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| Friends crossing the sand dune for their first time to the bottom. |
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Here are the photos.
May 5-9, 2017
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| The final stretch of Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden. |
Day 1: At trailhead at 9:32 and at camp in Indian Garden at 1:18; that is 3 hours 45 minutes. The newbies really got a treat...it was over 100 degrees when we arrived at Indian Garden, there was a pink Grand Canyon rattlesnake at the water spigot in upper Indian Garden Campground. Plan is to get up at 4:00am to be on trail by 5:00am. Tomorrow is big day...Stacey sees Canyon below Tonto. People next to us in camp on same itinerary. They are from North Carolina: Kirk, Ed and Ed's daughter and son.
Day 2: On trail at 5:00am and at Pipe Creek at 7:05. At 8:15 we are in campsite #8 in Bright Angel Campground. Saw a couple hiking out up Devil's corkscrew with a day pack and baby pack with 4-month old baby. Ranger said mom had heat exhaustion and spent the night in clinic. Met a guy from SoCal who has done corridor 162 times. The newbies got another treat...a big wind storm at Bright Angel Campground. More winds expected tonight. Cooling off tomorrow. We were fortunate to have the ranger programs on this trip when some North Rim rangers were available because the waterline damage on the North Kaibab delayed the opening of the North Rim. First program at 3:00 was on plants, the evening program was on CCC. As usual, we all were able to sit down to a delicious stew dinner in the canteen on our first night at BAC. To be at 8:45.
Day 3: Layover day. Up at leisure. Sandra got up at 7:00!!! Hiked up CCC bench then back to camp to pack lunch for walk to black bridge tunnel and boat beach. After lunch, Sandra hiked River Trail from Kaibab to Silver bridge. I went with girls back to camp, then we went to canteen for dessert and charge and lemonade. Sandra back about 2:15, then headed back to camp. I left girls in canteen and went to hike River Trail from silver to black. Got back for 4:00 program on bats. Sandra left program early to check on tents after we had a couple big gusts during program. Back to camp after program to hold down tents in more big winds. Dirt, lots of dirt, inside tents! Difficult to eat dinner with big winds continuing but managed. In tent with dirt to organize for tomorrow. Plan to get up at 5:00am. Girls don't seem to care much for the wind and dirt!
Day 4: Up at 5:00am and on the trail at 6:15. At IG at 10:15. Elyssa in charge. Got camp #1. Program at 3:30 is about night life.
Day 5: The newbies final treat was on the hike out... it was 32 degrees when we hiked out on the South Rim with snow/sleet on the drive home.
April 12-16, 2017
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| Early morning light on the River Trail going down river to Pipe Creek. |
There were waterline breaks (as usual) and rock slides this spring, which may have impacted our hike along the River Trail from Pipe Creek. Luckily, the trail was repaired the week before our hike. The Bright Angel Campground was operating under the bucket flush method, and the rangers had set up a pool next to the bathrooms for us to fill the buckets. The Bright Angel Creek was flooded during our visit, running high and muddy, so we didn't get to soak our feet very comfortably. Next to the ladies bathroom, we got to see a pink Grand Canyon rattlesnake enjoying the shade. High temperatures at BAC were 94 in the shade and about 110 in the sun, and spring flowers were in bloom. We missed the ranger programs on this trip, because the interpretive rangers were given a promotion and there was no one to fill in for them. As usual, we all were able to sit down to a delicious stew dinner in the canteen on our first night at BAC.
Here are the photos from this trip.
October 11-13, 2008
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| Edvin, Ash and Harvey at Plateau Point. |
Day 1: Hike to Indian Garden for the first night, plus a hike to Plateau Point for sunset.
Day 2: Day hike down to Phantom Ranch by way of the old Bright Angel Trail (off the Tonto Trail east of current BA trail). Took a short hike up Clear Creek trail to CCC bench. Had steak dinner at canteen, and then headed back to camp at Indian Garden.
Day 3: Hike out from Indian Garden.
Photos (ones with date mark were taken by Ash)
April 2004
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| Keith Green telling the story of Phantom Ranch. |
The first day was for hiking in, which took Keith all day to come down the South Kaibab. You see, he can't see. He is legally blind, but it doesn't stop him from hiking (and falling) on the Canyon trails. The next day, Keith relished in telling all he knew about the Canyon, spending most of the day walking us around the buildings and trails to pass on all he knew. It was a real treat.
Photos
April 8-11, 1992
This was a solo backpack to rendezvous a Grand Canyon Dories river trip. My notes start with a general plan for the time to drive up, picking up permit, hitting the trail and arriving at camp. Then it details the meals for each day, including snacks.
