On day two we went down from the Esplande to Surprise Valley and then east to Tapeats Creek. We passed by Thunder River and then continued on down the creek to the Upper Tapeats camping area.

14:30 - Upper Tapeats camp

We left our Esplanade camp at around 8:20 this morning. I think we were all awake around 6:30 or so, or at least ready to get up. I don't think any of us really slept that well. I slept in spurts off and on and did feel bad at all when morning finally came. Robin said she was awake most of the night and claimed both Maggi and I were sound asleep at several point. Whenever I was awake they both seemed to be sound asleep so perhaps we all got more than we think.

We had bagels with peanut butter and jelly along with coffee and hot chocolate for breakfast. It was nice and quick.

We did not make good time at all on the trail and all of the descent portions were very slow going. We were camped only about 30 minutes away from the top of the Hermit/Supai/Redwall descent and it took us about two hours to get through that even though it is only about a mile of trail. We took a fairly long break at the bottom of the Redwall.

The hike across Surprise Valley was pretty easy and then we took another long break on the Tapeats rim overlooking Thunder River and Tapeats Creek canyon. We started down from there around 13:15.

The descent to Thunder River was loose and rocky and again very slow going. Robin had a minor panic attack at a section of trail that was very narrow with a very steep drop. I don't remember her having a problem with it the last time we were here or why she didn't remember it was there. I only say "minor" because she did force herself across it and did not break down until we finally made it to Thunder River and she had a chance to sit down.

We ran out of water about a half of a mile or so away from Thunder River so the first thing I did when I got there was refill our water bottles. The water tasted so good and it feels very nice to be well hydrated again. We should not have any problems with water for the next few days until we have to leave Deer Creek and hike back up to the Esplanade.

Robin had a blister on her big toe yesterday and today it looks really bad. I have no idea what to do about it though. She always seems to have these problems and she just puts up with it. I have a feeling she may loose the nail this time before the trip is over though.

We didn't finish our hot dogs last night so tonight we are having the rest of the hot dogs with macaroni and cheese. I need to get started on that because the Sun will be down around 18:00 and it will start to get dark very quickly after that.