROLOGUE

1. Surprise

II. DAY ONE

2. Detour

3. Polar Express

III. DAY TWO

4. Caboose

5. Bah Humbug

6. First look

IV. DAY THREE

7. Kaibab

8. Irresponsible

9. Ooh Ahh!

10. Mule train

11. Sandwich

12. Camp

13. High dive

14. Wrong turn

15. Lemonade

16. Gone

17. Appetizers

18. Postcards

19. Lighter

20. Steak

21. Spooked

22. Party pooper

V. DAY FOUR

23. Cleanup

24. Worry

25. Escape

26. The Box

27. Sandman

28. Overlook

29. Swim

30. Secret

31. Please

32. Takeout

33. Volunteer

34. Dear Santa

35. Found

36. Finally

37. Quicksand

VI. DAY FIVE

38. Late check-in

39. Blame

40. Rare visit

41. He came

42. Snowballs

43. Turnabout

44. Vanished

45. Pie

46. He’s back

47. Moving

48. Goodnight

49. Rommates

50. Cathy

VII. DAY SIX

51. Climb

52. Last look

53. Homestretch

54. Another box

Author’s Note

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Author’s Note

This is a work of fiction. The characters are fictional; any resemblances to actual persons are coincidental. While I have tried to describe the trails, scenery, facilities, and operations accurately, I have made small adjustments to facilitate the story. In addition, conditions of trails and facilities and operational details of the ranch, campgrounds, and the National Park Service change. Conditions described in the book may not reflect exactly what you have experienced in the past or may experience in the future. But then again, that’s part of the wonder of visiting wild areas like the Grand Canyon; each experience is unique!

Maps

Grand Canyon Corridor Trails (map courtesy of the National Park Service)

Phantom Ranch Area (map courtesy of the National Park Service)

I

Prologue

November 23, 2023

Dallas, Texas

1

Surprise

Christmas? In the Grand Canyon?

Bob’s mouth hung open long after uttering the last syllable. Liz was full of surprises, but somehow, she topped each one with something even more grand.

But–

Liz wagged her finger. "No buts. How many times do we have to go through this? You know I’m always right." Her toothy grin served as an exclamation point.

Alan, her son, looked toward her and furrowed his brow.

Bob waited for him to reply, then said, I don’t know about that, but you always seem to get your way with me.

Her brief, stern look turned back into a smile. Not always–if you know what I mean.

She was right again, referring to when they had met last summer in Glacier National Park. Their relationship had blossomed on the trail as they overcame several obstacles together. But near the end of the trip, she had asked Bob for something he wasn’t ready to give.

Have you heard of Phantom Ranch? she asked.

Bob gasped and dropped his fork onto his plate. Of course. You got a reservation at Phantom Ranch? Over Christmas? How? That may be the most difficult reservation to secure in the entire National Park system.

Yep. Liz thrust out her chest and nodded. A cabin all to ourselves at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

OK. You’re right. Again. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Now you’re talking. She glanced at Alan, but he stared at his plate littered with turkey bones and bread crumbs and pushed scattered cranberries around with his fork.

Bob raised his wineglass and swirled the pale yellow liquid. I should have known you were up to something when you opened the bottle of Switchback from the Grand Canyon Wine Co.

He shifted his gaze to Alan. Clever name, huh?

Alan shrugged. I guess so.

Are you feeling OK? asked Liz. Or did you just eat too much?

He hesitated. Yeah–yeah. I’m OK. Sounds like a great trip.

His answer didn’t convince Bob. Alan had appeared to scrutinize Bob’s every word ever since he arrived for his first Thanksgiving dinner with Liz. He felt Alan’s peering eyes every time he and Liz touched. This must have been a mother-son-only event since Liz’s husband, and Alan’s father, had passed away ten years ago.

Was Alan reluctant to share his mother during their rare moments together? Did he feel Bob and Liz were getting too close too quickly? Or had Liz shared with Alan how Bob had refused to accompany his late wife, Cathy, on the John Muir Trail, where she perished while backpacking alone? Perhaps he feared Bob would abandon his mother as well.

So, Alan, do you have plans for Christmas? asked Bob.

Alan glanced at his mother, then looked at the turkey remaining on the serving tray. Not really. Mom and I usually spend some quiet time together. Dad died two days before Christmas, so our holiday is more of a somber reflection than a joyful celebration.

