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.