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Where are you hiking? No hiking partner? Far safer to have a partner. My daughter and I were charged by a cougar one dark evening when a hike took longer than planned. We both waved our lights yelling aggressively causing it to stop just short. If we had been alone…😮 Happy Trails 😊

Hiked your own hike! Nicely done. 👏👏👏 Happy trails!

I understand magnesium is probabily the most important nutrient to combat muscle cramps and seizures.

Bill, watching your videos had given me the confidence to do my first R2R at 73. BA closed that day, so we did SK to NK in mid October. Was a perfect day. Stay well and keep moving!

I just read something about a "bear banger". What stuff did you carry for critter protection? Granted, you're not fat enough for a full meal but as an appetizer/snack, you might be appealing to them <grins>

Jack Kirkhams owned AAA Tent and Awning, which became Kirkhams and then Springbar, the name of the tent he created. Springbars newest tent is called the Jack Kirkhams Skyliner bc J Kirkham Jr designed it. Jr may still own the company but he is no longer ceo.

I'm only 72 but really enjoy having time to see the canyon (in the daylight). I did S. Kaibab (the only show in town) at Halloween and spent two nights in the campground at Phantom. My heart hovered near 130bpm most of the 6 hours on the way back up. It was a wonderful trip, did little training, came home happy, and won't need a stress test for a while. It is OK to have fun, too.

In 2005, there was a guy named Laurent Gadreau, aka "Maverick " who at age 80, hiked rtr more than 100 times. He said he would still be doing it at age 100, but in 2007 he shot his wife dead then turned the gun on himself.

I would say closer to 5 out of 250 who could do it at 75.

I had a similar experience once though not as severe as my hike was not as severe. I learned that I wasn’t ingesting enough electrolytes during my hike nor the correct balance of them, so it bit me later. My severe cramping developed post Trail also, primarily in my hands, feet, calves and toes.

There’s an entire country out there. Come on out and hike the John Muir. I just did it at 61, and saw MANY people MUCH older than me out there. If you’re in SO Utah, hitting it going NOBO is the way to go, + far easier to get a permit. just cross Nevada and you’re here.

I am 67 and 5 weeks ago I did my 1st and probably last Rim to River GC hike (S Kaibob to BrightAngel). For me it was a bucket list item challenge I wanted to achieve. I agree, I don't know that I want to dedicate the time/training effort necessary to do this again.

I’ve been doing Kiabab trail to River up Bright Angel trail now at least once a year for 16 years now. However I think my years are winding down. I’m 65.

A swig of apple cider vinegar instantly makes cramps go away. I keep a bottle on my nightstand. Don’t laugh, it works!!

There are other canyons to explore and mountains to climb... I have enjoyed these videos.

The GC hikes area lot of work and planning, if you notice there not many pics on the up hill portions of these hikes, it s all business to get out of the GC.

I'm a healthy 72 year old that knows that at this age there are unknowns as to limits, but we've already outlived so many peers, so if I die doing something that I enjoy I just have to say there's a lot of other ways to die I'd rather not experience.

I am 60 and I want to hike Rim-to-River, with an overnight stay at the Phantom Ranch. It has been hard to get a reservation.

Do what you want and enjoy each day. You are a rock star.

Willy I love you and I love watching your vids. Just seeing you in action is amusing and satisfying to me. Tell these people about 809 Buffalo Ave. That would give them a laugh! Especially the time the landlord came in unannounced. G.

Okie-dokie. Make it fun not work. And it does get expensive. But in some ways it is also the tail that wags the dog and keeps you healthy and engaged? Respect your decision and all the best.🙂

I'm 68 and a few years ago I section hiked the first 152 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail over a few weeks. I was in the best shape I had been in for a long time after that, but I don't think I would have been able to do a rim to rim Grand Canyon hike. That is really impressive, and you just can't compare yourself to most people your age. I would think one of the best things you can do to prevent a heart attack is to continue to hike as you are doing. I can't imagine your heart getting healthier if you started just sitting on the couch, like most people our age.

I'm 73. Recently moved to the Colorado mountains and love to hike with a particular focus on elevation gain and mountain tops. I've thought about how much can I push my body. How much can I really do? Bottom line for me is I am just going to continue to do what I love until my body sends me the unmistakable message that I've gone too far or just can't do it.

I look at it this way. Will the activity I am doing likely lead to another injury? Will I be able to recover from that injury at my age? I think walking and trail hiking offer the best risk vs. reward for older adults.

An out of shape 40 year old could drop just as dead as a 74 year old. Your own body is what determines what you can and can't do, not some bell curve according to age. If you don't feel comfortable doing it, don't. If you do (and you want to do it) do.

I think one home with your wife will get you back on the trail. K2 maybe?

you look real fit and I also think the problems you had were due to altitude. do you think the symptoms you experienced could be related to too fast/strong an ascent out of the canyon bottom back to the rim? It looks like that is about 4800 feet in around 8 miles if I have the correct info.' ..

These are all valid points. They really are. My gosh, you have achieved more than the average person. You have a lot to be proud of. You can always take us along on other pretty hikes close to your home or even another town. The point I’m trying to make I hope you keep hiking, and if you get bored on the hike, you can always start filming. And then you’ll feel like you have a friend along. But there’s other hikes besides the Grand Canyon that are less strenuous and are beautiful that you can show us sometime. Anyway, those of us who watch your channel really love it so whatever you show us we’ll like. Thank you.

