Grand Canyon- Day 3- Deer Creek and Esplanade

Today was a luxurious day where we could sleep in and lounge around at Deer Creek until noon before heading up (uphill again).  Our fellow neighboring campers did NOT get the email about sleeping in and were up at 6am and seemed quite loud, but sound does travel.

Even on my third trip through the slot canyon, I was still in awe of how beautiful it was.  Once through to the other side, we hiked down to see the waterfall.  From the top, you could hear the falls but you couldn't see it.  On the way down we passed rafters hiking up to see the Deer Creek and the slot canyon.

We were on our way back through the slot canyon again when Michele and I looked down at the creek running at the bottom of the slot canyon and we were blinded by a light.  The heavens opened up and angels started singing. Smiling up at us, glistening from the water, was what we thought Jesus would look like. 

On our way back to the campsite Michele and Scott saw big horn sheep so John and I had to go scope them out. Mr Big Horn was on the horny side and Mrs. Big Horn was more interested in eating. We packed up and left for the spring, about half a mile (up hill) where we would pump one last time for water. Once we got to the spring we dropped our packs so I didn't have my camera to take pictures of the spring and the throne chairs.

On the way up to the Spring

 Once on the Esplanade, John found the water stash and found a campsite. I was seriously lagging behind at this point and bringing up the tail.

Scott participates in the sunset ritual at the canyon ( or is taking a picture)

Compared to the lush green, wet campsites the prior two nights, the Esplanade was a drastic contrast.  I hazard to say it was my favorite.  I loved the vast openness and silence of the Esplanade; it was simply beautiful.