Day three in Flagstaff, Arizona and the playing group was tested to the limit.
Leaving the hotel at 5am, the entourage minus several Magpies who “lucked out” due to various programs, traveled on a 90-minute bus ride to the Grand Canyon.
Click here to view the photos from the Grand Canyon hike.
The sun was beginning to show its face as senior coach Mick Malthouse took the first group containing five executives, who paid their way to the camp, through the descent.
Luke Ball and Scott Pendlebury took charge of the main playing group for the first three hours down the canyon.
The terrain and pace was manageable as both parties convened along the banks of Colorado River for a light lunch.
The intensity picked up as the players, led again by the vice-captain, alternated between running and jogging the entire way up the canyon.
Roughly one hour later and eight hours since the beginning of the hike, the remainder of the group filtered to the finish line.
Special mentions
Cameron Wood was acknowledged for his efforts by Malthouse in the bus at the end of the hike. Wood carried an additional pack for the duration of the hike and never complained.
Scott Pendlebury led the players with passion, organising the final run up the canyon.
Leigh Brown oversaw the young Magpies making their Flagstaff debut including Josh Thomas and Simon Buckley.
New club doctor Tony Page was a workhorse and provided many individuals with a supplement when needed.
Runner Justin Crow managed to keep a smile the entire way up and provided moral support to those who were in desperate need.
Random quote
“That was the toughest thing I have ever done” - Luke Ball and Cameron Wood