Drive day: The first day was a drive-up day, April 8. Departed Phoenix at 11 am sharp. At Cordes Junction at 12 noon--Prescott at 12:30. Couldn't find a Chevron in Williams; asked at Visitors Center. Left Williams at 2:00--arrive Grand Canyon at 3:00. Noted that Watson Lake was full to hi-water mark. Snow still on Bill Williams Mountain and lots on San Francisco Peaks. First stop--BA Lodge, inquiring of vacancies--3 possible after 4:00. Next stop Mather campground--full. Then to pick up permit. Stopped at Visitors Center. Art display included water colors by T. Edwards and photos by Hoffman. Tonight's talk is about poets and writers of the Canyon. Back to BA at 4:00 to check on cancellations. Waited less than 5 minutes and got a room in the cabin I usually park next to--Room 6160. The walls are baby blue, shelves bright blue, doors bright green, furniture teal green. Heard the train leave at 4:00. I left cabin at 6:25--walked along Rim Trail to Visitors Center for 7:30 evening program at Shrine of the Ages. Ranger started late but was very entertaining. Left early to get back for HomeFront. Didn't like the idea of walking the Rim Trial in the dark, so I walked the road. Scheduled 5:00 wake up.
Day 1: Up at 5:00, but slow getting going. Breakfast at 5:15 (beans). Mailed a short letter to Dan from BA Lodge this morning. Picture taken of start of trail by tourist--6:30 start. At Indian Garden at 8:25. Talked with a Dane--he took pix at IG (think he stood too far away). Got a gal to take pix below Devil's Corkscrew. On the other side of river at 10:00 am. Went directly to boat beach--billboard moved, and empty. Good sign. I hope. Will kick back for a while before heading tup to claim camp and check on Dories arrival at Ranch. Snack at 10:30 (malt balls, all gone). Fingers swollen. Big toes have hot spot. At top of Devil's Corkscrew, finally put on a second pair of wool socks--filled up the boots perfectly. At 11:15 two kayakers went by (may have stopped down river from boat beach). Five groups of day hikers picnicking on beach. Sure hope I get to see the Dories. I want to get the boatmen (plus Achim and Irmy) to autograph the GC lodge letterhead that I want to send to Dan. Left boat beach at 12:15 (after finishing 2 quarts of water) to claim campsite and get water and mail post cards. Talked to the kayakers--said Brad and Dories stayed at Carbon Creek last night and planning on Grapevine tonight. Should see them in a.m. Mailed postcards--go out Friday. Kayakers are from Santa Cruz (p-t Montana). Mule train (2) in about 2:00. Snack at 3:00, grahams and chocolate. Finished 3rd quart of water. Raisins at 3:30. BA Creek is cloudy and posted for turbidity. Walked back down to kayak beach--kayakers arrived shortly thereafter. Took their picture and got them to sign Dan's letter. On the way, my right hip joint went out like it did the last time I walked to Camelback Road. Back to campsite 25 at 2:30. Campsite is creekside, a couple spaces up from the one Dan and I stayed at for Thanksgiving. Finally took my boots off at 3:35--I figured I better give my hip a rest. Across the trail from my campsite is a reveg area which is occupied by two deer. One just laid down and is looking right at me. At 4:30 walked down to get water--hip a little better. Good to rest it. But I just can't sit still until bed time; so it's back tot he River and beyond the bridge to be alone. Almost! Two scrawny looking guys with bad gear (a hatchet) came upon me on the cable car trail--looking for a campsite. I told them there was a beach below they could probably camp illegally. Then I left. A man was sitting at the start of the trail looking through his binocs. He asked how far the trail went. He said he saw those guys in the BRO looking for a permit. His wife then joined us and we talked more about other trails, river running, etc. Then 3 rangers came up and asked where the illegal campers went--even though they had a good idea. They had been waiting for those guys to set up camp-they saw their packs on the beach early in the day and it was obvious to the rangers they were illegal. Back at camp at 5:45--saw Kathy! [Kathy was a turkey that had taken up residence at Phantom Ranch and was well liked.] Dinner was PB on English muffin plus caramel corn. Caramel corn tastes like banana. Another quart of water down the shoot. Ranger check at 6:30. Found out why the helicopter was called in about 2:00 today. A hiker with a 50# backpack fell forward and got banged up on Clear Creek Trail. Ranger reported that the illegal hikers were escorted to Silver Bridge and told to hike out. Ranger took picture of me in campsite. I don't feel much like going to the evening program--so I guess I won't (7:30-8:00). Ribbon Falls tomorrow? (After the Dories, of course.) Although I probably should wash the only two pairs of wools for the next day's hike. I suppose I could dry it with the hand dryer in the bathroom--like everyone else does. Left knee feels bruised...Canyon knee. Sunset at about 6:58. Still fairly light at 7:00 with temp at 68 degrees. Looks like it is going to be a bat night. The moon is straight above--almost a quarter. Light is fading. Bats are lower. Temperature is dropping. Sunlight is all gone at 7:30 pm and moonlight is casting shadows. I finally lay down--it feels good. Tossed and turned all night. Never got "dark" -- either moon, stars or lights at corral lit up the night. No critters.
Summary: Hike down BA from rim to camp... 3 hours 45 minutes.
