Welcome to an extraordinary adventure! On the 8th of October, 2023, we set out on a remarkable journey that would test our limits and leave an indelible mark on our hearts. This is the story of our Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike, a breathtaking odyssey through one of Earth's most wondrous landscapes. **The Early Start:** --- Our day began before the sun had even cast its first rays upon the Grand Canyon. At 4:30 am, we stepped onto the South Rim's rugged terrain, guided only by the soft glow of our headlamps. The world was cloaked in darkness, and the brisk morning air filled us with both exhilaration and trepidation. **The Incredible Distance:** --- Officially, the trail covered 24 miles. However, as we embarked on this incredible journey, our trusty Garmin device revealed a more staggering reality – 27 miles! The vastness of the canyon unfolded before us, and its myriad terrains, from steep descents to challenging ascents, offered a constant source of wonder. **From Airports to Adventure:** --- Our adventure kicked off with a journey that took us from Dallas Airport to Las Vegas Airport. From Las Vegas, we set out on a road trip to the South Rim. We parked our car, the Grand Canyon looming majestically before us, and hopped on a shuttle to the North Rim. Our cozy cabin at the North Rim became our sanctuary, where we prepared ourselves physically and mentally for the monumental challenge ahead. **The Grand Reveal:** --- As the first rays of sunlight painted the canyon's ancient rocks in hues of red and gold, we embarked on our Rim-to-Rim hike, starting on the North Rim. Each step unraveled new vistas, each vista an awe-inspiring reminder of the natural world's unparalleled beauty. **The Importance of Hydration:** --- Throughout the day, one thing was clear: hydration was our closest companion. We sipped a total of 7 liters of water, with a 2.5-liter bladder, a 1-liter SmartWater bottle, and planned water refills. Our strategy of refilling at Phantom Ranch sustained us for a significant portion of the journey. **Sustaining with Nourishment:** --- Our backpacks carried a simple yet nourishing selection of provisions. A peanut poli, a chapati roll, two bananas, an orange, trail mix, salt sticks, electrolytes, and a protein bar fueled us along the way. The lemonoid at Phantom Ranch provided a refreshing burst of energy, reinvigorating our spirits. **Meeting Fellow Hikers:** --- On this remarkable journey, we weren't alone. Along the trail, we had the pleasure of meeting other wonderful hiking groups. We chatted, shared jokes, and even engaged in snacks exchanges. The camaraderie on the trail was a heartwarming experience, and we supported each other whenever we crossed paths. **Gear Essentials:** --- Our gear was not just gear; it was our trusted companions. A 2.5-liter backpack, wide-brimmed hats to shield us from the sun, UV protection clothing, thermal layers for the chilly mornings, sturdy hiking boots, anti-blister socks, quality sunglasses, bandanas, cooling towels, anti-blister cream, and headlamps, they all played a vital role in our success. **The Triumph of Blister-Free Feet:** --- Remarkably, as the day drew to a close, we marveled at our feet, blister-free and ready for more adventures. This was a testament to our careful planning and the excellent gear we had chosen for this journey. **A Test of Endurance:** --- Our hike through the Grand Canyon was no sprint; it was an 18-hour marathon that concluded at 10 pm. Throughout this time, our heart rates fluctuated, with some instances seeing our hearts beating below 40 beats per minute, prompting us to take breaks and replenish our energy with salty snacks. Even at its peak, our heart rate reached 180 beats per minute. We persevered, pushing forward and savoring every moment of this remarkable adventure. **A Memory to Treasure:** --- The sense of accomplishment as we returned to the South Rim was beyond words. Our Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim adventure was not just a test of endurance; it was a communion with the grandeur of nature, a reminder of the boundless beauty and vastness of our planet. This is a memory that we will cherish forever, and we are grateful for the chance to share this remarkable experience. **Conclusion:** --- As you prepare for your own Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike, know that this adventure is a breathtaking journey that will test your limits and leave you in awe of the natural world. The Grand Canyon stands as a testament to the Earth's wonders, and the memories you make on this journey will be ones you treasure for a lifetime. Embrace the challenge, the beauty, and the grandeur, and let the Grand Canyon change you in the most incredible ways. Happy hiking! Check out my hiking activity on Garmin Connect. #beatyesterday https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/12236814911 Surrounded by delightful surprises!

