We awake to a crystal clear day.  I can't emphasize enough how great the views are in all directions from Tilted Mesa. 

Mount Hayden in the distance 10-11-2009 @ 8:20	View toward Marion Point 10-11-2009 @ 8:20

     We leave around 8:30.  The trail begins a gradual descent as it weaves its way below Tilted Mesa.  Mount Hayden is an impressive feature of the landscape.

	Mount Hayden 10-11-2009 @ 9:18

     There are a surprising number of blooming flowers today, many more than on my hike last week to Comanche Point.

Desert Fir 10-11-2009 @ 8:57	Purple Mat 10-11-2009 @ 9:15	Globemallow 10-11-2009 @ 9:41

Trailing Four O'Clock 10-11-2009 @ 11:16	Western Goldenrod 10-11-2009 @ 2:53	Fleabane Daisy 10-11-2009 @ 3:40

     Pretty soon the trail becomes much steeper and the exposure increases greatly.  It is clear that there have been several recent scree slides.  We apparently are some of the first to cross them as we see very few footprints on the "trail."  Not only are the new scree slides unstable, but going across them is like walking on lots of little ball bearings.  We are constantly afraid that our feet will slide out from under us at any time.  A slip here would undoubtedly be fatal.  This would not be the place to be without hiking poles for additional support and stability.   My apprehension was high, hence the absence of more pictures in this area.

Descent below Tilted Mesa 10-11-2009 @ 9:45	Descent below Tilted Mesa 10-11-2009 @ 9:45

     We find lots of the usual desert type plants today.

Agave 10-11-2009 @ 9:48	Barrel Cactus 10-11-2009 @ 10:16	Mormon Tea 10-11-2009 @ 3:16

Brittle Bush 10-11-2009 @ 3:16	Beaver Tail Cactus 10-11-2009 @ 3:17	Prickly Pear Cactus 10-11-2009 @ 3:18

     We finally get past all the scree slides and are relieved to be below that very tough section.  That was no fun at all.  The trail continues its steep descent, but the exposure is gone.  Someone has added some antlers to one of the cairns.  Near the bottom, the trail levels out and the walking becomes considerably easier.  Nankoweap Creek is a welcome sight where we expect the hiking to be much more pleasant than it's been the last three hours.

Antlers on a rock 10-11-2009 @ 10:45	Below the tough stuff 10-11-2009 @ 10:55	Nankoweap Creek 10-11-2009 @ 11:13

     Keith and I reach Nankoweap Creek before noon and briefly look for the campsite, but don't find it right away.  There is evidence of a recent flash flood here.  After lunch, we cache some of our food in a spare Foodsack for our return in two days.  Walking down the creek bed sure beats the hiking earlier today.  We soon discover that most of the sandbars beside the creek bed have trails that are a lot easier and faster than cobble stone and boulder hopping in the creek bed.  We eventually crest a small ridge and get our first view of the Colorado River.  Camp can't be too far now.

Nankoweap Creek 10-11-2009 @ 3:17	Colorado River 10-19-2009 @ 3:30

     We make camp a few hundred yards upstream from the rafter's beach and seem to be the only ones here.  That's a refreshing change at a popular place like this.

Keith's tent at the River 10-11-2009 @ 4:07	Richard's tent at the River 10-11-2009 @ 4:07

     Tomorrow we plan to hike up to the Nankoweap granaries and explore a little on the low ridge above our campsite.  It will be nice to have a layover day here.

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