Here I am sitting near Spider Rock after a 4 hour hike through the canyon. It is a perfect day today.  The sky is very blue with just a few fluffy clouds.  The scenery is spectacular and the weather is just right.  Not cold like yesterday when we started hiking where it had been snowing!  That was cold but exciting for a Queenslander.

I slept in our guide Winnie's original Hogan last night with dirt floor and walls and a fire burning.  We heard coyotes howling early this morning and have seen lots of squirrels today.

After our lunch break and rest stop here at Spider Rock we will hike back to our camp.  Winnie says we will be going back a shorter way which sounds really good because every muscle in my body is protesting after this morning's hike!

Cheryl

Well here I am sitting in front of Spider Rock.  It is simply amazing.  It looks like it touches the skyh it is that high.  It was a good 4 hour hike and Martin you were right my hiking boots are my best friend, no blisters at this stage of my trek. 

I am sitting here watching Megan, Meredith, Beth, Kerrie, Chrissy and Marian climbing up to Spider Rock, while Cheryl and I stayed behind with Winnie to keep her company - NOT!  Our feet said NO WAY! and it is another 8/9 kms back to camp.  We will be lucky to make it, but I'm sure I will, I've got your bracelet on Helen and its giving me the strength to keep going.

Last night was cold so I thought I'd share the Hogan with Cheryl and Kerrie.  It was like a sweat box, but towards the night I found it hard to breathe, so I moved back into my tent and fell into a deep sleep.  For a qhile it got colder, and the urges to go to the toilet became less urgent. Why is it every time you are settled and comfortable its time to get up?

Maria