Sisters graduate hikes Grand Canyon

Sisters High School graduate Joseph Schlatter recently hiked the Grand Canyon from rim to rim.

"We did it in one day," says Schlatter, who with his father, David Schlatter, achieved the goal in just 12 hours, and two of these hours were for rest breaks.

The hike was 21.5 miles and included a descent of 5,000 feet and an assent of more than 7,000 feet. "It was a mile downhill and over a mile uphill," said Schlatter, who said his legs were sore for a week.

Yet he considers this trek to be a worthwhile graduation adventure with his dad.

Both Schlatters have hiked down and out from the south rim previously; however, neither had traversed the north rim. Their goal for this trip was rim to rim, down the South Kaibob Trail and then up the North Kaibob Trail.

"We hit the south trailhead at 4:30 a.m., enjoyed a spectacular sunrise and came out on the north rim by 4:30 p.m.," said the younger Schlatter.

"It was gorgeous all the way, with different vistas and sights. Bright Angel Creek just pops out of the canyon wall and drops down into an awesome waterfall and flows several miles, passing Phantom Ranch before entering the Colorado River. Awesome!"

The Schlatters were inspired to hike the canyon by fellow Sisters residents, Ralph and Betty Affatatti. Now in his late 70s, Ralph has been hiking the Grand Canyon annually with his brothers for over 25 years.

"Although they didn't join us on this hike, we did meet up with Ralph and Betty for dinner on the south rim the night before our adventure," said Schlatter. "We will do it again someday and maybe hike from north to south next time, but with an overnight stay at the bottom at Phantom Ranch to relax before hiking out."

Schlatter was inspired to hike the canyon again before he leaves for college at Boston University in the fall.

"This was an opportunity to do something special and physically challenging before moving back east for the next several years," said Schlatter who wants to also hike one of the Three Sisters again this summer.

He plans to study biomedical engineering and then earn a Ph.D. to become a neurological researcher in the field of computer-brain interfaces.

"Eventually, I hope to work on cutting-edge technologies that can help restore eyesight for people with macular degeneration, and those that may be blind since birth," said Schlatter.

He cites clinical studies currently in progress that are beginning to test preliminary devices with some success.

"I look forward to being part of a growing industry for the boomer generation and others," he said.

Schlatter graduated a top scholar at Sisters High School and earned the highest SAT college test score of the entire senior class. He received a significant merit scholarship to study at Boston University, plus various local scholarships.

"I appreciate the support of my family and the Sisters community and am looking forward to what the future brings," he said.