Liz placed her hand on top of Alan’s. You’ll be fine. We’ll get together for New Year’s. Plus, you have that new girlfriend now. She patted the top of his hand and picked up her glass of wine.

Of course. I’m happy for you–both of you. Phantom Ranch must be a special place. Go–go. Don’t worry about me.

Alan tried to sip from his empty wine glass. Liz picked up the bottle, but he waved her off. I’m good.

* * *

Later that evening, Bob and Liz sipped their Hop Canyon beers and nibbled on roasted pecans while sitting hip to hip on the sofa. With the feast they had indulged in earlier that afternoon, they only needed a snack to tide them over until morning.

Bob had declined Liz’s invitation to join her and Alan for a walk around the neighborhood after their wonderful meal and stayed back to watch the Dallas Cowboys play the Houston Texans instead. He would have preferred to burn off some of Liz’s decadent pecan pie, but figured she and Alan needed some time alone. When their laughter woke him on their return, he knew he had made the right call.

Now he and Liz were alone.

You’ve gone all out today. The tasty feast, impeccably themed beverages, meeting your son, and one of my favorite backpacking snacks. He held up a pecan and tossed it in his mouth. I can’t thank you enough. Even without the Phantom Ranch mega-surprise, it’s been a fabulous day.

He raised his glass in front of her until she clinked it with hers. Bob sniffed the refreshing citrus aroma before taking a sip.

You’re welcome. I’m so glad you came. Liz pursed her lips. But I wish Alan had been more friendly. He wasn’t himself today.

This must be awkward for him. Seems like he was stacking me up against his father all day. He just needs some time.

And this is the first Christmas we’ll be apart in thirty years. Maybe I should have given him a heads up.

Bob straightened his back and lowered his chin. Really?

Liz nodded.

Are you sure we should go away at Christmas, then? he asked.

Liz’s pause surprised him. She rarely looked back after setting her sights on something–or someone.

I thought he’d be happier for me, she said. David’s been gone for a long time. And Alan has a girlfriend now. I figured he’d want to spend Christmas with her. What do you think?

Remember, Cathy and I didn’t have kids. But what I’ve learned about you in the last four wonderful months is that your first instinct is good, and you always follow it.

You’re right. I’m changing. He’s changing. I won’t be here for him forever. I’ll come up with something special for New Year’s. So, enough family talk, tell me about the Grand Canyon. I’ve never been.

Really?

Liz shook her head.

I’ve only been once, but Cathy told me all about it while planning our trip. Did you know that Phantom Ranch is nearly a mile lower in elevation than the rim?

No way. A mile? Liz pushed his shoulder as he brought his glass to his mouth, causing a few sips to slosh on his shirt.

Bob flinched.

Oops! Sorry. She grabbed her napkin from the coffee table and patted his shirt.

Yeah. Twice as much as the hike to Sperry Chalet in Glacier.

Liz grimaced.

Having second thoughts now? Bob asked.

Never!

To be honest, I barely made it down into the canyon myself. Cathy aspired to hike from the North Rim to the South Rim, or Rim-to-Rim they call it, with a one-night stay at Phantom Ranch or the nearby Bright Angel Campground. Somehow, I convinced her we should just visit the South Rim. You know, so I wouldn’t be away from work for so long.

Yeah, yeah. You don’t have that excuse anymore since you’re retired.

Bob peered into Liz’s eyes. Her body tensed.

Cathy had tried to convince him to retire for years so they could travel more together, but he had put it off until it was too late, after her death. In hindsight, he had been foolish. His guilt was already unbearable. He didn’t need another reminder.

I’m sorry, Bob. That wasn’t fair.

She set her glass on the coffee table and put her arm around him.

It’s OK, he said. "Cathy would have said the same thing. The South Rim was a zoo, so we walked along the Rim Trail until we had it to ourselves. The view is so–grand. Sorry, it sounds like a cliché, but grand really is the best word. The next day, we hiked a few miles into the canyon on the South Kaibab Trail. The canyon seems so distant, almost sterile, from the rim, but seeing the plants, the animals, and the rock layers up close brought it to life. Cactus needles poked through our pants, we scraped sand from the sandstone cliffs with our fingernails, we sniffed the pungent aroma of juniper trees–and dodged the puddles of mule piss.

