Trax

The desert is a hot, dry place which most people see as not supportive of life. Most people don't know where or when to look. Can you believe how many creatures inhabit this space. Double click on the picture to enlarge the view and reveal the detail. Rich Rasmussen's picture.

Taking in the Arizona Sun

Our friend #4 on Canyon's edge. Rich Rasmussen's picture and editing

Desert Night-wind

Recently, some friends put on a concert of Middle Eastern music at UCLA, an annual event. One did an inspiring improvisational solo on a reed flute. Here is the result.

Desert Night-wind

Desert night-wind, blowing, peaceful, enters camp, removing day.
Hot is leaving, sand is air-born, stars like sand-grains, building sky.
Rest is coming, after dinner, all will welcome, sand is soft, tonight my pillow.
Night’s relief, before tomorrow, food, reclining, brings us back.
Here by fire we cook our dinner, here we gather, before our tents.
Desert night-wind, embers rising, starry texture near and far.
Embrace our tents until the morning, wrap us warmly, night’s companion
Desert voice, lull us to sleep.

Plateau Point Visitor

Last Sunday we met a fellow traveler, way out on Plateau Point, below Indian Gardens. Rich Rasmussen gets photo credit.

#4 Condor

Habituated Wanderer

Habituated wanderer, fellow Californian , we meet you here on Canyon's rim
far above the Colorado, far below the tourist buses.
On our journeys, we are travelers, on Plateau Point, we share our perch.
How I envy your eight-foot wing-span, gathering up-drafts you soar for dinner.
How far you wandered, how far we back-packed, to come together, to reach this place.
You raise my spirits with your preening, your comfort here brings comfort homeward.
Thank you for your blessed visit, gift you've given like no other, priceless presence, your comfort's innocence.
We're all enriched in your new homeland. I wish you children without the tag.

Grand Canyon Day One

The hike down South Kaibab trail was steep and trecherous. It was the worst descent I have ever done. One of our party had to turn around and go back after a couple of miles after falling several times. In addition to the drop of almost 5000 feet in six miles, the trail was broken up badly by the frequent Mule trains. They would pound deep ruts into the trail which we had to avoid at our peril. We had to either jump from rut-top to rut-top or hop from the bottom of one rut to the bottom of the next. Some in our party would hike along the edge on the rocks lining the path to avoid the ruts. Approaching the last mile were were totally exhausted and our muscles worn out and, well it was hard to walk. At about that time we encounteresd the Colorado River. There was this narrow steel bridge, covered not very well by wooden planks spaced pretty far apart. It was very intimidating and very high above the water surface, one of the more scary crossings I have done. At least there were sides to the bridge and planks to walk on. Our shaky legs did not help much and my poles did keep getting stuck between the planks. Once we got to the other side, it was still some distance up a side stream to our camp. I was totally destroyed by the time we finally were able to offload our packs and have dinner.
You would think I'd sleep well that night but the thought of our ascent in the morning would not leave my mind.

Grand Canyon Day Two

Waking up at Phantom Ranch sure beat what we had to do to get there. The morning sun lighting up our path along the river was encouraging. Our camp site was next to a rushing stream and our guide informed us we had to do only 4 1/2 miles to go, much of which was along the Colorado River. We stopped at a great beach at the outlet of the stream which we followed all the way to Indian Gradens. The beach was beautiful but sad, as I suspect that will be my last visit to the Colorado, unless by river raft. I took lots of pictures, some of which will be published when I get back from Flagstaff, AZ. I loved the rushing stream and all the geenery all the way up. It was filled with grape vines, aspen and willow. It must have been a heaven for the Indians who lived in the area. Our camp at Indian Gardens was great. We ate well, were able to recover somewhat from very painful muscles , my calves were killing me, and get some rest that night. Also in the afternoon we went for a day-hike out to the point for some spectacular views. The camping area had roofs over the picnic tables which we hid under when rain moved in for a short while. I was glad for the first time on the trip to have brought my tent. The night was clear and the morning beautiful. The stars are remarkable as there are no lights what so ever.

Grand Canyon, the Third Day

We came out this morning about 10:30, which meant our 3000 ft ascent from Indian Gardens took us about three and a half hours. It was almost all switch-backs, but, despite a lot of pre-hike anxiety on my part, it turned out to be not so bad. Perhaps because it was an ascent and not a descent like the one down South Kaibab that had been so punishing two days ago. Most of the other folks camping at Indian Gardens last night got to the rim after us. We were most happy with our climbing ability, after being beaten up on the two previous days. I was ecstatic to finally reach the top after starting to believe it did not exist any more.
The most remarkable event yesterday was when we all went out to the point to catch the view. Rich somehow decided to stay on after the rest of us came back and was honored by the presence of a Condor. It just came in and landed right near him, he walked over to with in 15 ft and took the most incredible Condor photos I have ever seen, including three short videos. He got so close you can look into the Condor's eyes. The pictures will be posted here as soon as he sends me his CD.

Grand Canyon Wisdom

Even though you are in conciderable pain, you can still climb the @#$%^ Mountain.

Grand canyon Discoveries

If you become aware of and embrace the rythmns of the Earth you find your self dancing with Mother Nature.