2025 Grand Canyon Thunder River (XI): Esplanade To The Trailhead

Today was (perhaps unsurprisingly) another early start, the goal being to get out before the heat hit too hard.  We also had enough water, but no sense in tempting Fate.

The breakfast on the last day of the hike is usually a combination of whatever is left - in this case, peanut butter, jelly, and honey tortillas and coffee.

All too soon the sun arrived.  At this point it was us versus the sun rising over the Canyon Rim.

Gong up, although a bit steep, was certainly better than the descent going down - no falling on my behind this time!

Monument Point to gauge how far we have come.

An example of the trail and looking down. 

Almost "even" with Monument Point!

Another steeper part of the trail and one where we had transit packs going down.  Coming up was easier (but I still needed a hand).

The Canyon Rim!

Our Final time on the trail was just about 3 hours.  We ascended 1600 feet and walked three miles.

To the Victors, of course, go the spoils. My go-to reward for completing a hike:  a vanilla milkshake.

Christmas 2025

 (Adoration of the Shepherds - Matthias Stom, between 1625 and 1650.  Source)

"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign to you:  You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manager.

      And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:  "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill towards men!"  - Luke 2:  10-14

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:  and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Price of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

Nollick ghennal erriu! (Merry Christmas!)

2025 Grand Canyon Thunder River (X): Deer Creek To The Esplanade

 Today was another early morning start, both to beat the heat and get to where we needed to be before it got too dark - The Esplanade, where we camped only four nights (or a lifetime) ago. Additionally, we needed to carry all our water out:  we would not hit water again until we reached the trail head.  All water containers were filled, bladders were filled, and carrying containers filled.

Breakfast:  Granola and (powdered) milk and coffee:

The trail from Deer Creek was a fairly rapid ascent.

Looking back at Deer Creek:

Deer Creek Spring was not very accessible; we were correct to fill up before we left.

The Thone Room. Over the years, "thrones" have been assembled (most likely by rafters and hikers). 

They are about as uncomfortable as they look:

The ascent from Deer Creek to Surprise Valley took about two hours.  It did get hot as we ascended, but not nearly as hot as the descent had been.

Welcome (back) to Surprise Valley!

It was another two hours from Surprise Valley to the Esplanade:

The Esplanade lies at the top:

The Window going up:

Welcome back to the Esplanade!

Lunch (in the cluster of shade we could find) was tuna mixed with sunflower seeds, cranberries, and Italian dressing accompanied with Triscuits. This is another standard I have on every hike with this company and I love it (and should remember to eat it at home more often as well.  So easy, so much protein.). 

Hiking back towards where we camped on our first night:

Monument Point:

After our arrival back, some of us hiked on to see some pictographs.

This was our highest mileage day at almost 11.5 miles, including the hike to the pictographs. Dinner was a hearty Vindaloo, Coconut Chicken and Naan.

One more evening of amazing sunsets: