We leave early again today and come across some pretty flowers right away.

Indian Paintbrush 4-11-2014 @ 7:24	Small-flowered Milkvetch 4-11-2014 @ 7:24	Phlox 4-11-2014 @ 7:25

     In a few more minutes, we are at the base of the tough switchbacks leading up to the Moqui Steps.  Upon learning that my trail name is "Turtle-Speed," the guys promptly put me at the back of the line for the climb.  I tend to think that the real reason for my placement is they wanted to utilize my military background so I could guard our rear flank.  Yeah, that's it!!

The view to the rim 4-11-2014 @ 7:27	Looking down 4-11-2014 @ 7:40

     At the top of the switchbacks there is some scrambling required to get farther up as several of these upclimbs are challenging.

	Keith and Jonathan climbing up 4-11-2014 @ 8:11

     We finally reach the Moqui Steps and find that our webbing is still in place.  I double wrap the line around my wrist and climb to the top of the Steps.  I found that going up was relatively easy using the hand line.

Richard at the Moqui Steps 4-11-2014 @ 8:22	Richard at the Moqui Steps 4-11-2014 @ 8:23	Richard at the Moqui Steps 4-11-2014 @ 8:23

     Keith and Jonathan are next to go up the Steps.  Click here for a short video clip of Jonathan going up the Steps.

	Keith at the  Moqui Steps 4-11-2014 @ 8:46

     We retrieve our webbing and continue over to the Petroglyphs. 

Petroglyphs 4-11-2014 @ 9:21	Mojave Astor 4-11-2014 @ 9:18	Petroglyphs 4-14-2014 @ 9:21

     We climb to the top of the pole, ferry our packs up, and peek out the opening at the top of the Rabbit Hole.  Jonathan uses a special setting on his camera to take a panorama view picture looking out the opening.

The pole at the Rabbit Hole 4-11-2014 @ 9:23	Panorama view out the Rabbit Hole 4-11-2014 @ 9:54

     We then climb up on top the small ledge and do all the switchbacks to the top where the creek meets the edge.  After walking up the creek bed a while, we turn uphill a little early, reach the rim, and make the long trek back to Pasture Wash using the recorded track on my GPS for guidance.  It's perfect and the barn and Keith's rented SUV soon come into view.

Cairn at the edge 4-14-2014 @ 10:56	Looking over the edge 4-11-2014 @ 10:56	Our car at Pasture Wash 4-11-2014 @ 12:32

    After we get back to the South Rim, I start the long drive to Oklahoma.

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