Spring Break.  Could not get Bright Angel for the first night, so we accepted Clear Creek use area.  We started in the snow: packed all the rain gear which we never used after the first couple of hours.  On the bus we listened to big game hunters brag about shooting a record size wart hog.  I bet the guide tells everyone it is record size.  Then I had to stay ahead of them until the Redwall when I had to stop for a drink and snack.

Filled our water at Bright Angel, saw the big game hunters again in the canteen, just before they started out.  Debated staying around until late, but got bored and hauled the two gallons up the hill and into Sumner Wash.  Nice campsite, just out of sight of the trail. No visitors, no one passed by.

along
the clear creek trail

Next morning we bopped into Clear Creek.  The new trail work is impressive.  Glad we donated $$ to this.  Got into camp, and noticed that the creek was in flood.  We had all afternoon, so we decided to see if Cheyeva was flowing.

The Cheyeva arm had water, so we kept going, and going.  Finally I could see the falls, and no, they were not running.  Oh well.  Got back to camp about 4:30.  A long day.

Next day we started down toward the River.  Figured it would be about five miles one way.  The first crossings were marked with many and elaborate rock cairns, but after a mile or so they gave up.  After the first time I fell in the creek, I also gave up on dry feet.  Kept going, and going.  Finally spotted the monolith at the River confluence, and still kept going.  I kept thinking I was going to see the waterfall that blocks the route, and never did.  It took about four hours to get to the drop-off, and I figured it would take us that long to get back.  I was glad we had brought lights, though I did not relish the thought of hiking through the canyon in the dark.  However it only took about three and a half hours back.  Always faster on the way back, very curious.

Another long day.  Walked through the campsite of a family (sorry!) and then right by a couple who had taken the camp by ours.  The wind was ripping at their tarp, and they finally gave up and found a new site.  I don't know if they were looking for less wind, or had not noticed how close they camped to us.

The family left early the next morning. I told the boy to be sure and get his Phantom junior ranger badge.  The couple passed us when we stopped, and then we passed them.  I didn't get my favorite small campsite, so I took the old large-group site.  It always irritates me when I need that site for a group of six and two people have it, but I took it anyway.

the river monolith

We went out via Bright Angel so we would see the Redbuds.  About half were in bloom.  A few trees had already peaked, and some had not bloomed at all.  Some years they all seem to blossom at once, but not this year, I guess.  It is a long day to come out BA with a full pack.  I hike out there several times a year from Phantom, but that is with a day pack.

cheyeva is dry, again or still

Counted 155 people from three mile to mile and a half, then 300+ from mile and a half up. Brad bawled out a kid for throwing his banana peel off the edge. When I walked past he was whining: but it will return to nature!  Wanted to offer to fill his car with banana peels and see how fast they rot, but I didn't bother.  I get in enough trouble carping to people on the trail.  55 miles in five days.  Not bad.

redbud