This was a really fun hike.  It is probably the easiest one you can do in the Canyon and a layover day at the bottom is a real treat.  Of course, having two steak dinners and two breakfasts at Phantom Ranch sure beats freeze dried food.  A beer in the afternoon at the canteen is kind of nice too.  Only hiking from the bottom to Indian Garden was also a pleasant alternative to hiking all the way out.

     The Utah Flats Route should not be taken lightly.  It is extremely steep with very loose footing.  A fall here would not be a pleasant experience.   

     I like my new Nikon D7000 DSL.  In addition to great still pictures, it takes HD movies. 

     My first Rainbow Tarptent got swept away in a mini flash flood during a severe thunder storm last October in Ojojojo Canyon below Sowats Points.  My new one worked great this hike.  It is considered a 1-2 person tent and weighs two pounds.  It is quite roomy for one person and sets up relatively easily.  I continue to like it a lot.  I also like the Sublite Tarptent I have used on some hikes.  It weighs one pound, but is a lot smaller than the Rainbow.  Ditto for my Thermorest Neoair sleeping pad.  It is first rate, light, and very compact, much more so than my old Thermorest Pro-Lite 4.  I sleep on my side and don't have to worry about hitting bottom with my Neoair.

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