This is my eighth and final North Rim day hike for this trip.  The trail begins on the east end of the North Kaibab Trail parking lot.  Since we are leaving this morning, I am up and reach the trailhead early.  For the first half-mile, this trail is identical to the Ken Patrick Trail I did two days ago.  I must have bruised or sprained the outside ankle bone on my right foot doing that extremely tough section on the Ken Patrick, because there is excruciating pain on my ankle bone with each step.  However, I am determined to complete this last hike.

Uncle Jim Trailhead sign 7-19-2006 @ 6:04	Uncle Jim Trail 7-19-2006 @ 6:19

     I reach the trail branch point in less than a half-hour, but this time I take the right branch.  The trail goes gradually downhill from here until eventually reaching the loop point.  I decide to do the loop to the right.

Trail branch sign 7-19-2006 @ 6:31	Uncle Jim Trail 7-19-2006 @ 6:37	Uncle Jim loop branch point 7-19-2006 @ 6:47

     The trail is very pleasant to walk on (that is, if my ankle weren't killing me).  I continue up through the aspen and pine trees and in another half-hour, I reach Uncle Jim Point.  There are some poles and cables for tying up mules and some industrious woodsman has made a neat chair out of a tree stump.

Uncle Jim Trail 7-19-2006 @ 6:49	Mule tie downs 7-19-2006 @ 7:15	Handmade chairs 7-19-2006 @ 7:15

     I walk to the southwest a few hundred feet more and am treated to a great view of the inner Canyon, Roaring Springs Canyon, and the point where the Lodge sits.  However, the Lodge must sit back just far enough that you are not able to see it from here.

View from Uncle Jim Point 7-19-2006 @ 7:19	View from Uncle Jim Point 7-19-2006 @ 7:19	View from Uncle Jim Point 7-19-2006 @ 7:20

     I continue on the loop to the east.  As the trail turns back to the north, I get an early morning view looking down Bright Angel Canyon.  I then come to some of the few flowers I see on this hike.

Bright Angel Canyon 7-19-2006 @ 7:39	Princely Daisy 7-19-2006 @ 7:45	Hemlock-Parsley 7-19-2006 @ 7:45

     I'll be glad when I reach the trailhead because my ankle is absolutely killing me.  The trail turns back to the west and in a few minutes I reach the loop branch point.  A little downhill stretch and then some uphill hiking and I am at the trail branch sign.  Another half-mile and I reach the trailhead.  It looks like the mule riders are getting ready to saddle up for their morning ride.

Uncle Jim loop branch point 7-19-2006 @ 7:52	Trail branch sign 7-19-2006 @ 8:07	Mule pens 7-19-2006 @ 8:32

     Despite my injured ankle, this really was a good hike.  At 4.0 total miles, it is moderate in length, very easy walking, and offers some impressive views of the inner Canyon at Uncle Jim Point.

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