I was quite relieved to complete this hike with no knee or toenail problems.  This was a great experience, but a bit taxing.  Our trip highlights were:

• Bridgers Knoll and the Esplanade from the trail above the cliff section.
• The cryptobiotic soil.
• Flying Saucer rock and the Mushroom rocks.
• Surprise Valley from the top of the redwall.
• Thunder River.
• The Narrows.
• Deer Creek Falls.
• The Throne Room at Deer Spring.

     I have the following recommendations for this hike:

• Go only to the Esplanade the first day and camp near the top of the redwall.  It is a long, tiring day to go all the way to either Upper Tapeats Campground or Deer Creek.

• Alternatively, camp in Surprise Valley near the ridge above Thunder River and then do a day hike down to Thunder River.  This will allow you to carry minimal weight up and down to Thunder River and still be able to replenish your water.  If you elect to go all the way to Upper Tapeats Campground, spend two nights there.  The descent down to Tapeats Creek and the climb back out are brutally steep.

• When crossing the Esplanade, make sure you see the next cairn before losing sight of the last cairn.

• If the trail seems unreasonably hard, it probably is not the correct trail.

     I am excited about doing another hike next spring, possibly the New Hance.

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