Early this morning the three teenagers we saw last night come back through camp headed for Indian Garden. Apparently, they camped out not too far from here. I am relieved that they are alright. It rained a little last night and the wind continued to blow, but this looks like it's going to be a very nice day. I leave a little before Keith and Alan since they will catch me in no time at all. The views in all directions are stunning.
I find several more cactus on my way to Indian Garden.
In about an hour, I reach the Plateau Point trail. There used to be a sign here warning hikers of the dangers of drinking the radiation tainted water at Horn Creek. That is gone. I guess if you drink the water now you only glow softly at night. I meet numerous people making the day hike out to Plateau Point.
I pull into Indian Garden in a little while and take a seat near the mule tie-up posts. I hadn't seen this metal ammo can nearby that contains unused wrangler food for hikers in need. That's a good idea. Those teenagers who came this way this morning from Horn Creek probably could have used some of that. In a few minutes, the mule team from the rim pulls in.
I am surprised that Keith and Alan haven't made it here yet. I wait for them about fifteen more minutes and then head out. This is the first time I have gone down any of the Bright Angel Trail. I normally go down the South Kaibab Trail and come up the Bright Angel Trail. As usual, there are many deer grazing nearby. They are unfazed by hikers.
I pass the Tonto East Trail sign in no time at all. This section of the trail is quite pretty sandwiched between the cliff and Garden Creek. It is where my daughter and I saw a rattlesnake on my very first hike in the Grand Canyon. Next comes the Devil's Corkscrew. It is not quite as daunting going down it.
There are more blooming flowers by the trail.
At one of the switchback turns, a squirrel comes begging. He gets nothing from me.
I reach the bottom of the corkscrew and make my way to the River. The bathroom here is relatively new and wasn't here a few years ago.
When you reach the River Trail, you know you're getting close. Both suspension bridges come into view and pretty soon I'm crossing the Silver Suspension Bridge.
I make my way to the campground and pick out a good site for us. I've very surprised that I have beaten Keith and Alan down here. I have lunch on the picnic table and then head over to the Cantina to write post cards and have a beer.
I've always been impressed that a telephone line could have been put in here 75 years ago. This brass plaque commemorating the Trans-Canyon Telephone Line is neat. The Cantina is a welcome site. They've replaced the rickety wicker chairs that used to be here with sturdy new oak ones. In an hour or so, Keith and Alan arrive. We each send postcards to our friends with their famous red "mailed by mule team at the bottom of the Grand Canyon - Phantom Ranch" stamp.
The cantina closes at four o'clock so that they can begin preparing the evening meals. We head back to camp. A helicopter is delivering some supplies to the Ranger Station, so we watch for a few minutes. That pilot is very good and he puts the stuff on a dime right next to the building.
We set up camp and get ready for our steak supper back at the cantina at five o'clock. As usual, the food is great.
We're staying two nights here at the campground. Layover days are wonderful. MAIN INDEX | HIKING INDEX | BACK TO DAY 3 | FORWARD TO DAY 5
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