Escaped the heat up to the Rim on the hottest day in Phoenix thus far this year. I was looking for cool temps and a tree covered hike, Fred fit the bill. It was a lot hotter than expected up there with temps in the upper 80's, and there were no clouds to keep the sun back from the breaks in the trees.

I took a side trip over to Fred's cabin, or should I say chimney.

I made it out as far as Quien Sabe Spring, when it looked like there was a storm rolling in, so with lightning crackling in the distance, I decided to turn around.

About half way back I came across a pair of backpackers. I questioned them as to why they were still walking towards the lightning and thunder. The first guy passed by me without a response. The second guy stopped and said they were both deaf, and wondered if I'd heard thunder or seen any rain. I told him, slowly, that yes there was lightning off in the distance and it seemed to be getting closer. He got together with his buddy, and decided to keep hiking.

I hiked the last 1/2 mile in a downpour including Hail... It actually felt real good.
When I got back to the truck, the thermometer read 61 degrees. It's dropped over 20 degrees.

On my way out, the Rim road was busy with campers, RV's and Quads still making their way in to camp. I only saw a handful of hikers/bikers on my hike.

Filterable water was plentiful from 3/4 mile out from General Cabin, all the way to Fred Haught Spring.