The GGCE- Day 2
"Coffee on" was how our days began at 5:15 am. That was our signal to get up, grab a drink and start taking down camp. This first morning we were a bit slow, but we all became quite good as the days went on. Changing clothes under blankets or other creative ways was always interesting. By the end of the week, nobody cared. Hot breakfast of eggs, skillet potatoes and fruit. Form the line, load the rafts and we were off by 7:00am. Getting wet right away was no problem as we finished the "Roaring Twenties " rapids. Yesterday was just a taste, today we are becoming more seasoned and know how to handle the rapids. We are still in Marble Canyon and the walls are getting higher as we move down river.
As we travels down the river, Riley, our guide tells us stories of the many people that first tried to raft the river or survey the area. Many were unsuccessful and through trial and error, designed better boats. Even then, many succumbed to the mighty rapids. Riley also told us about every different layer of rock- 27 in all that make up the canyon. Stripes of the different types of rocks could be seen as we traveled. We stopped at Redwall Cavern (mile 33). A HUGE cavern on the side of the canyon. As we pulled up, it did not look very big untill you got out and walked inside. There were other rafting groups there and we had a nice long break.
We continued on calmer waters until lunch. Another deli- style meal. The next big rapids was the Nankoweap Rapid (mile 52) Not a huge technival rapid but a long one. We also saw the remains of a Puebloan granary high above the river dating AD 1100. They used these to protect their food and preserve seeds. We also passed some rock formations and the "Royal Arches".
Onward! More rapids and the canyon walls continue to grow. We stopped at the Little Colorado River. We were told to bring our life jackets and we had to hike to the destination. What a treat! As we saw the river which meets the main river, the water, due to a high alkaline content; the minerals give the Little Colorado a distinctive turquoise blue. Beautiful. The water was warm! The river is about 48 degrees, so water in the 60's felt wonderful. We stepped into our life jackets (diaper style), feet first and floated the small rapids down the river. It was better than a water park. It was very hot, this was a refreshing break and so much fun. We played in the water and had snacks for quite awhile.
Camp was just across the river from where we had stopped. We were in close quarters tonight, up on a hill. Beef stir-fry with yummy veggies and rice for dinner. It was windy and we had to deal with sand blowing. We slept with a bandana over our ears and face to prevent the sand from bothering us. It took a long time for the temperature to go down, so many of us stayed awake longer watching the stars. With a 5:15 wake-up call, everyone is in bed by 8:30-9:00 pm. It was a rough night.
"Coffee on" was how our days began at 5:15 am. That was our signal to get up, grab a drink and start taking down camp. This first morning we were a bit slow, but we all became quite good as the days went on. Changing clothes under blankets or other creative ways was always interesting. By the end of the week, nobody cared. Hot breakfast of eggs, skillet potatoes and fruit. Form the line, load the rafts and we were off by 7:00am. Getting wet right away was no problem as we finished the "Roaring Twenties " rapids. Yesterday was just a taste, today we are becoming more seasoned and know how to handle the rapids. We are still in Marble Canyon and the walls are getting higher as we move down river.
Camp was just across the river from where we had stopped. We were in close quarters tonight, up on a hill. Beef stir-fry with yummy veggies and rice for dinner. It was windy and we had to deal with sand blowing. We slept with a bandana over our ears and face to prevent the sand from bothering us. It took a long time for the temperature to go down, so many of us stayed awake longer watching the stars. With a 5:15 wake-up call, everyone is in bed by 8:30-9:00 pm. It was a rough night.
Love the caves
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