Final leg of the journey. The Condor Gulch Trail (RED). The last 2.7 km hike back to base camp. Its downward most of the time. By now, everyone is hungry, rations finished (except for water) and still, morale is high. This trail is not as strenous as the High Peaks Trail but still demanding. The journey is about to end.

Warning (Lots of pictures follow) Please be patient while the photos load. Timestamp of picture give you a general idea of the duration of hike. More pictures here (472KB)

Beginning of trail 3. Hungry and tired. But still we have to finish it. (otherwise nobody goes home). These 3 poses for the photo while Bruce is still resting.
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Timestamp: 2:25 PM

 

Very funny rock formation in the center. Looks like some huge blob with a huge frown. Must be one of those gunung lapis. Either that or the rock is unhappy. Volcanic rocks make weird structures.
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Timestamp: 2:32 PM

 

Personal shot. (This photo is edited to increase the brightness in the foreground). Nice outcroppings behind me.
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Timestamp: 2:33PM

 

The group enjoying the scenery. The hike down is among the rocks. We actually slipped alot. Lose gravel and dust make the climb down slow and cautious. One unlucky slip, and we end up at the bottom of the canyon.
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Timestamp: 2:35 PM

 

Another shot to show the distance. In the center is a trail. That's where we will be in 15 minutes. Down and down we go.
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Timestamp: 2:44 PM

 

A sign to tell us we were on the right track. Notice the gravel and dust on the trail. That's what we slipped on most of the time.
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Timestamp: 2:49PM

 

Lalala, walking through the bushes. Its all thorny left and right. Shane looking amused since I was snapping all these photos, running back and forth, and still could hike with energy. I run on Nikon batteries too:)
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Timestamp: 2:57 PM

 

A snap shot showing where we were 15 minutes ago. High up there on the mountain. Incredible huh?
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Timestamp: 2:57 PM

 

Bruce looking back at me as the group continues onward. Now he is amused that I still can run back and forth snapping photos and still hike with energy:) I carry spare Nikon batteries!
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Timestamp: 3:01PM

 

Now, Helen is amused too. Great scenery everywhere.
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Timestamp: 3:02 PM

 

Bill posing at the Overlook (check the map). It basically overlooks the valley. Bill climbed up there for photo then later had trouble coming down. Luckily for him ,beside the moss covered rock is a small patch of grass providing friction for the climb down.
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Timestamp: 3:11PM

 

Continue on our downward march. Everyone carried a daypack. Water is a must. The dry cool air and the workout really dehydrates everyone. Did you know that 95% of the class/Varian personnel does not smoke. Since we treat cancer, we KNOW how bad smoking is for you. So, DO NOT SMOKE. (Actually, smoke a bit, so I still have a job.)
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Timestamp: 3:13 PM

 

A very funny tree that I encountered. The bark looks as if it was covered in chocolate syrup. Serious. The bark is smooth and polished. Maybe its waxy to prevent water loss.
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Timestamp: 3:17 PM

 

Finally, the end of the hike. Reached base camp at 3:39PM. Yahooooo! I finally did the possible. Everyone was overjoyed. Now all that is left is the 2 hour car journey back. :P
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Timestamp: 3:39 PM