The Ditch (Grand Canyon Rafting Trip) Part 5

3/31 Upper Saddle (47.5) to Palisades Creek (66.1)

This is where I really regret not journaling, because it's easy to pull up the logistical what/where/when information, but it's impossible to remember the unique stuff. The conversations on boats, the specific views of the canyon wall--those are things I can't recreate.

We left Upper Saddle probably around our typical departure time (~11?) and started our cruise through the final miles of Marble Canyon before the confluence with the Little Colorado River (LCR). It's worth pointing out that until the confluence, the water in Marble Canyon is quite clear (and really, REALLY cold). So beautiful. 

This picture is from earlier in the trip (you can see the Navajo Bridges in the background)

But I'm including it so you can get a sense of the clarity of the water in Marble Canyon

Photo credit: Doug Marchant

Doug behind the sticks as we make our way to the confluence of the LCR

Photo credit: Steve Marchant

We passed the Nankoweap granaries on this day, which is a popular hike for many river trips. Unfortunately, our very condensed itinerary + need to get Rio to Phantom Ranch in a few days meant that we had to skip a lot of the cool sites in the upper canyon. We made note of the missed opportunities and hope to do them on the next trip. Because there will definitely, definitely be a next trip.

At mile 61.7, we reached the confluence with the LCR. I think Cory has some drone footage of the confluence, and if I can figure out how to properly imbed videos into these posts, I'll add some eventually. Speaking of which, Cory reminded me that this was the fateful day on which he fell, busted his knee, AND broke his drone. Total bummer. The drone footage he has for the first several days of the trip is really cool and I will share it eventually.

Note the muddy water mixing with the clear water at the confluence.

Photo credit: Andy James

Muddy water from here on out.

Photo credit: Chris Inman

Other than reaching the confluence, I don't remember anything particular about the afternoon--no major rapids or features. @Chris, if you read this, send me some of your favorite shots of Palisades Creek Camp! Dinner: Chicken Curry and Rice with Veggies.

Crew Spotlight: Andy

Andy’s connection to the group is through Cory. Andy is both a mentor and colleague of Cory’s in neuroscience, and they’ve published together a few times. Andy is very much an outdoor enthusiast but came into this trip with no multi-day river experience. That said, when I think of what type of person I’d want to consistently include in a river crew, Andy would be at the top of my list. Andy is both brilliant and hilarious, but beyond that, he’s the type of servant leader that **gets stuff done** without being asked or without looking for any recognition or credit. He and I frequently found ourselves on kitchen cleanup crew (him even more than me) and he was also always ready to lend a hand to other teammates to help them get their systems set up. He was also willing to try ANYTHING. Rowing, river crossings, you name it—he was game. Thanks, Andy, for being a part of this experience! We’ll get to his river name later…😊