Grand Canyon Raft Trip - Day 8 Departure Day

Day 8 and heading out of the canyon.  We were informed that all our personnel items needed to be packed in the clear plastic bags you see in the photo.  Since there was not enough clear bags, black plastic bags were also provided.  You needed to make sure your bags were identified so you could locate yours and make sure it was loaded on the correct bus for transportation. 

The people who hiked in were going back to the South Rim, and all others were headed back to Flagstaff.  All I know is I was not going to miss my bus!

That's Diamond Peak directly ahead, our departure location.  

Diamond Peak is a 3,512-foot-elevation summit located in the western end of the Grand Canyon, on the Hualapai Indian Reservation.  They control the road from the river to Peach Springs.  Our departure time was 10:30 a.m.

We arrived a little early and had to wait for the OK to depart the raft.  You never know how much stuff you brought until you have to repack it.  We had three bags since we brought our own tent, sleeping bags, and hiking poles.  We could have easily been fine with half the stuff.  

Kathy in her normal position at the rear of the raft.  She has her foot wedge in to ensure she does not fall out of the raft.  Also, shooting video is much better in the rear section.  

I would like to acknowledge the gang of swashbuckling pirates we traveled with. These people made the trip all the more enjoyable! Doc Todd and Pia, Tammy and Bucky, Cindy and Joel, Mary and Sarah, Patty and Mark, Doc Bill, Hans and George. We thank each of you for making wonderful memories.

I included this photo again as this was not the end for our crew.  They had to dismantle the sides of the raft and raft another 57 miles down river to load the rafts and head back to Flagstaff.  They will not get back until midnight another long day.  I would like to thank our crew Will Trip Leader, Morgan his assistant.   JJ our second raft pilot, and Oliver her assistant, They worked incredible long hours to make our journey safe and enjoyable,   

After an hour school bus drive from Diamond Creek to Peach Springs we finally get on our very nice and comfortable Volvo bus for our trip back to Flagstaff.   We thought we would stop for ice cream but that never happened but we did have great sandwiches and soda on the bus for lunch.  

Some final thoughts on our trip.  Eight days was a very long time to be in the canyon.  We were up at sunrise and stayed busy until after dinner. The night skies were incredible.  I tried to get video of the stars but my camera did not cooperate.  The camera did well for video and stills but volume was not always audible.  It was extremely hot the final 3 days of our journey.  I was delighted to go on the trip with Kathy and will cherish our memories forever.  The food was good, especially if you like wraps.  Breakfasts were excellent to energize your start of the day and snacks were always available.  Hiking was not all what I expected.  Our hikes were mainly up streams and washes and scrambling up and downs rocks was mandatory.  I cannot say enough good things about our fellow rafters, they made the trip most enjoyable.  I have seen the Grand Canyon from many points and its still as magnificent as ever.