Sep 9, 2013

Exploring the back roads of the Grand Canyon, Part II

We woke up and Twin Point and decided to head off and do some exploring. The rain continued and it caused just enough alert in the back of my mind to remember countless times mired in mud with hours of work to get out. I was not looking to add another to the list.  photo IMG_3145.jpg Thankfully even though most of us had migrated to All Terrains over the years, we weren't disappointed. The mud was watery enough to keep from packing in and turning the tires into racing slicks.  photo IMG_3146.jpg Slow, but consistent progress.  photo IMG_3147.jpg Kevin checked the crossing with his muck boots. This crossing dropped off just beyond that point to an unknown depth. We decided to turn around since the mud here was different and slick as snot.  photo IMG_3152.jpg Fender flares have an amazing ability to keep a truck clean. Jon did not have any. :-)  photo IMG_3153.jpg There was even a little fender flare carnage. I guess it wasn't made to have an extra 50lbs in mud hanging onto it.  photo IMG_3155.jpg The preferred method to explore muddy remote terrain. Of course.  photo IMG_3157.jpg The old (new) Mt Trumble Schoolhouse. It was rebuilt by volunteers after the original burnt down.  photo IMG_3158.jpg Taggart was having a blast.  photo IMG_3160.jpg We were all discussing how bad the mud would be on the way down the road from Mt Trumble. We were very happily surprised. It was all rock and sand, no mud.  photo IMG_3164.jpg I love Ocotillo's. They grow in the strangest of places and add a little green to otherwise barren landscape.  photo IMG_3167.jpg Now this was a great fire pit locale!  photo IMG_3168.jpg Hiking down tot he water.  photo IMG_3173.jpg This lava formation was directly beneath the firepit I posted above.  photo IMG_3177.jpg The formation is amazing. Similar to the Devil's post pile in California.  photo IMG_3178.jpg Very cool.  photo IMG_3179.jpg Finally made it down. Actually, it was a pretty quick and easy hike.  photo IMG_3182.jpg Sitting in the river enjoying a brew. All is right in the world. All is numb as well since the water is COLD.  photo IMG_3184.jpg More amazing formations across the river.  photo IMG_3185.jpg Yes, not a bad campsite.  photo IMG_3189.jpg Rock leveled campsite.  photo IMG_3191.jpg The next morning we headed out for higher ground!  photo IMG_3209.jpg Some tourists getting a very nice and very expensive ride to their awaiting rafts.  photo IMG_3212.jpg Yes. Yes, is all I can think of. This picture makes me want to live right here. In this very canyon. Not 30 minutes from the river and in an amazing little valley all it's own.  photo IMG_3213.jpg After a lot of low range climbing along a seldom used road we made it from 2500 up to 6000 feet in elevation.  photo IMG_3214.jpg  photo IMG_3219.jpg We decided to head into Fredonia to gas up and head east towards some of the higher elevation, but also more busy parts of the North Rim.  photo IMG_3223.jpg It's a nice transition to be back in the pines!  photo IMG_3224.jpg Once again, not a bad camp.  photo IMG_3226.jpg The next morning we headed to pavement, aired up and started the drive home.  photo IMG_3229.jpg We had to stop at Lee's Ferry. Why, just because it's a great spot.  photo IMG_3234.jpg Some rafters and fisherman heading downriver.  photo IMG_3236.jpg It was another great trip and this one served to remind me that many more trips are "needed" to find all of the good secret spots of the North Rim.  photo IMG_3240.jpg

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