Tuesday we started by the light of a nearly full moon. A few really rocky spots were supplemented with flashlight. We stopped on a point for sunrise. With the early start we arrived at the rim shortly after 10 am. 4.6 miles and 3,000 ft. of vertical climb. By starting early we avoided the heat as the canyon walls provided shadows. Not that we didn’t get warm, just not hot. We watched a California Condor soaring on the thermals even though is was early. We expected their flights to be more active around mid-day when the air temp and thermals really get going. No water concerns today as Bright Angel trail follows the water supply line from the north rim and has 2 refill locations in today’s trek.
The motorhome was awaiting our return in the parking lot located near backcountry office and trailhead. Hot showers were a high priority. Ahh!