Cottonwood Campground to Bright Angel Campground

Day Four Miles: 7.2
Cumulative Miles: 35

October 29, 2011
Bright Angel Campground
3:15 pm

One of the interesting things about these trails is that they are so populated.  You can meet some interesting people and get to know those sharing the trail with you.  On day one we hiked with Scott and Jennifer.  Day two we kept leapfrogging with two large groups.  Day three was pretty neat though - since we went up-and-back we met everyone who came in N. Kaibob that day.  About a mile before we reached the Rim, we ran into a group of parents and young teens hiking in.  When we explained that we were doing up-and-back, one of the men said "Wow, you guys are animals!"  We laughed and continued on.

Later, back at camp, S headed for the latrine but had to stop and chat with all of our new friends along the way. Then, from back in one of the sites, "Hey! It's the animal!"  I guess we have a nickname now!  (We give them names too, like "blister guy.")

S plays mountain goat to get the perfect shot

Today we got a nice, early start.  We packed up our gear and said goodbye to Cottonwood campsite #6 and were on the road at 7:30.  We made Ribbon Falls around 8:15 and proceeded to stop for nearly three hours to take pictures!  We also had an epic creek crossing before pressing on.

We stopped again around the halfway point and indulged ourselves with a hot lunch of leftover sketti and mishmash.  1.5 hours there.  I think we kept not wanting to leave, since from this morning, every step we take is leading back to the real world and the end of this trip.  We're already planning another, North-South-North but we need to get the boys in on that one!

Well, we're back in Bright Angel now, in site 6 instead of site 4.  6 is more private but also has more prickly pears.  Tomorrow we begin the final two-day push to the south rim.

QotD: "I'm a man!" - Blister Guy on why he can bathe in the creek and we really can't.  "Maybe it will make us hungry!" - as we try to finish dinner and our neighbors start toking up.  "Cobbler Girls" - our other nickname!