Bright Angel to North Kaibab – December 2008

Preview

[Note:  Original permit was for Gems trip, huge blizzard canceled that, Ranger said we’d “need a tank” to get to trailhead, arrive at Village not sure what to expect.]  Blizzard forces plan C for Condor, ringtail and skunk incursions, banshee banishment, Ribbon Falls seen and a busy Canteen, storm part II.

Day 1 – Bright Angel Trailhead to Indian Garden Campground

Decide on Escalante Route but backcountry office opens 2 ½ hours late and Desert View Drive closed.  Swap out permit for a Corridor trip.  Heavy snow and clouds down Bright Angel Trail.  California condor perched on Redwall cliff face.  Pablito’s plaster mug breaks in pack before he even gets to use it once.  Storm passes, only 1 other small group to share Indian Garden Campground.

Day 2 – Indian Garden Campground to Bright Angel Campground

Ranger said storm was going to stick around, but mostly clear skies.  Out to Plateau Point for some lounge time.  Mule deer buck back near camp.  Descend to Bright Angel Campground, place is nearly empty, Silver Bridge crossing was a bit creepy.  Ringtail steals bag of peanuts from inside Kaiser’s unzipped tent.  Western spotted skunk patrols camp.  Only 2 other people in Cantina for happy hour.

Day 3 – Bright Angel Campground to Cottonwood Campground

Ascend North Kaibab Trail to Cottonwood Campground.  Again only 2 other hikers here, came down from South Kaibab Trail, impressive.  Lounge time at Bright Angel Creek.  Mr. Jamrock banishes Pablito to adjacent site for banshee snoring.  Very cold, cloudless night.

Day 4 – Cottonwood Campground to Bright Angel Campground

Descend NK Trail, side-trip to Ribbon Falls, enchanting place.  Log my 400^th total Canyon backpacking mile.  BA Campground busier this time.  Mule deer graze thru camp.  Cantina packed, forced to drink 1^st round standing.

Day 5 – Bright Angel Campground to Indian Garden Campground

Wake to cloudy skies again.  Ascend BA Trail, rain starts above Devil’s Corkscrew, turns to snow at IG Campground.  Once again camp almost empty.  Long hot cocktail hour, don’t wanna haul out the extra weight!

Day 6 – Indian Garden Campground to Bright Angel Trailhead

Depart IG Campground.  Light snow still falling, ascend out BA Trail.  Mr. Jamrock accidentally knocks tourist into snow drift with his pack.

Recap

Cheers to plan C.  If we had to stay in Corridor developed campgrounds couldn’t have picked a better time, blizzard scared off most hikers.  Was Mr. Jamrock’s 1^st ever backpacking trip anywhere.