Sunday 14 December 2003

I wanted to be back in Phoenix by 4 PM so I decided to head out of the canyon early.  I really hadn't trained for this trip so I was concerned on making good progress on my hike out.  My longest was over seven hours (shortest in five), so I was actually factoring in and extra hour on top of that. It was a half moon with clear skies.  I departed Camp 2 at 3:25 and headed out under the moonlight.  It was great.  I turned my headlamp on while on the River Trail.  The canyon wall obscured the moon and cast deep long shadows.  I decide to continue to hike up the Devil’s Corkscrew under a headlamp.  It was difficult to tell where you were on the trail.  Your only indications was the dark shadow of the Tapeats ledge looming ominously over you. 

I stopped about halfway on the trail and turned the headlamp off.  You couldn’t here the river anymore and it was absolutely quiet.  There was a meteor shower that night and an occasional streak in the sky could be seen.  It was eerie and yet serene.  No sound.  

I made Indian in good time and took only a quick break because it was gusting pretty good there and I was rapidly cooling.

I continued on my way and passed a trio that were just leaving Indian. They would later pass me within a few minutes (fresher legs and younger too).  It was a steady climb and uneventful and I made it past 3 mile rest house before sunrise.  I hiked the distance on from Indian without a headlamp since the entire trail was illuminated by the moonlight.  It was spectacular.  At 2 mile corner the winds were really picking up and I was donning more clothes and headgear.  I only passed a few people all morning long heading down. 

I reached Kolb Studio and couldn’t wait to get over and have some chow at Bright Angel Lodge – I was famished.  I was operating on some cream of wheat and two power bars - pretty much burned through that on the hike out. 

I decided to keep track this time:

3:25 Departed Camp 2

4:00 Junction River, Pipe Creek, & BA Trails

4:25 Prospecting hole

5:30 Indian Gardens

6:45 3-mile Rest House

9:27 Kolb Studio

Not too shabby - 6 hrs 3 min. including breaks.