We are up in time to make our 6:30 breakfast at Phantom Ranch. As usual the food is fantastic. Now it's back to camp to pack our stuff and head toward Indian Garden. We cross the Silver suspension bridge and look back at both bridges for the last time.
The River Trail has a few ups and downs but generally remains at the same elevation all the way to the river rest house. After a short break there, we begin up the Bright Angel Trail toward the Devil's Corkscrew. We take a final break at the base of the corkscrew before heading up. Just then a 70 year old man comes up the trail. We thought we had lots of stuff strapped to our back, but with all the things tied onto his back, this guy looks like a pack mule. He tells us that he got tired of waiting on his "punk" kids back there and decided to go on without them. What's more, the kids have all the water. He heads up the corkscrew just before we do. Dennis and I discuss that this poor guy does not have a clue what is in store for him and we probably will have to carry him out. We start up the corkscrew with the old man about 100 yards in front of us. With each switchback, the old man keeps gaining ground on us. Dennis and I are not believing what is happening. Finally he goes out of sight, never to be seen again. It is a humbling experience to be completely smoked by an oldster.
I take Dennis' picture above the corkscrew near where I saw the rattlesnake two years ago. We finish the climb into Indian Garden and set up camp. After a little rest, we head out to Plateau Point. With his fear of heights strongly entrenched, Dennis refuses to get within a hundred yards of the edge. I am disappointed that the river's dark brown color detracts from the otherwise great view.
We go back to camp and rest until almost sunset. Dennis and I walk up the hill a little ways to explore some. At that very moment, the sky is ablaze with the most gorgeous orange hue I have ever seen. I run back to camp for my camera to record the event, but the view is gone when I get back. Tomorrow we start the final climb to the rim. MAIN INDEX | TRIP INDEX | BACK TO DAY 2 | FORWARD TO DAY 4
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