Bought it a little over a month ago. Bought to replace my Instinct which seemed to go belly up for floors due to baro pressure senior issue. Stayed with instinct model for version 2 which gives me golf and VoX. First time out, got same floor issue as original instint. Noticed that the ports for baro seniors were changed a little. Normally wear on left wrist but with location of parts decided to test a thought by moving it to right wrist. Would, no stairs issue. I powerwalked my normal path where the first 2.5 miles has a maybe 20 to 30 ft gradually decent. I believe Garmin become aware of what I will call wrist pump if on left wrist. As you powerwalk, your wrist flexes on the ports. I think that is why you see a climb followed with an immediately decline. Having moved the ports may have taken care of 75% or so but I still show 18+ floors on my walks. I do like my instinct though since you added golf and the blood oxy. Haven't determined how much the floors are impacting my intensity yet. That was my biggest concern with the original instinct.

Switched from an Apple Watch as I was tired of the lack of battery life. Pretty happy with what I got. Pros was a better HR tracking, battery life and some of the garmin recovery features are pretty cool. Downsides, the obvious - screen isn't as pretty and no apple pay. The only thing I'm not happy about is the weather. It really has a poor algorithm on where to get weather. Have to use the GPS and then it uses that as your location so if you go for a hike in the mountains... well your weather will be wrong for days (until it just stops working waiting for another GPS location).

I had the Forerunner 735XT. The Instinct 2 is a way more advance watch. I love the HRV data and sleep data. Great watch to monitor your recovery. I tried the Whoop band for a month and it was nice to see all the data but it was not worth the monthly subscription. This watch is easy to use, battery life is excellent and I can track the sports that matter to me. The only thing I wish this watch could do is to track my naps. They should add NAPS as another activity to track. Overall is great watch for the price and it looks awesome. I've been asked a few times what kind of watch Im wearing. #ineednaps

Had the watch for a few weeks now and really like the face options and the features for activities. Us old fat guys trying to relive our 20's wish we would have had this technology back then. It is easy to use no need to have a degree from MIT. Used it working out, a couple bike rides and short hikes. Can't wait to get to use it golfing, kayaking and fishing this summer. Good product would definitely recommend it.

I bought this for myself after a month of research. I had a whoop strap for 4 years that caused great frustration and much sleep anxiety. This is THE BEST watch and tracker, HRV, sleep, exercise options, heart rate, oxygen, and it picks up activity automatically. I'm sorry I waited so long. I love that it tells me my Body battery charge in the morning. This Instinct 2 MAKES ME HAPPY!

Wanted a garmin watch for a while, just did not have a good reason to buy one. Bought the Alpha 200 handheld and dog tracking collars, learned I could track my dogs on the watch too - sold! The feature is very nice - but I learned about all the other great features available on the watch and have been enjoying those too. I should have done this a long time ago.

I've had the watch now for about two months. It's easy to live with and hold a charge for a very long time. I'm still not used to navigating, and some things that I thought would be intuitive, are not. i'm a little disappointed with the display at night time as it's too dark to read, and requires that you increase the brightness which will shorten the battery life. Overall, I'm satisfied with the purchase and look forward to using its full potential.

I purchased Instinct 2 about three weeks ago, and it took less than a day to become about 90% proficient in its use. I like the use of buttons rather than a pressure sensitive screen. It has so many more useful screens than the Forerunner 630. I use it primarily for outdoor exercise, and it provides all the information I need plus some useful non-exercise information.

Can't understand operation - Oura ring has more comprehensible and better info in the cell phone app - and I can't easily find a support number where someone might explain things to a dumb old man like myself. Hope this helps Garmin step up a little.