ALL HIKERS

DAY 5: DAY HIKE ON THE RIVER TRAIL

     We decided to sleep in this morning and not try to get the breakfast at Phantom Ranch.  After breakfast in camp, we discuss what kind of day hike to do today.  Keith and I have done all the south side named trails except that short section of the River Trail between the two bridges, so we agree to do that loop hike.

     We head for the Kaibab Suspension Bridge.  On a raft trip Keith and I did several years ago, he showed me this trail hand's grave near where the rafts tie up.  However, neither of us had seen the brass plaque on the wall by the grave.  Many times there are colorful, plastic flowers on the grave.

Trail Foreman plaque
4-11-2013 @ 9:08
Trail Foreman grave
4-11-2013 @ 9:10

     Just uphill from the grave are some Anasazi ruins.  The round depressed area is called a Kiva.

Anasazi ruins
4-11-2013 @ 9:19
Anasazi ruins
4-11-2013 @ 9:19
Anasazi ruins
4-11-2013 @ 9:19

     As we approach the Kaibab Suspension Bridge, the morning mule pack team comes by headed for the rim.  We move to the side and watch them go by.

Mule team headed out
4-11-2013 @ 9:29
Mule team headed out
4-11-2013 @ 9:29

     The bridge was constructed in 1928 and uses four one-inch support cables on each side.  To read a short history of the bridge and Phantom Ranch, click here.

Kaibab Suspension Bridge
4-11-2013 @ 9:31
Suspension bridge cable
4-11-2013 @ 9:32
Kaibab Suspension Bridge
4-11-2013 @ 9:36

     After crossing over the bridge and going through the tunnel, we turn right and climb up to the River trail.  This is the first time I have seen a synthetic material used for a trail sign.  While not "natural," it will probably outlast the wooden ones.  The Colorado River is still flowing a pretty green color.

Kaibab Suspension Bridge
4-11-2013 @ 9:48
trail sign
4-11-2013 @ 9:47
Colorado River
4-11-2013 @ 9:49

     In a few more minutes, we reach the Silver Suspension bridge, started in 1965, washed out by a flash flood, and finally completed in 1970.  It's primary purpose is to support the pipe line that brings 100% of the South Rim water from Roaring Springs.  On the other side of the bridge is a mule sign.  While not obvious in the thumbnail picture below, clicking on the picture brings up a larger size picture that more clearly shows some added graffiti.  While I don't condone graffiti anyplace in the Canyon, this one word addition to the sign is cute.

Silver Suspension Bridge
4-11-2013 @ 10:16
Mule trail sign
4-11-2013 @ 10:24

     All during our day hike today, a Park Service helicopter has been carrying loads of building materials down from the rim for some refurbishing work that is being done on a historic building next to the bathroom out here.  Just as we reach the bathroom, the helicopter returns with another load.  It has been windy today, so we are all impressed with the pilot's skill in delivering the load precisely between a bush and the building.  To view a short video clip of the helicopter at work, click here.  The phones at Phantom Ranch are out of order, so I try to call my wife on the phone here at the bathroom.  It takes my money, but doesn't allow my wife to hear me.  Well, I tried.

     We lounge around camp a while and then head over to the cantina for a few hours.  This afternoon I am surprised to meet Bob Bordasch at the cantina.  I knew his group was doing a brutal Nankoweap to Phantom hike, but I never expected to have our paths cross here.  To read his trip report, click here.  I did a Royal Arch hike with his group a couple of years ago.  He joins us this afternoon at 5:00 for the steak dinner.  After dinner, I go back to his campsite and visit with the other members of his group, many of whom were also on that Royal Arch hike.

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