Liz scrunched her nose. Ooh.

And we barely saw the river. I can only imagine how spectacular it is with the water at your feet. You’ll love it!

Now I understand why the Rim-to-Rim hike was still on her bucket list.

Bob snorted. Oh yeah. She wouldn’t let me forget about that compromise. And in hindsight, she was right.

Well, I’m glad you’ll get to show her the Colorado River, Phantom Ranch, and the North Rim.

Bob bit his lip until a metallic taste flooded his mouth. He smacked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. Not quite. The North Rim is closed this time of year. Too much snow. That’s my only regret. If it were May or October, we could hike from Rim-to-Rim. But I won’t be able to show her the entire hike this time. I hope this will meet her lofty expectations.

You’ll never know. The question is whether it’s enough for you?

Bob scooted back on the couch to correct his slouch. He stared at the empty beer glass on the coffee table. I don’t … Yes! It will have to be. Her bucket list is so long that I may never get another chance. She’ll understand. Being there for Christmas will be beyond her wildest expectations. Plus, we can hike part of the way up the North Kaibab Trail during one of our free days down there.

Good idea. We’ll visit the North Rim later on. I promise.

He almost asked how she was so sure but thought better of it. Her eyes peered right through his. She leaned forward and kissed him.

* * *

While Liz took a shower, Bob opened the voice recorder app on his phone. During his hikes, he recorded messages to Cathy before going to sleep in his tent or hotel room to keep his memory of her fresh and relieve his otherwise unbearable guilt. He hadn’t known if she received his messages until she consoled him in a dream after sending her a desperate plea while in Glacier. He touched the red button and began speaking.

Dear Cathy,

Did you hear that? Phantom Ranch at Christmas! I can’t believe it. This was one hike on your bucket list that I feared I wouldn’t get to show you. Yes, I could have found a way to hike the brutal miles, but getting a reservation for a stay at Phantom Ranch is even tougher than for the chalets in Glacier National Park. I’m so grateful to Liz for having the persistence to get one. She knows I am committed to helping you finish your bucket list after I backed out of our epic John Muir Trail hike. It’s my fault you never returned. I could have saved you if I had been there. I can’t change that, but I can show you the rest of the hikes on your list through my eyes and ears.

Of course, Liz will be with us, but you told me in a dream while in Glacier that was OK, remember? I don’t know how she can look beyond my tragic betrayal and still desire to be so close to me. I can’t even forgive myself. But then again, she is full of surprises. Thank you for being so understanding of our relationship.

We won’t be able to hike from Rim-to-Rim, but I bet you didn’t envision a stay at Phantom Ranch over Christmas when you put this on your bucket list. My hike in Glacier National Park didn’t turn out as expected either, but in many ways, it turned out even better than I intended. I’m trying my best, but there are so many hikes, so little time, and so many obstacles. I’d rather take advantage of this rare opportunity than wait for the perfect one, which may never come. Sound familiar? I learned a lot from you; it just took too long.

I met Liz’s son, Alan, today. He seems to be struggling with my budding relationship with Liz. Since you and I didn’t have kids, I can’t relate to some of the issues they face. Maybe I can find a way to help him understand. If you have any ideas, please let me know.

Love, Bob

II

Day One

December 21, 2023

Northern Arizona

2

Detour

Despite the dreary brown landscape they passed through after crossing over the Hoover Dam outside Las Vegas, Bob and Liz both grinned. They knew what grandeur was coming. Bob, from his visit six years ago; Liz, from his stories and the online videos and travel blogs she used to plan her surprise. Unlike the majestic mountains Cathy had worshiped, which beckoned from miles away, the Grand Canyon would appear out of nowhere. Their anticipation was palpable.

However, Bob noticed an edge to Liz’s grin–almost a smirk. One side of her lips rose a fraction higher than the other. She would deny it, but it was there. She was up to something. They had only visited each other four times since leaving Glacier five months ago, but he could tell. And he wasn’t the most perceptive guy around, as she routinely pointed out.

That’s OK. I have a few surprises up my sleeve as well.

Liz surprised him by exiting Interstate 40 at Route 66 as they approached Williams, Arizona, a popular jumping-off point for trips to the South Rim.

