Schmidt's Adventures

The Great Grand Canyon Expedition- Day 7 Final Day Up early as usual, but this morning was a bit different. We had to pack up the sleeping bags, pillows and tarps in one bag and empty our day bags and re-pack everything into our duffel bags. We had a cold breakfast and broke-down camp. Now that is was over, it went by quickly. We did not have far to go, just about 3 miles and it was calm all the way. We passed more interesting lava formations. Hexagon columns formed and some looked like they exploded at the surface. It was quite artistic to look at. We stopped at Mile 187 at the Whitmore Helipad. Everyone was weighed, their bag was weighed and then assigned a seat on the helicopter. My first helicopter ride and I was assigned the co-pilot seat. Perfect view for our trip to the Bar 10 ranch. Once at the ranch, we were able to take a shower! The first hot water and real soap in a week. We checked into what has to be the world's smallest ai...

The GGCE- Day 6 Our last full day on the river. Riley, Jake and Trevor tell us this will be the day for the really big rapids at Lava Falls. I am a bit scared to be honest. Some of the previous big rapids knocked me off my seat and I hung on with all my strength. Another good breakfast. French toast, with strawberries to top it off and fresh fruit. All of our meals have been made with fresh, healthy ingredients. I have been very pleased. Break down camp and off we go. There were several areas of calmer water as we rafted through the narrow canyon walls. More interesting hanging gardens. Some of the rapids have interesting names. Some are named after people that have perished, others are names according to problems it has caused such as "Upset Rapids". Many boats and rafts had capsized in this rapid. We were happy to get through it. There is a reason it got it's name. It was a doozy! We voted to stop at National Canyon, mile 167 for a hike an...