View from Yavapai Point up Bright Angel Canyon toward the
North Rim. (Photo Illustration: Brian Lane)

Month of August Remains HOT and DRY!
The southwest has been experiencing what most meteorologists are calling a Non-soon, in lieu of our regular summer Monsoon storms. Wildfires have been a constant threat as Northern Arizona has received many lightning strikes but little precipitation to quell the lightning caused fires. The Aspen Fire, east of the North Rim Lodge, is currently the worst wildfire in the area. Smoke may be visible from the Bright Angel and Roaring Springs Overlooks along the North Rim. All roads and facilities are reported to be open at this time. 

Temperatures have been fluctuating into the slightly cooler temps of late August, but the National Weather Service still predicts temperatures in the Inner Canyon to be staying into the 110 degree range through this weekend with little change in sight. Hot temps mean that hikers should take extra care to be off the trail and resting in the shade between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. - the peak hours of extreme heat. 

Another Inner Canyon Fatality Reported
On Thursday, August 13th a report came in to the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center from a group of river trippers stating that a party of seven hikers was stranded about halfway down Shinumo Wash. It was relayed that the hikers had run out of water and were in need of help. It was soon reported that one member of the hiking party, an 18 year old male, had died approximately one mile up canyon from the group. The river group assisted the hikers until they could be flown out to Hwy 89 where they were assisted by emergency personnel from the Navajo Nation. Little information has yet been released and a joint investigation into the incident will soon be conducted by the Navajo Nation and the National Park Service.

Where Have I Been?
A few people emailed and asked where I've been, since there have been few postings as of late. Well, my wife, best friend, and I were up enjoying the cool, wet, and massively majestic area around Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. A hikers paradise, Banff proved to be a wonderful get away from one of  the hottest Arizona summers in history. Thanks to the folks at Johnston Canyon Resort for providing a wonderful environment, as we rented a couple of small cabins there for the week. We hope to get back up there in the next few years and explore a bit more of Jasper National Park too!

Fine Art Prints Coming Soon!
Another thing that has been taking up a lot of my time recently is the introduction of my new line of fine art prints to my website. I will soon be offering some of my finest photo illustrations as fine art prints, including about 80 of my favorite landscapes from around the country. I will be printing them on 13"X19" canvas, suitable for framing, and issued in a limited edition of 500 signed prints each. The price has not yet been set, but I'm sure I can keep the price under $65.00. Check back soon at my website: www.aSenseofNature.com!

Fall Hiking Season Just Around the Corner!
Many new blog Items are sure to be posted soon, as the fall hiking season kicks into full gear by the end of September and I prepare for my own Rim-2-Rim backpack trip through the canyon in mid-October. Until then...

Hike Smart & Have Fun!
Brian