Plateau Point

I could look at this picture all day.  The beauty of the canyon is unforgettable.  This is a short mile hike from Indian Gardens Campground, known as Plateau Point.

This is the titanium cookware we have.  We will probably have to get another set for 8 people. We already have 3 cook stoves.

These are Yak Traks. We will  need them if we get snow on the rim.

Mattress Pads

These are the Big Agnes Pads.  They are 20" W X  78"L X 2.5" thick.   You put your sleeping bag on top of this, and you would never know you are sleeping on the ground. They come in 20 X 72 for those that don't need all that length.  The little pouch they fold up into is sitting  on top. Here are two different styles.  The one on the left slims in at the bottom and top and the other is sort of like a float for a pool.  Both of these require you to inflate through a mouth valve, but they also make some self inflating ones.

A colorful dinner table

Don't forget to get colorful eating utensils, it's much easier to pick yours out of the clean pot.  There are many types to choose from:  titanium, plastic, aluminum.  That goes for the plates, cups and bowls as well.  I particularly like the collapsible dinnerware.  They are easy to pack, however, they don't come in many colors.  I  suggest putting a dab of a contrasting fingernail polish on all your dishes.

My thoughts on cameras

 I love this silhouette photo of Bob 
hiking between two canyon walls.  
We were on the Bright Angel Trail ,
headed towards Indian Gardens.  
The Raven, below, was so stunning
against the blue sky.  Both of these
photos were taken before  9AM.  
Your mornings begin early; you want
to hike during the coolest part of the day.

You never know when you are going to come across that 'Kodak' moment.  For this reason I believe everyone should carry a digital camera.  I strap my camera case to one of the shoulder straps on my backpack. Then I have 
quick access without having to stop and dig it out of somewhere.   Also, with cameras all around,
it insures that everyone in the group will be in the pictures.

The view

Just another view in the day of a life of backpacking and hiking 

in the Grand Canyon.  Try to tell me that when your eyes come upon this site it doesn't change your perspective on life.  There is a bigger picture.

Our tent

Here's our tent.  Very light
weight.  It uses two hiking 
poles for support.  Very cool.

Mule Train

In the Canyon, the mules always have the right of way, whether they are hauling people or  commodities for Phantom Ranch.  You simply find a safe place off the trail and step to the side until they pass.  You'll be amazed at how sure footed they are.

Suspension Bridge

Here I am on the suspension

bridge that takes you over

the Colorado River.  After 

crossing the river the trail 

leads to Phantom Ranch.  

Now you can get an appreciation for  just how long and how high above the river the bridge is.  It's quite a memorable walk. This gives you an idea of the Canyons dimension.

 There were a pair of wild turkeys down in the Canyon.  The Ranger told us the turkeys were blown off the North Rim and were not able to fly up from the bottom , so here they stay.

Sunset

This picture was taken as the sun was going down while walking on the Hopi Trail up on the South Rim in November 2004.  It really was that spectacular.

Looking forward to backpacking the Grand Canyon for the 4th time

Hiking the Grand Canyon is something that needs to be on every one's bucket list.  It is truly an amazing place.  Just to think of all those that have come before you and walked those paths. You are walking through time as you descend the trails.  The walk is every bit inspiring.