Everyone meets at the motel at 6:00 for some last minute instructions.  We put our large dry-bags in the bus storage compartment and get on with our metal boxes and personal dry-bags in tow.  Carolyn, our trip captain and the same leader I had two years ago, is joining us for the bus ride.  In about two hours, we reach Lee's Ferry, named for John Doyle Lee, and greet our remaining crew members, Jake and Rachel.  Jake was also on my previous raft trip.  They give us some boat and life jacket instructions and then we climb aboard. 

Bus at Lee's Ferry 5-3-2009 @ 9:16	Richard and Keith 5-3-2009 @ 9:16	Lee's Ferry launch point 5-3-2009 @ 9:17

     Our sister ship launches just before we do.  They are dropping off their passengers at Phantom Ranch for the hike out and picking up a new group of passengers who will hike down for the remainder of the trip.  After pulling away from the shore, we drift downstream and go through a round of introductions.  Jake impresses us with his ability to name each of the sixteen passengers in order.  Not to be outdone, Rachel does the same thing backwards.

Our sister ship on the trip 5-3-2009 @ 9:36	Lee's Ferry launch point 5-3-2009 @ 9:42

     In about an hour, we are approaching the newer Navajo Bridge, completed in 1995, and the original bridge, built in 1929.  It's hard to believe that a ferry was used until that time.  As we get a little closer to the bridge, it appears that something is hanging down from the bridge.  We then discover that someone is bungee jumping off the bridge.  Wow!!

Navajo Bridge 5-3-2009 @ 10:51	Navajo Bridge 5-3-2009 @ 10:52	A bungee jumper 5-3-2009 @ 10:52

     Big Horn Sheep are everywhere as we float down the River.  Just before noon, we pass Ten-mile Rock.  We stop for lunch at Saltwater Wash, mile 12, and have roast, turkey, and ham sandwiches.  Everyone is impressed with how pragmatic each part of the raft is.  Seat cushions come off and the bench top is used for a table top.  The table legs unscrew and are kept in various compartments.   

Big Horn Sheep 5-3-2009 @11:12	Ten-mile Rock 5-3-2009 @ 11:56	Jake and Keith at a break 5-3-2009 @ 2:49

     This is a very pleasant part of the trip.  I am amazed with our crew's knowledge of the history and geology of the Canyon.   We stop for a short day hike at North Canyon. 

Floating along the River 5-3-2009 @ 3:20	An interesting feature on the right 5-3-2009 @ 3:33

     Carolyn takes the helm as we get ready to shoot Georgie Rapids at mile 24, named for Georgie White Clark.  We practice a procedure called "Down and In" where we sit on the floor of the boat for added safety in rough rapids and to allow greater forward visibility for the boat driver.  Everyone on the front half of the boat is drenched.  I now see why they want you to wear fast drying clothing.  While our big boat goes through the rapids unscathed, an oar powered raft is upside down at the bank.  Well, I guess that's why you carry your stuff in dry-bags and strap everything in.

Carolyn at the helm 5-3-2009 @ 3:39	An overturned raft 5-3-2009 @ 3:48

     We stop for the night at South Canyon, mile 32, around 5:00.  Keith and I snag a very good, isolated camping spot.  Cleanliness is a top priority and everyone is required to use hand sanitizers before snacks on the boat and to wash your hands before eating on the shore.  Prime rib and cheese cake are on the menu tonight.  The efficiency of the crew in making meals is impressive.  A four-pail washing and rinsing system is used to clean our plates and silverware.  Since no rain is in the forecast, we forgo a tent and sleep out on the sand.

Our campsite the first night 5-3-2009 @ 5:30	Camp the first night 5-3-2009 @ 5:46	Washing dishes after supper 5-3-2009 @ 7:07

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