GC Backcountry: early start paid off

Just got back from GC Backcountry and wrote this while it is still fresh. We went Bright Angel down to river camps with a South Kaibab exit with a group of 4 and started around 6:25 AM. Weather: Clear skies gave us big temperature swings between rim and river. Trail: Main corridor tread was firm and easy to follow all day. Water: We treated every water stop as optional and stayed over-prepared. No surprises on the permit side, just do not count on cell service. Overall it was a smooth day. The part that surprised me was how much wind changed our pace. Gear note: Keeping snacks and water accessible made the day smoother. Wildlife: Saw ravens and mule deer, no close calls with wildlife. Ratings (1-5): overall 5, difficulty 5, scenery 4, conditions 4. Tips - Poles help more than people admit on slick or steep exits. - Have a turnaround time before you get committed to the hardest section. - Take photos of the permit and save them offline. - Carry a small trash bag. You will find micro-trash.