
| Having hiked to the South Rim 3 times without being able to continue on the Southeast Rim Trail, because of peregrine falcon nesting considerations, we finally got our chance in July. We did see two falcons overhead, by the way. It was a spectacular day and you could see way into Mexico. Every century plant that was in bloom had humming birds darting to the flowers. Rock squirrels were also in abundance and we spotted deer, a rabbit, and several snakes and lizards. There was a trickle of water flowing in Boot Canyon as we left the Northeast Rim Trail and headed for the Pinnalces Trail and back to the Basin. The 14.4 miles took about 10 hours at our slack pace. It was only about 85 degrees and we drank pleanty of water. |