Friday, Friday, Friday! Finally, onto a canyon. I wanted to do upper Telephone Canyon, a section Brian and I had maybe first-descended in July, 2000; and that I had not been back to since.

The day starts here, at the permit window of the Backcountry desk. We thought by arriving at 6:30 AM, we could be first in line - but no such luck. Couple-a folks camped out. Mmmmm, you know, that permit system really draws people together, forming a sense of community.

Soon we were on our way and shuttling up to the trailhead. Time to stretch the legs for the wonderful hike up to the rim...

Scout lookout, with the Great White Throne in the background.

Rob was kind enough to bat cleanup with me. Here he enjoys the final bit of trail, built in 1925 and wide enough for horses. Quite a project that. Telephone Canyon was named for the telephone line that was run down the canyon and over the rim to the Temple of Sinawava. Behunin canyon in the background.

Sign at West Rim Spring. Not much of a spring.

A brief hike leads to the drop-in point of the canyon. We do the short drop down to the ledge, then we're ready for the BIG DROP - over the edge and into the unknown. Here's my buddy Pitney, enjoying the moment. Awfully skinny rope, now that we are here!