Bob pointed toward the freeway. Our exit is still a few miles ahead. Highway 64 is a straight shot to the South Rim.

Liz gazed straight ahead as she continued down the long exit ramp.

He continued. The rental car company didn’t short us on gas, did they?

No. Just taking a break. We’re in no hurry.

After they passed several budget hotels, she turned left on North Grand Canyon Boulevard and followed the signs to the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel.

When Bob looked back at her, her smile had grown considerably. The smirk was gone.

You’re kidding me, right?

How often do I kid you, Bob?

Hardly ever. We’re riding the train to the South Rim? The Grand Canyon Railway?

Liz stopped the car under the veranda in front of the hotel, finally faced him, and nodded vigorously. Bob leaned to the side and put his hand behind her head so he wouldn’t smear his lips from her chin to her nose. You never cease to amaze me.

"You don’t have a but for me? You always have concerns and questions."

Bob smiled and shook his head. You’ve taught me a few things–lessons I should have learned long ago. Thanks.

The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel opened in 1995 across the street from the historic Fray Marcus Hotel, which was built in 1908 to attract passengers on the Santa Fe Railway as it expanded westward. Portions of the original structure now housed the gift shop and business offices. The hotel was impeccably themed as the gateway to the Grand Canyon. The massive paintings in the lobby tried to replicate Mother Nature’s masterpiece. An admirable attempt, but doomed to fail.

* * *

A few hours later, Bob and Liz left the Fred Harvey Restaurant and strolled back to the hotel through a festive display of holiday lighting. Liz grabbed his hand and swung it back and forth as he enjoyed the reflections on her face more than the lights themselves. Her cheeks morphed from rosy red to cool blue to crisp green. After kissing her glistening lips, he checked to make sure he hadn’t ruined their luster.

They had taken full advantage of the dinner buffet of savory meats, hearty sides, and decadent desserts to fuel up for their brutal hike to the bottom of the canyon in two days. The chrome, train-themed facades around the buffet line and the clickety-clack of the model train circling the room fueled the anticipation of their special ride tomorrow.

Floor-to-ceiling photos of the Grand Canyon in the restaurant made a part of Bob wish they had driven straight to the South Rim, but Cathy would appreciate the fascinating detour. But Liz deserved the credit for that. He was thrilled that she was helping him meet his commitment to Cathy. What a wonderful lady! She had shown similar care and generosity when they met in Glacier National Park just a few months ago. Though Bob hadn’t been seeking a relationship, they had become so much more than trail friends in that short time.

Once back in their room, Bob kicked off his shoes and removed his belt to allow his bloated belly to expand even further. He slouched on the bed against a large pillow imprinted with a relief map of the massive canyon. Black and white photos of the Grand Canyon accented the southwest decor in the room, which included a leather headboard and small bronze buttons garnishing the wood furnishings.

Liz fiddled with her luggage in the closet and closed the bathroom door behind her. He now regretted not stopping there before settling on the bed.

A few minutes later, she sashayed toward him in red flannel pajamas covered with white reindeer silhouettes. She set a paper gift bag on the bed, then raised her arms high above her head and twirled.

Bob sat up and swung his legs over the side. You look wonderful. They must feel wonderful too.

She smiled and stepped closer so he could rub the luxurious fabric between his fingers.

I need to let that huge meal settle first, he said.

Her smile didn’t disappear as he expected. Instead, she picked up the gift bag and handed it to him. Don’t worry, you have plenty of time.

Once again, not what he expected.

Bob hesitated before taking the bag. He had a few surprises planned for her, but no gift to reciprocate on this first night.

Go ahead, she said. Open it. You’ll need it tonight.

When he didn’t immediately pull out the tissue paper sticking out of the bag, she did it for him. He peeked inside the bag.

Matching PJ’s. Cool.

He stood up and hugged her, rubbing the flannel. Soft, but not as soft as your skin. He slipped a hand under the back of her shirt and rubbed her warm, smooth skin.

She pushed him back onto the bed.

Seriously, thank you.

Well? She held her palms up in front of her.

What?

Aren’t you going to put them on?

He stuck his hand under his waistband and rubbed his belly. I want to lie here for a while.

But you need them for the train ride.

He tilted his head down and squinted his eyes. What was she talking about? Train ride? That’s not until morning.

She shook her head, then grabbed