We leave around 7:00 this morning.  There is a little boulder hopping in the bed of White Creek until we reach the base of the Redwall.  Going up the Redwall with its steep, loose sections is much easier than it was going down.  At the top, the trail has a few ups and downs and then loops around to the west for a mile or so before starting downhill again.

Boulder hopping in White Creek 10-13-2010 @ 7:03	Top of the Redwall 10-13-2010 @ 8:29

     As we descend this part of the trail to the creek bed, Tom points out that this gray section of rock is really part of the Redwall.  Its gray color is normal but not often seen.  Most Redwalls have a layer of the Supai above it and it is this Supai layer that stains the Redwall with its red color.  For some reason, this part of the trail has no other layers above it.  Tom's knowledge of Canyon geology is impressive.

A gray Redwall 10-13-2010 @ 9:39	A gray Redwall 10-13-2010 @ 9:39

     Since Bob and I are a lot slower than Keith and Tom, we agree to let them continue on at their own pace and meet at Teddy's Cabin.  The going up White Creek is slow in places with all the boulder hopping.

A rough White Creek 10-13-2010 @ 10:04	A rough White Creek 10-13-2010 @ 10:06	White Creek 10-13-2010 @ 10:31

     These Manzanita bushes are full of berries.

Manzanita bushes 10-13-2010 @ 10:29	Manzanita bush 10-13-2010 @ 10:29

     Right where the trail leaves the creek bed and starts uphill Bob points out another Geological Survey marker.  This one also has only the Canyon name and the number 21.  This is a strange spot for one of these as this is not a prominent point where I have frequently seen them.

Geological Survey marker 10-13-2010 @ 12:04	Bob starting uphill 10-13-2010 @ 12:08

     We notice some Hoodoo-like rock spires in the upper sections of the trail near the saddle.  These are a little similar to ones you see at Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks.

Hoodoos near the saddle 10-13-2010 @ 12:24	North Bass Hoodoos 10-13-2010 @ 12:24

     Just before Bob and I reach the seasonal seep/spring near the saddle, we see a rock structure close by that resembles a chimney.  It is about fifty feet from the seep, so we wonder if its purpose is to protect the water source.

Almost to the saddle 10-13-2010 @ 1:15	Interesting rock structure 10-13-2010 @ 1:28	Interesting rock structure 10-13-2010 @ 1:28

     Bob and I pull into Teddy's Cabin before 2:00.  Keith and Tom are lounging on the cabin beds.  We review Tom's poems he has entered into the log book.  He is quite the poet.  Of course, anyone who has visited the Grand Canyon Hiker's Forum already knows that as he is the author of the poem on the home page there.

Teddy's Cabin 10-13-2010 @ 1:51	Tom's poems 10-13-2010 @ 2:00

     We discuss the idea of hiking out this afternoon.  I explain to the guys that I have one and only one uphill speed:  Turtle-speed.  So, if we are going to make the rim before dark, we have to leave now.  I throw on my pack and head uphill.  This section of the trail is a little longer and steeper than I recalled.

The view to the top 10-13-2010 @ 2:44	Almost to the top 10-13-2010 @ 3:23

     I reach the top in under an hour.  The trailhead sign and our car are welcome sights.  Tom is displaying his boots that are now almost completely disintegrated. 

North Bass Trailhead sign 10-13-2010 @ 3:34	Our car at Swamp Point 10-13-2010 @ 3:35	Tom's boots 10-13-2010 @ 3:44

     I can't emphasize enough how good the views are from Swamp Point.  Even if you are not hiking, a drive out here is very worthwhile.

Looking down Canyon 10-13-2010 @ 3:35	SE view from Swamp Point 10-13-2010 @ 3:35

      We start the drive back, fully expecting to have to deal with the three sets of downed trees we encountered coming out here.  To our amazement, someone has completely cleared them away.  We reach the Kaibab Lodge in well under an hour, I throw my stuff in my car, and I'm off for Oklahoma.

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