It has been almost three years since my last Canyon hike, a rim to rim in 2001.  My hiking has been delayed since then by a contested judicial election in 2002 and a broken ankle in 2003, so I am ready to hit the trails again.  My long time friend, Art Just, and I have been talking for some time about a Canyon hike, something he has never done.  We decide to go down the South Kaibab Trail, spend two nights at Bright Angel Campground, go up to Indian Garden for one night, and then out the next day.  His adult son, Tom, will be joining us.  Our permit is for April 19-22, 2004.  I was lucky to get the breakfasts and steak dinners at Phantom Ranch both days we will be at the bottom.