Hiking in the Grand Canyon, at least in both of my experiences, generally means early rising - not just because of the fact that everyone just tends to get up earlier with the visible light, but that starting early means beating the potential heat.
This morning's breakfast: A breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese and coffee.
The view as we ate was, of course, amazing. And yet even looking at the beauty, I am conscious of the fact that the shadow that keeps us from the sun is going to get smaller and smaller rather quickly.
With a repacking of everything and a quick dish wash, we are away!
The first part of our hike was across the Esplanade, perhaps 2 miles. This was a fairly level walk with slight rises and dips but no real elevation changes. It is also completely exposed to the sky: once the sun cleared the Canyon Rim, it started to heat up and give a hint of how truly unpleasant this would be in Summer.
A view showing the nature of the Esplanade. From this angle, it is hard to see that there is more down to go.
One of the few places of shade we passed.
More cryptosoil!
Getting closer to continuing our descent:
Our descent takes us down in Surprise Valley. The descent is a fairly steep one.
Looking down the trail. We are heading towards the formation that looks like a hill with the "smaller" rocks in front of it:
Looking back up towards the Esplanade:
"The Window": About halfway for the descent into Surprise Valley. The shade and breeze were welcome.
Another shot looking back up towards the Esplanade:
Surprise Valley. This is the start of our loop; we turn left at the Cairn in the road.
Another pretty steep descent - but wait, what are those? Actual trees?
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