397 Days to Go - Silver Grotto

TL Report:  Nothing to report this week.

What the GC Private Boaters Assoc is chatting about this week:  Tons of people are ticked that the NPS limited burning driftwood with little or no notice to private trips. I guess a lot of folks had a rude awakening at the put in when the ranger informed them of the new regulations. On a lighter side, one trip raved about their Zodi battery operated shower. You just heat some water in a pan and add it to clean cool water for a warm shower. Sounded like fun.Here is the link to Cabelas. May be some of us could go in on a few things like this, what do you think?

Mileage this week: River Mile 27-29. We finish up with the Roaring Twenties and arrive at our second camp, Shinumo Wash. This camp is very popular and we'll have to leave early to be sure to get it.

This is a nice camp, offering early shade and late morning sun. From Shinumo Wash camp we can access the wonderful limestone slot canyon called Silver Grotto. This is a popular summer side hike requiring good scrambling skills and swimming through deep pools of water. You can access the rim from this side canyon, but it's probably too long a hike for us. Here are some photos.

GC History:   Powell's first camp below, circa 1859. Not so different than camps today really.

Equipment/Camp Check:

REI is running an Astral lifejacket sale for about 25% off . They are also giving 20% off for one full price item for REI members until 5/31. Make sure any jacket you buy is for whitewater or the NPS ranger will laugh snidely at you before informing you that you can't go on the river. Really.  Lifetime membership for REI is only $20 and you get a 10% dividend payout at the end of the year. Also orders over $75 ship free for members.

What's your personal camp going to be like? It's up to you but here's the usual set up with and without tent. Basically after you finish your camp chores you set out to find your own real estate. Since it wil be summer and hot, most folks till either use a camp cot to get off the hot sand but this is optional. A small ground tarp is a must. A sheet usually is fine for sleeping, sleeping bags are too hot. If the weather is frisky (rain/wind) you may need to set up your tent. Always put rocks in your tent in the corners as they have a nasty tendency to fly away and into the river when you least expect it. (The video I posted earlier today has a great segment of a tent flying intp the river and the subsequent rescue attempt downstream.) It's best to leave all your stuff in your drybag or on top of your cot until bed to avoid desert visitors. On our last trip Bill took video of a frog that had climbed in my bag with me when I was sleeping. Nice! Expect sand, sand and more sand. You just ignore it after awhile.

Next Deadline: $500 per person is due September 1st. If your trip status changes at anytime (ie, need to do a half instead of a whole trip), please let me know as soon as possible so we can fill your ½ space. This will lower your cost.

Comments, questions, concerns? Email me and I’ll include it in the next post. The comment link isn’t always working correctly.