Day 1: Tanner Trail -- First of four days on the trail

An overview:

The Tanner Trail begins just east of the Lipan Point parking area. It is 9 miles to the Colorado River. Beginning elevation is 7300 feet and we will descend 4600 feet to the Colorado River at 2700 feet.

We get up at daylight 6:45 or so, pack the packs, get water, etc. Shuttle a car to Moran point for pick up on Friday. Arrive at the trailhead at 8:15. Take pictures and head down at 8:20.

The trail follows a series of switchbacks down the steep talus slopes at the head of the west branch of Tanner Canyon. It stays on the west side of the drainage as it drops through the Hermit and most of the Supai Group. The snow adds an element of unsureness to the hike down. Extra care must be taken. The hiking poles we use are a tremendous aid. We stay in snow down about 1800 feet and 2 « hours. This section took its toll on Wes's legs. The summer of travel and two last minute trips to Iowa hindered his overall conditioning. But we are in no hurry.

The views are tremendous. So we continue ever down till we reach the next major steep decent, the Redwall cliff. This section drops rapidly toward the bed of Tanner Canyon. We stop for an overdue noon break in a flat area just after the Redwall and before the trail veers northward. Its around 1:15.

The trail stays high as it gradually descends along the west side of Tanner Canyon. We can now see the river, the ever-present Desert view tower behind us, and then our potential campsite area.

Since we are unsure how quickly night will rule down here, we send Doug ahead to find a good spot to camp. We had previously spotted another group of at least 2 people and were concerned about available spots. It is now 4:30. Wes and I descend as I tell stories of my personal hell on hikes. We who love being in the wilderness all suffer at one time or other.

Doug meets us shortly after 5:00 and guides us into the campsite. We were within 40 yards of the river in the sand. A beautiful spot. The tents are put up in near dark. Dinner is taken on a rock, overlooking all the wonder of being in the Grand Canyon.

It was a beautiful trail. 9 1/2 hours down, 5160 feet total drop, rather than 4600 feet.

Half in the tent at 7:15. I feel the sense of being surrounded by rock over a billion years old and the light from the stars some 10 billion years or more. I should feel insignificant. I do not for I feel unique and privileged to exist at all.As normal, I wake a few times through out the night. It is a clear night, I watch the moon-see a falling star the lights at Desert View--it is very wet tonight--cold come morning. A great first day.