Day 2: Neighbors breaking up camp at 5:30 woke me up from restless night. Got up, cleaned up. Temp at 60 degrees this a.m.--perfect temp for camping. It's amazing how many camp with tents--what an unnecessary burden! Kathy came for breakfast--fruit cup (peaches) and cereal. Took pic of Kathy--but at bad setting first time because she ran up to me as I squatted to take it. I'm proud of Dan for teaching me the simple way to camp. I look around and see everyone's excess baggage and then look at my simple camp and I thank you, Dan. It looks so good. I do wish I brought the fanny pack Mary gave me for carrying the camera and my diary. Next time. I'm looking forward to seeing the Dories, I just wish I had reliable information and the time for waiting for the trip. If I miss the rendezvous, I don't think I'll ever forgive myself. At 7:00, walked up and over Kaibab Bridge and down to boat beach below south side--may be a good place to wait for Dories and take pictures as they go under bridge. The Canyon is peaceful this morning--quiet before the hustle and bustle of hikers and mule trains. High thin clouds, enough to shade the sun though. I'm going to walk back to camp and Phantom Ranch. I should have plenty of time before the Dories arrive--they don't start this early and they'll probably stop at Stone Creek again. At 8:00 pack mules coming in and two mule trains going out. Most of the hikers are on the trail--Coppertone and BenGay in the air. Sat in the canteen for about an hour talking to Alfredo. Then down to my beach at 10:00 to watch the river. Distracted by two bratty overweight kids (boy/girl) throwing rocks off the River Trail toward the river. I think I'll send the Ranger to their campsite tonight to give them a talking to. Another pack train off the Kaibab. Now the kid throws a rock off bridge. He announced "here comes the boat!" It's 10:10 am. Got to run...
What a day! I'm sitting in the Canteen (shade) at 1:20. Let me recount what has happened the past 3 hours. Brad offered me a ride across the river from where I just sat down to wait under the bridge south side. But I refused, only cause I'm not too quick in the mind sometimes. So they landed below the usual boat beach. I jogged up the trail from the beach and down the other side of the bridge. When I got to Brad's beach, everyone was just getting out of the boats and their river gear. I got big hugs from Brad, Pete, Achim and Irmy. Got my picture taken with Pete just to bug Dan (really)! Got everyone to sign the letter to Dan--Achim, Irmy, Brad and Jerry, Pete and Ellie. I forgot to sign it. Sat in the Canteen while Achim and Irmy write their cards. Then back to the boats. I got a ride (this time I didn't refuse) with Brad to Pipe Creek. He wanted to assure that we would be on the October 1993 trip by putting the bug in my bonnet with a taste of the river. I think it worked, although I had been thinking that the river is the best way to experience the Canyon (especially after spending time at Phantom and on the BA trail). On the River about 11:50 and off at 12:05 at Pipe Creek. Got pictures of each Dorie as it passed through Pipe Creek riffle. I threw a kiss to Achim and Irmy and Achim almost got tossed from the boat when he returned a kiss. Hiked back in 30 minutes--had to keep stopping to get the sand out from between my toes (I was wearing sandals). Otherwise, I never enjoyed that stretch of trail before. There is something about floating. Pete told me that Ranger Bil (one L Bil) is here and will be looking for me. He is the backpacker who Dan ran into at Clear Creek two years ago with the message that I was looking for Dan at Phantom. [Interruption 2:15--neighbor came by to introduce himself--Mike from Fargo, ND (originally from Chicago) on a business trip to Las Vegas. I get an uneasy feeling the way his eyes looked through me. He's eating in the Canteen and hiking out in morning. He's a TV producer for a public station in Fargo.] They've got 5 gallon cans on some of the packtrees with the bottom cut out and hook inside for hanging food. It's 2:30, now what? To Ribbon Falls? Well, almost (ha!). I walked an hour up--it really was too late to go, especially in my condition. Back at 5:00. I'm just now starting to feel stiff and my hip does hurt but not as much as the first time (am I getting used to it). On the way back, I was thinking Dan was probably still at work and I thought about my job--STOP--and realized the worst part of a vacation/trip is the point that you have to start thinking about going back to the real world. Well, I shouldn't be at the point yet. I still have to climb out of this place. This great place that man is destroying. - - Oh, well, I don't think I'll get into that here. Got word from Ranger Betsy that Ranger Bil went up to Indian Gardens. I'll try to remember to look for him there. Little Mike, the "big TV producer, found an excuse to move his camp when I mentioned "husband". Which was okay with me; like I said, I didn't like the look in his eyes. At 6:45, Mike stopped by for a chat. Talked about dinner and afternoon ranger program. Tried to attend the 7:30 ranger talk about the first river runners, but as soon as I sat down I remembers why I don't attend some of these. The young boy I sat next to was spitting every 30 seconds, and then the smokers sat up wind. So, I left.
Day 3: Up at 5:00 and on the trail at 6:00 am. At Indian Garden at 7:50. Took a break. An Indian named Brook joined me for the hike out. A top at 10:45. Shower at BA at 11:10. Now to visitor's center to get stamped on Achim's letter to mom.
Summary: Hike up BA to rim from BAC...4 hours 45 minutes.