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I have two permit slots for a trip I'm planning in October.[/b]
The group will total 4.

The Thunder River hike is spectacular (this will be my 8th trip), demanding, and aims at one of the most beautiful canyons on earth (Tapeats Canyon). So if you're in shape to carry a 45-60 lb pack approx 9 miles in and 1 mile down (and then up), and if you're an easygoing congenial personality, then consider joining us. (We will require a song, poem, or poignant story sometime during the hike as part of your committment) .

We will camp, at large, in the upper Tapeats Canyon. (Hikes to either Deer Creek or Stone Creek are possible during the stay).

The dates are: Drive to the North Rim: Monday Oct 9 (approx 2pm)
Hike down on Tue morning Oct 10
Oct 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 in Tapeats Canyon, etc
Hike out Sat afternoon & Sunday morning Oct 14/15 (Sat night camp on the Esplanade)

I'll be happy to answer questions about the trail, logistics, etc

Gosh that sounds great! My first backpacking trip to the Canyon was to that place, with my son's Scout troop. But we spent only one night at Tapeats Creek camp and one night under a ledge on the Esplanade on the way out. Even so it is a vivid memory for me, 13 years ago now. Can't make this one, unfortunately.

I am pretty sure there will be pools of water in the drainage to the west of the Esplanade (upper deer creek, I think). There was when I was there in Oct. 2004, and that was drier than this year. So I did not need to carry all the water I carried. This was the trip that convinced me to go ultralight; I carried one of those heavy packs, and it took my foot months to recover. Be warned....

Dittos, I'm switching to ultralight gradually, as budget allows. You ought to be able to do this 4-night hike with 30 to 35 lbs., with even a moderately ultralight set-up (fanatics could get it down to under 25!)

In response to zenphx's reply:

Hi Zen,

I just joined this today and am not prepared for any long hikes as I've been out of commission for a while. Please keep me in mind for you and yours when you go to the canyon again. I loved hiking the canyon and have wanted to do it again. I went from the N to S rim in one day. It took us approximately 12 hours.
I never camped out overnight so that's something that I'd have to figure out. But anyway, I'm interested in hiking with some great people!

Thanks,

Lea