Day Five - Wednesday

Having learned the lesson that only a fool is on the trail after 10 a.m., we rose at 3:30 a.m. and left camp by 5.  We crossed the muddy-colored Colorado in the dark and began the ascent. 

At 9:40 a.m. we arrived at Indian Garden Campground.  We'd seen incredible sights at every  switchback.  

We spent the day under our sunshade, counting lizards and listening to bizarre wild animal sounds.  

Another day of rising at 3:30 a.m. and getting on the trail.  The peace and tranquility of the inner canyon evaporated as we hiked higher and encountered more day-trippers venturing down into the canyon.  

We celebrated our accomplishment at the top.  

Six months of training and preparation led us on an unforgettable 24-mile adventure: One that could not even be spoiled by the 23 hours we spent in Las Vegas waiting for the flight home! 

Route 66 at Williams, Arizona