Day 11 on the river and a long one. For me (Maria Coryell-Martin) it was my first full day on the river and exciting as we covered 17 miles and bounced through 14 rapids. The day began at 91 Mile Camp and ended at Lower Bass Camp and I spent the day with Cece in the lovely wooden Flavell wooden boat. It was a wet ride and I was grateful to be wearing a drysuit! At one point, the Flavell was so swamped, that water was literally flowing out of the boat. It was a relief, I suppose, to learn that the boat was not likely to sink.

The three big rapids were Granite, Hermit and Crystal and through the roiling and boiling waters, the boats endured some collateral damage. On Granite, the Susie-R was guided left, but a little too left by Ian and we all heard a BAM! as the stern fitting collided with a rock. Fortunately, only the metal was bent and the boat was otherwise undamaged. Crystal rapid left two boats with battle scars- Hazel hit the rocks in the middle resulting in a large tear and Cece and I were hit by a wave head-on and the left oar torqued around and cracked the splash guard. In the Flavell, I was pumping water out after every rapid, but my work was easy compared to Hazel’s boat. Yoshie and young Natalie(9) were dumping buckets of water out of the raft with Hazel as they made slow, waterlogged progress down the river.

Lower Bass Camp was a relief for us all to reach! We had a quick dinner buycbdproducts made plans for today- Day 12- a day off! For many folks this meant laundry, showering, and some personal time. I took off on a hike to sketch, Hazel’s boat was successfully patched, and Yoshie and Natalie even did some fishing.

For me, it was great to have some stationary time for my art. Sketching while rafting is pushing my speed-sketching to new levels! It’s easiest on land, where at least the scenery stays put! I’m building my canyon “palette of place” and having a grand time. It’s great to share this river experience with such an enthusiastic team of folks.

With an early start from lower Creation Camp.  Hazel and Conan took two inflatables and ferried our four mid trippers to Pipe Springs Creek.  There Chris, Marion, Sabette, and Jason began their hike to the Rim on the bright Angel Trail.  The rest of our group stopped at the boat beach above Bright Angel to get water, make phone calls, charge some batteries and then went on to Phantom Ranch for a drink at the bar and to mail some letters. At eleven thirty the group left Bright Angel and headed down to Pipe Creek. All made the pull in except Dave who missed it. Like father like son rowing the Flavell.  Dave tried to land on river left and was unable so he crossed over and landed on the right shore at the bottom of Below Pipe Springs camp. Being solo in the Flavell he was able to tie the boat but had to sit on the stern and keep it from being smashed on the rocks with the swells. Several of the party checked on Dave and could see he was okay. Lunch was prepared and they waited for the new trip members. Brynn, Maria and Tom P. were followed by Q. About 2:15 everyone departed and joined up with Dave who was cold, wet and happy to see them. All ran down to Horn Creek to scout on the right. Everyone had successful runs. The replica boats especially all had great runs. We camped on river right at a small but nice camp. Special hello to my family and friends. I am greatly enjoying the trip with the great mix of people we have. The replica boats are fun to run. The GEM rides like a dory and the two Reilly boats are flying through the waves. Love you Pam and miss you, Dave.

Leaving Little Nankoweap Camp, the flotilla of boats meandered down the mighty Colorado River for nearly 16 miles today.  The canyon really opened up as we left the Marble Canyon, and we were able to catch a glimpse of the Desert View Watchtower as we entered the more open expanses.  Viewers at this watchtower would have wondered looking down upon the three historic vessels ply the river a mile beneath them, perhaps questioning whether they had been transformed back into the 1950s for just a moment in time.  Using Tom’s vast expertise and visual knowledge of the river, both he and Chris hiked high above the river to film the wooden boats as they drifted by.

While there was little in the way of whitewater excitement, we did manage to battle the elements later in the day.  Arriving at Tanner Wash, just above the roar of Tanner Rapid about a half an hour prior to sunset, all was calm.  Just after sunset, as the lengthy but delicious pizza dinner preparation was underway, a stout upriver wind picked up, moving sand, blowing the fire out, and sending Tim’s tent nearly into the river.  The headlamp search party saved the day, and no items appeared to have been lost.  Later in the evening, the rain began to pour…