Desert Southwest - The Checklist Edition - Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Traverse, Day 2 - Clear Creek Campsite to Cottonwood Campsite - September 2014

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Grand Canyon, Rim-to-Rim Traverse, Day 2

Clear Creek Trail (At-large) to Cottonwood Camp

Sunday, September 21

The forecast had called for clearing skies overnight, and as a result, we had started off with our tent-flies half-off, in order to ventilate our tents in the still relatively warm air. Unfortunately, although we could see intermittent gaps with starlight, it never truly cleared up, and occasionally we would get a few drops of rain. Finally, there was a stronger rainshower that forced us all to get up and properly fasten our flies.

Morning on the Tonto

Turbulent Skies

As the twilight of dawn lightened the landscape, a thick and textured layer of clouds had re-formed overhead. There was no rain - nor was there any prediction of morning rain - but it was still quite gloomy out. Having said that, the clouds and resulting light did create a pretty interesting mood.

Morning at camp

Inner Canyon Early morning

Sumner Butte

Our objective for the day was a hike from where we were now to the backcountry campground known as Cottonwood Camp. Unlike our current at-large location, this was an established campground, complete with numbered sites, a water station, and composting toilets.

Cottonwood camp was just under 9 miles from our current location. Given the relatively gentle grades and easy trail, we anticipated that this would take us about six or perhaps seven hours. And, with a forecast once again of only moderately warm temperatures, there was no need to hurry and complete the hike in the morning hours.

Brian and the temple

Morning at camp

Brian in the Big Ditch

With no particular time pressure on us, we spent a leisurely morning at camp - taking lots of pictures of the beautiful landscape, having our hot noodles and/or oatmeal, fixing up sore feet, and in general, just chilling out and enjoying our private little slice of the Grand Canyon.

courtesy JInnes

courtesy PChen

courtesy RHanel

Morning Beverages

Brightening Up

Breakfast Noodles

courtesy JInnes

courtesy PChen

courtesy JInnes

Andrew at Breakfast

Almost Packed

Readying for Departure

courtesy RHanel

Fabulous Morning Vista

Hatko-prep

Waiting for the Signal

By 7:30 a.m - about an hour and a half after getting up, we were mostly packed-up and ready to head out. The clouds overhead had now started to break up, and here and there we now had large patches of blue. As we started our march back west, the sun started to shine on us.

courtesy PChen

Heading off under clearing skies

Heading West, Clear Creek Tr

Last evening, under the duress of stormy skies and approaching darkness, we didn't have too much time to enjoy the Clear Creek trail. This morning, under a clearing sky and early-day sunlight, we could take our time and enjoy the nice walk back down to Bright Angel Creek.

courtesy RHanel

Back downhill

Descent through Tapeats

Rafters in the morning light

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