The BIG EVENT for the first part of the trip - a descent of Achilles Canyon. Why Achilles? This canyon has worn many names, but it has brought out the weakness in one of our friends - hyper-competitivity. An early start was required. Thankfully, going to bed at 9:00 pm makes it pretty easy to get up early. We were rolling out of camp 5 minutes ahead of schedule, and starting up the entrance hike with the first light in the sky. An hours hike or so, and we arrive at the sunrise rock.

And some sunrise action on the rocks around us.

Achilles is up higher, and had some snow here and there.

Tim on one of the entry rappels.

And going off one of the other raps. The canyon bopped in and out of the snow. The walking sections had snow, the climbing and squeezing sections generally did not. choice!