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| Deer Creek/Thunder River 10/28-30, AZ | |
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| | Deer Creek/Thunder River 10/28-30, AZ | | | |
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Deer Creek/Thunder River 10/28-30, AZ
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| Backpack | 25.00 Miles |
7,598 AEG |
| | Backpack | 25.00 Miles | 3 Days | | |
| 7,598 ft AEG | | 25 LBS Pack | | |
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| no linked trail guides |
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| partners | | I sort of did this loop two years ago only in reverse and starting at Indian Hollow instead of Monument Point along with a few other differences. I don't remember it being as difficult as it was much to my chagrin as the route was well over my daughter's comfort level.
We met Dave, Fan, and Joe briefly at Flagstaff at 6:15 in the morning and next at the Monument Point trailhead. We were on the trail about 11:10. After a short stop at Monument Point, we got on the Bill Hall Trail proper. It starts out really steep, then there is a short and steep section where we met a man on his way up looking for a hearing aid.
A ways after we got on the Esplanade, daughter and I stashed a liter each of water where I had stashed water and camped two years before. None of the others bothered to cache water. We made it to the edge of the Esplanade and worked our way down the Red Wall to Surprise Valley, then made our way down to Deer Creek.
I stopped to get water where we crossed the creek and decided the flow through my filter was too good. Last I used it was in Yosemite last Sept. and I think it froze and got ruined that trip. Oops. 
There was a big group at Deer Creek CG and one of the guys crashed our campsite. Fan knew most of them, so she hung out over there and we made do with the space left. It looked like it might rain so I set up my tarp and of course, my daughter saw a scorpion in the sand right where I was planning on setting up my bed. 
Second day we got up and headed down to the Deer Creek Falls. We left our packs at the platform and checked out the slot canyon and the hand prints and snake drawing on the wall. So pretty! I really enjoyed the Falls and was happy to see them as I missed them two years ago.
The route across from Deer Creek to Tapeats Creek took some time. My daughter was having a very difficult time dealing with the steep descents and some of the exposure. I felt pretty awful for putting her in that situation. I really didn't feel like a very good dad at the time, but she made it through. I can't say enough good things about Dave and Joe and their help and patience with my daughter along with their encouragement to her. Fan too. Everyone was wonderful to us! 
We got up early the last day to get an early start and finish the hike early afternoon. We got a bit later start than planned but not bad. Daughter and I stopped to get water where the trail first goes next to Thunder River. Daughter's stomach was bothering her so she was having trouble eating anything and by the time we reached the Thunder River Falls, she was feeling nauseous. When we reached Surprise Valley she got sick but only lost the few crackers she ate earlier. We stopped again just before the climb up the Red Wall starts and I took all her water and her food bag. After a bit on the climb, we stopped where Dave, Fan, and Joe were resting. Daughter was feeling better and was able to drink some Gatorade and eat a small amount. The rest of the hike out went pretty well. My daughter was feeling better and able to finish fine and doesn't hate me.
A big thanks to Dave who was a very patient and conscientious trip leader.  |
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