I am celebrating the fact that the "big unknown" of the hike (the crux) has not only been negotiated successfully, but it was far easier than I had anticipated.

Before doing this hike (to the catwalk of Bighorn Mesa) I had studied Google Earth views of the area and inquired at the Island in the Sky Visitors' Center about the feasibility of the route. Neither effort gave me an answer to the question "Is it possible to hike or scramble through narrow section of a ridge that has a huge drop-off on one side?" The rest of the route seemed doable, but being the energy-conserving person that I am, I was loathe to explore a route that would not "go." (The technical term for this attitude is "laziness.")

As I had expected, the route leading to the questionable section was pretty easy and provided enjoyable route-finding challenges. When close to the "question section" I took a break to have a bite to eat, enjoy the magnificent scenery, and study the route ahead with binoculars. From my vantage point I could see a fairly doable scrambling route ahead, but the exposure on the drop-off side did not look encouraging. Nevertheless, it held enough hope that I was willing to confront my fear of heights in an attempt to get through.

All this worry was for naught: the route I had examined with binoculars was much easier than I had thought (no use of hands needed) and the exposure was negligible (the route did not get close to the precipice). Getting through was surprisingly easy. When I had made it, I celebrated. Even better, I discovered an alternate route past the "exposed area" that was even easier than the route I had taken. On the return I made use of the alternate route.

Joe Tripod was enthusiastic too, but only about standing still to ensure that this photo turned out all right. He did not yell, smile, bend his knees, or point his thumbs upward.