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34 J ust before midnight, we began our descent on the South Kaibab Trail. I felt the dark depths of the Canyon on either side as I navigated the steep, rocky switchbacks. Keeping a forward motion with a cadence of "Eat, drink, repeat," I concentrated on holding my poles and watching my step, refueling, and maintaining my energy level. At 3 am, my headlamp weighing heavy on my forehead, I passed an elk grazing near a sign reading Skeleton Point. It was a far-from-encouraging sign to read as self-doubt loomed. (What an idiot I was, I thought, to imagine I could hike through the Grand Canyon in one shot.) But that majestic elk, illuminated by passing headlamps, reminded me that this was a beautiful experience never to be forgotten. After crossing the Colorado River in pitch darkness and passing Bright Angel Campground, we arrived at Phantom Ranch by 4:30 am for a quick stop and to refuel with water. With 10 miles complete and barely 13 miles to go, the hardest hike in the midday sun and the steepest elevation incline was yet to come. Thirty minutes before arriving at the next water station, I guzzled water, sipping my CamelBak bladder and two water bottles completely dry. However, we arrived at Cottonwood Campground only to find the water source broken — a pipeline break, we were told. Telling ourselves it was no big deal — but it was — we hiked on to the next water station. Relief soon turned to panic when we reached the picturesque, river-edge Pump House Ranger Station. This faucet was also dry — another pipeline break. Seriously!? Faced with the daunting challenge of hiking to the last water station, all of our water sources depleted, it was time to get serious. How we hiked another 4,500 feet of elevation on narrow, dusty switchbacks in the beating sun, while dehydrated, I still have no idea. Everyone dealt with their own personal challenges, but the team inspired and motivated one another to hike to the final water station. Trudging through the Supai rock formation was probably the most grueling moment for us all. Arriving at Supai Tunnel was a miraculous m o m e n t . T h e scene bustled with mules and riders as they came down the trail. The sense of arriving back in civilization, with access to much- needed water, was every bit humbling. Still, we had almost two miles to the finish line. The last part of the trail — from the tunnel to Coconino Overlook, to the beginning of the North Kaibab Trailhead — was dusty and steep. It felt like the toughest elevation of the entire hike. Even in our moment of weakness and exhaustion, crossing the finish line was a powerful accomplishment. One by one, bone-weary and tired, we were greeted by our Project Athena trail angels with a medal and a hug. But the real achievement was the purpose of the foundation: spending time with a group of incredible women of all ages, who are strong in mind, body, and soul, and overcoming personal strife through endurance. We had four amazing Athenas on our adventure, whose life stories touched my heart, made me cry, and confirmed why I had joined Rouleau and Davis on this adventure. The heartfelt experience is a constant reminder that you never know what someone is going through, what pain a person carries within them, and what daily battles they suffer. We are surrounded by Athenas — oftentimes we just don't know it. For information about the Project Athena Foundation, click projectathena.org. The hike route. Max Trowbridge and the Project Athena posse (continued from page 32)