We started early at Lee's Ferry, though not quite as early as the guides and crew, who had already loaded the rafts with provisions for two weeks.
There was a certain amount of milling about as we got our waterproof bags to the rafts.
On the first day, I ended up in a boat with Ben (guide), KG, Kathryn, Grace, Elliot, David. The Navajo Bridge from the water:
The cliffs were quite low here:
The first day involved a lot of gentle floating in the invitingly clear (but very cold) water:
Kathryn and the cliffs:
Grace takes a break - no rapids to keep her awake. (KG on the right.)
At this point, rapid-free, four of us tried jumping overboard. It was cold. I felt immediately like my chest had compressed even tighter than the uncomfortable life jacket and could not breathe. KG had the easiest time launching himself back in the boat; I was the least successful and had to be hauled in every time (I didn't get any better at this as the trip went on, even though the water got warmer).
Here, David makes his first re-entry into the raft:
Elliot climbed in next:
(Not bad, guys!) Full speed ahead....
Oh, no! We've lost one already! (Elliot looks on, unperturbed.)
Sarah's boat slips on through to the other side after enjoying some shade "up close and personal":
David, fashionably sheltered from the sun:
Carrie's boat: Esther, Julie, Helen, Avavit, Joe, and Dave:
Sarah's boat has not quite mastered the "high five", but will have plenty of time to practice:
Note the cave high up in the rock, possibly a granary:
This made me think of castle walls, or rooks:
KJ's boat, with Curt, Stella and others:
Dave, Helen, Joe (back), Avavit, Carrie, Julie:
David, Kurt, Drew:
In sight of camp:
Initial view from our camp site:
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