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.   

 

Grand Canyon Raft Trip - Day 7

 

Day 6 Campsite.  With the beginning of Day 7, I knew only one more day and we would be leaving the canyon.  The people that we met were awesome and great war stories will be told and retold. I hope that we can get together again for a future trip, somewhere, sometime. 

The day started with a birthday celebration for Cindy who was given a birthday banner.  I believe a lot of wine was consumed as well. 

Morgan, our first mate, decided it was time for the Tutu.  It eventually ended up with Cindy to complete her birthday attire. 

We await our first rapid of the day, Lava Falls. We took a short hike to see Lava Falls prior to rafting this rapid.  It is one of the most difficult rapids in the canyon. 

180 Mile, Lava Falls. Will did another great job of successfully completing this difficult rapid. 

For lunch we stopped and took a short 1/3 mile hike up a difficult climb to reach a the cave pictured below.  

Here we finished our lunch and proceed back down to the raft.  The path was rugged with rocks that you see in the front.  You need to make sure your footing is solid so not to fall.  Falling on any of these rocks and boulders would put an abrupt  end to your day.  

                        

Prior to boarding the raft, some people decided to cool down,  The temperature in the canyon was well above 100 degrees. In fact, the last three days were the hottest of our trip.  Drink plenty of water and stay cool. 

 

We approach mile 205 Kolb rapid. There are peaceful floats in between rapids to catch your breath after the excitement of crashing through cold, big waves. A rapid’s rating can change depending on river conditions. The water flow during our trip was minimal which meant be extra careful.     

Mile 205 Rapid, Kolb.  

Grand Canyon Raft Trip - Day 6

Kathy taking a break from folding up our chairs and waiting for departure.  Everything has to be loaded and unload each day.  You need a good group of people to ensure the task is done as quickly as possible.  

You can see in this photo Bob covers his legs with a sarong.  We purchased ours from Canyoneers.  They were worth every penny,   

Again we meet other rafters along the river.  These type of rafts are manual oaring and can take 14 days or more to complete their journey.  

A storm develops ahead of us.  We were lucky the rainfall was minimal.  Storms miles away can have severe consequences in the river.  

Last 3 days of our trip were extremely hot and you must keep cool to ensure you don't get heat stroke.  In addition to pouring water on your body, you dip your hat and sarong and use the sarong to cover your arms and legs. 

It feels very cold, but needed to be done. 

Each name on the back of our preservers represents one of the rapids in the canyon.  Horn is a number 10 rapid for difficulty.  Although we were not splashed every time we rode a rapid, it was the piloting skills that ensured a successful trip.  

Avoid rocks at all costs.  They can flip a raft in seconds.  Thankfully our pilots did a fantastic job to keep us safe throughout our trip. 

Beginning of another hike up a river wash.  Not sure why the guy is wearing is life preserver.  

We finally arrive at our destination only to find out we have to swim under the boulder and climb up another slippery rock to reach another level.  I decided that I will stay right here until the group starts back.  

According to most estimates, the Grand Canyon is home to at least 80 big water rapids.

 

Grand Canyon Rafting Trip - Day 5

 

JJ decided to bring out the Pirate flag and our group responded immediately.  

We decide to create the cross bone sign with the hook.  Every time we got close to another raft we began to sing our song followed by the cross bone arm and hook.  

We are getting ready to hike the Black Canyon Trail. A 2-mile roundtrip hike.  Our pre-hikes never prepared us for hiking in the canyon.  Here you make your own trails along the wash and up and over the boulders. 

Kathy stops for a photo along the route.   The hike is scrambling over large  boulders and ends with cliff jumping. 

A video of the scrambling and hike along the river wash. 

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Cliff jumping at the waterfall.  I decided not to take the plunge because I wanted to enjoy my last three days on the river without incident.  The ledge area was not very stable and one slip the party is over.  

Lava Rock along the canyon walls. At least 150 lava flows have been mapped in the Grand Canyon. 

A look at our campsite.  

No campsite would be complete with the Groover, our toilet,  There are two, each located on different sides of the campsite.  The wash station is for washing your hands after doing the deed.  Just pump the foot plunger and water magically  flows.  The red plastic container has toilet paper and indicates that the toilet is open for business.   

 The Groover consist of an ammo can with a toilet seat attached,  I can tell you this you always have a great view when sitting on the Groover!

End of Day 5