Hiked the Hermit Trail to Santa Maria Spring. Just for a change. Tried to get through the barrier (It's legal: I'm a resident), but when they re-did the road they changed the pass code.



Nice day and not very crowded, but disappointing to see graffiti in the Supai. I am used to, nay, expect to see it in the Coconino, but not this far down. Behold the post of shame:








We erased the stuff in the rocks, naturally, but couldn't get the bozo who carved his name on the rocking chair at the resthouse. I Googled the name though, since it is kind of unusual, and there is a Jake Gerster in Scottsdale. Maybe I'll be able to track him down and carve my name in his car door.

Anyhow, it was a nice day and we met a couple from Alaska with whom we were able to gossip. Saw a backpacking pair one of whom had an arm in a sling. When we came back out, I was going to volunteer to help carry some stuff, but one backpack was abandoned under a tree. Don't know if it was left there to pick up after the walking wounded got out, or just plain abandoned. Didn't see the couple again. Passed two ranger groups, so one assumes if they hiked out, they could have contacted the Green and Gray for help.