It rained most of last night, so I am again glad I had my tent.  I'm looking forward to a nice day to hike over to Horn Creek.  After breakfast, I pack my gear and leave a little before eight o'clock.  Before long, I am able to see the Colorado River, still flowing a muddy brown color.

Colorado River 10-10-2006 @ 8:10	Colorado River 10-10-2006 @ 8:13

     In a little while, I am approaching the Salt Creek drainage.  You can see the Hopi Wall at the south end of the drainage.

Salt Creek drainage 10-10-2006 @ 8:27	Salt Creek drainage 10-10-2006 @ 8:27	Hopi Wall 10-10-2006 @ 8:44

     I find the Salt Creek sign at the point where the trail crosses the creek and drainage.  It appears the campsites are a little farther south while the trail crosses the creek and turns north at this point.

Salt Creek sign 10-10-2006 @ 8:50	Salt Creek 10-10-2006 @ 8:51	Salt Creek 10-10-2006 @ 8:54

     After a short break, I continue north on the trail.  The Salt Creek drainage is a lot bigger than it first appears and there are numerous side drainages on the east side to traverse.  I reach the most northern point of this section of the trail about an hour and a half after leaving the creek back there.  The Colorado River is now again in view.  As I round Dana Butte, I know I am getting closer to Horn Creek and my campsite tonight.

Salt Creek drainage 10-10-2006 @ 9:15	Colorado River 10-10-2006 @ 10:28	Dana Butte 10-10-2006 @ 11:17

     On the east side of Dana Butte, you can see the Battleship and O'Neill Butte for the first time.

The Battleship 10-10-2006 @ 11:19	O'Neill Butte in the distance 10-10-2006 @ 11:19

     I was expecting to reach Horn Creek in just a few more minutes, but like many things in the Canyon, it is a lot farther than I first thought.  I cross the western finger of Horn Creek and turn eastward.  In just a little while, I approach the Horn Creek campsite.

Horn Creek drainage 10-10-2006 @ 11:49	Horn Creek drainage 10-10-2006 @ 11:56	Horn Creek campsite 10-10-2006 @ 12:30

     This is a very nice campsite.  It is shaded and right by the creek.  They even have a Port-potty here.  It is nice to be reaching camp early.  That allows me to set up my tent and relax all afternoon.  A little later, Keith, another solo hiker about my age, comes by.  He has come all the way today from Monument Creek.  We talk quite a while about our hikes and then he heads to Indian Garden for the night.

Horn Creek campsite 10-10-2006 @ 12:32	Horn Creek sign 10-10-2006 @ 12:33	Horn Creek campsite 10-10-2006 @ 1:27

     The Orphan Mine superstructure is visible at the top of the South Rim.  I wonder if some of the cavities in the wall below it were associated with the mining operation.  Even after some cloud cover moves in, there is not much of a sunset tonight.  After putting fresh Moleskin on my blisters and fixing supper, I head to bed.

Orphan Mine at South Rim 10-10-2006 @ 4:54	Third night sunset 10-10-2006 @ 5:52

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