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.