I hear what you’re saying. I did R2R a couple years ago, R2R2R last year at 71 and this year did a 4 day backpacking trip in Yosemite. It was to have ended with the climb up Half dome. I made it up to the cables but did not have the energy to safely make the climb and also the trip down the mist trail to the valley that day. It was very disappointing, but made me realize I might be finished with big adventures.

Awww but I accept your sincere message. So what will your wife do with you hanging around all day instead of going away and training (for her peace and quiet)? <giggles>

Dr. Bill, what you've done at the Grand Canyon is spectacular!

Such excellent advice all 4.

I just slept in mine for three nights in the CA desert with 40 mi winds. No problem.

What altitude do you live at? altitude, age, it is all a mystery!

Always great to see you out on a hike, Dr. Bill! Hope you two kids are doing great!

Wow! No understanding how I got here before you made your posting announcement but here I am! Obviously I need to continue nagging to get you to change your mind on not doing #4. Question regarding O2 levels and altitude - do you own a PulseOX finger measuring device? I wonder what your O2 levels were as you hiked, especially if the O2 level in the atmosphere is <18% as it is normally at sea levels.

For general hiking, and let’s say you wear the sock liners, can you wear any socks over the liners or do you recommend a certain sock over the liner?

Great video. I hadn’t seen this one. Oh so you had the leg cramps on the second GR hike?! Shoot. Well that hike is not for the faint of heart. I’m a “want to be” but not there yet but can only imagine. Again you are so inspiring and helpful. Thanks Dr Bill. Keep making the vids.

Oh wow. I’m sorry you had such pain after your hike on and off. I wonder if you didn’t have enough protein. I don’t know. It sounds like you enjoyed the hike though and this was a new problem afterwards, but who knows why. Any little imbalance could’ve caused it possibly. I’m really glad you recovered from it in the three days. Again congratulations and that is quite a feat you undertook and you succeeded! I can’t imagine the good feeling you must have from doing that three times.🙏👍

I finally got to watch this video and my gosh, you are just unbelievable. Fantastic job. I know you trained hard for this and you’ve done it before but I’m sure it’s hard as heck to do. You should be very proud of yourself and I am very, inspired by you. I know it’s your last time but there’s other goals and things you can do. Never give up. You deserve all the credit in the world! Thanks for taking us so long. Keep doing the videos though.

Thanks but you CAN'T retire without doing the BA r-r-r hike. I agree with GC-Hiker, If it's there, you must! Would promising another few nights in LV provide spousal permission? <wink> Besides, you still owe us a few video's while hiking of things like eating, critters you encounter, etc. Call it your "Z" hike - nothing comes after it..... ;^)

I apologize for the end cards at the completion of the video, I am experimenting with it and it did not work out as well as I hoped. All the first card said was that I completed the hike without losing any toenails or getting any blisters.

Excellent aftermath report Dr. Bill, and I appreciate you mentioning me, both here, and in your Rim-To-River video! LOL... that first 24hrs after IS NOT for the faint of heart! I'm glad you didn't actually crash-and-burn on the S.Kaibab. That would have been no fun at all. Great job hammering out another adventure in the Canyon. When she calls, we must answer!!

'Imagine going to bed at 11pm in Vegas.' Ha. As I get older I can only imagine 11pm bedtime, unless I do some extended exercise, like paddling, cycling, or walking. Thanks for heads up on hiking sticks. I was going to comment on big toe nails, but I see you put a text with the term toe nails on your final screen. I can't read it with the two 'links' displayed on top of text. I'm currently treating a tender big toe nail with my concoction of Aspercreme mixed with DMSO.

You are awesome. That was some painful cramps. Absolutely poles.

I could not help but laugh at some of the post-hike symptoms you described, maybe because I sometimes have them myself. If I were to guess, it would be that your slides and near-falls caused some of the problems. To me, if you want to do the cowboy loop, it would be best to go down Bright Angel and then up Kaibab. I think mature hikers should think very carefully before going down South Kaibab, for me, that is the worst. Hey, you still have one more hike left to do, rim to river to rim on Bright Angel (my favorite hike). Sorry, you can't retire from hiking the Canyon yet! 😉

You needed something that contained ALL 4 electrolytes- Calcium, magnesium,potassium and sodium. I found on my long bike rides I was lacking magnesium. I had the cramping you are talking about after long distance riding. Now I supplement with magnesium every day along with a multivitamin. I also use NUNN tablets - they have to appropriate amount of all four electrolytes without the sugar. I now carry one bottle of water with NUNN added and one bottle of reg water plus a tube of NUNN. If I am hiking I added a tablet to my camelback and carry a tube of NUNN tablets. I also continue drinking water with NUNN tablets post workout- no more cramps

electrolytes, did u take any while you were cramping? Over hydrate and you lose electrolytes. I take salt stick tablets it i feel any cramping about to happen.

You have notched another great R2R!! Bravo!! You certainly pushed the limits with your difficult aftermath but glad you've overcome the pains. Will miss GC this 2024 but planning solo NK/BA 2025 before turning 72. Your experience is alerting me to better prepare for post hike recovery and the logistics thereof. I am from Canada and don't know anyone in the US. Again, thanks for sharing and your inspirations.

Awesome job, I remember running into you training a few times on my local trails while riding my mountain bike. Glad to see your on the better side of recovery sounded rough.