This is one of my all time favorite photographs. It captures a moment of quiet contemplation against an awesome background scene, the Colorado far below. Where the guys are sitting is at the geologic junction below which life did not exist on earth. The Vishnu Shist is a sharp edged, crumbly, nondescript type of rock that evokes instant feelings of foreboding. It just looks like what hell must be made of.

Anyway, John Hart and Kurt Kremer take in the view of our next objective... the Colorado (over Kurt's shoulder, right) via off trail route almost straight down. Again, the camera man was unable to take pictures and keep his sphincter shut at the same time so there are no photos of the descent. A real shame, too because there were some 'interesting' spots before reaching Hance Creek and then ultimately, the Colorado. Naturally, this wasn't thrilling enough, so we took a totally new route back out... And then we still faced a climb with full packs up to Horseshoe mesa for our last night in the Canyon.

Yes Mathilda, it's like child birth. You swear it off immediately after doing it but with time, you're ready for another go... And so it is with hiking in the Canyon.