Day 3 is uponst us and it is time to leave Phantom Ranch to start the two day trip out of the Grand Canyon. The day started with a 4.6 mile hike, with full packs, to Indian Gardens at the base of the Canyon wall. The hike was nice except for the dreaded Devil’s Corkscrew, a winding steep preview to tomorrow’s climb out. We went from the desert zone of Phantom Ranch to the riparian zone of Indian Gardens: the surroundings dictated by the creek running through the area and almost a wetlands area. We had also climbed a bit and the temperatures dropped about 10 degrees.

Jodi’s unexpected problems with her knees escalated from an aggravation to a painful experience, a portend of problems for tomorrow’s climb but at the same time showing her strength of character through a great attitude and unflinching willingness to keep going!

The second part of the day was highlighted by a 3 mile sunset into darkness hike… more on it in the next posting.

On the trail again: Bright Angel Trail to Indian Gardens

Devil’s Corkscrew… which lived up to its name. A short but wicked climb.

In camp at Indian Gardens. While some prepared food, others had another way to while away the time (truth be told: the Rangers told Jodi to stay warm and elevate her legs to counteract her knee issues… she took their advice)

Campsite at Indian Gardens (my little tent is behind the tree). Height of luxury: we had a picnic table under a shelter,  water about 50′ away and a bathroom (high-tech composting outhouse) just up a little hill!

As usual, even the views from our campsite were awesome!

Another view from our campsite. Oh yeah, see the little hill in the background? The top (4.7 miles away) is where we will climb to tomorrow. Groan

Click HERE to go to Day 3, Part 2: Perfect Light

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