Morning in the Canyon

We awoke to sunshine overhead and no rain clouds in sight

Orange Glow

The Big Water Bowl

One Big Backyard Playground

Coffee and Breakfast

Morning Reflections

The Spring

We made sure we filled up our water containers at the known springs

The Death Star Rises

Time to Put Our Packs on

Red Mud

A nice coating of red mud on Taz's legs

Edge Habitat

Closeup of Fern

Contrast

More High Benches with Trees

As the canyon started to widen we found more high benches with brush and shade trees.

Canyon Shade

Slide Rock

Slide Rock

More Red Rock

Evidence of High Water

Sand Stairs

Pipe Organ Rocks

Pipe Organ Rocks and a Natural Amphitheater

Survival

I couldn't believe this small bright green tree perched in a crack in the cliff.

Evidence of Life

Heron tracks in the mud.

Perspective

Checkers

Evidence of those who came before us. Very cool idea to keep in mind for the future.

Great Campsite

Spring

Our Next Source of Clear Water

There were relatively few springs along our route. Every fern gathering ha d to be investigated to see if it held water for us to drink. This was one of the major springs identified on our map.

Burnt Orange Walls

A Meadow at the Bottom of the Canyon

Petrified Wood

Hot Sun in the Open

Wide Wash

Taz

Taz was digging in the sand trying to find a cool spot to lay down.

It Might Be Time for a Swim

Route Recon

As the canyon opened up and we had more boulder fields we had to find shallow places to cross the river.

Deep Water

As the canyon opened up we ran into more rock falls. This channelized the river and created deeper pools. Since the water was mud colored we had to test out the depth before just walking forward.