Bryce Canyon (UT) Backpack with LVMC

pics by Harlan W. S. & Susan R
April 28-May 2, 2010

100k map with GPS track; each color corresponds to a day, and roughly corresponds to the border colors around the photos. The GPS mileages corresponded closely to mileages claimed by the park service for days 2,3 and 4; but the GPS mileage for day1 was 5.5, vs. 4.4 given by NPS	24k map with GPS track; each color corresponds to a day, and roughly corresponds to the border colors around the photos.	Day 1: late start, and we prepared for a short trip to the third Yellow Creek camp site.
	The Hat Shop.
Susan is barely visible at R.	Yellow Cr campsite for 1^st night. Temps were no more than 20F that night, and it snowed a little.	Day 2.
		There was a significant burned area by Pasture and Sheep Canyons.
Campsite at the S end of Swamp Canyon. José and I had cached 12.5 L of water on day 1, by descending the Whiteman trail from the Rim road.	Day 3: Susan shakes out her tent.
Much of this day was through snow that had collected in the forest.
	We’re on a highpoint just S of Agua Canyon; looks like the N slopes to the S are a bit snowy.
		The trail had many, many downed trees that blocked progress.
	Our campsite for the 3^rd night, by Iron Spring. We actually used a stream about 0.3 miles to the N, as Iron Spring was pretty disgusting. The weather seemed to be improving…	Day 4: The previous night, fierce winds and blowing, fine snow left our camp cold and wet.
		We had snow all the way out, except in a few short stretches.
		A view to the SE showed that the snow had reached way down to ~5500’.
The old snow, from the winter, was now covered with a thin, fresh and slippery layer, so we used much energy kicking steps.	Finally we turn the corner to the S side of the mesa and less snow.	Now we look back NE across the canyon. The shuttle car is still about 300’ higher.
This last ridge was incredibly windy.	As we approach Rainbow Point, José is giddy.	Then we went to Ruby’s Inn for hot coffee and a good meal!