TL Report: I had a routine physical this week and I was reminded by my PA to be sure everyone's Tetanus is up to date for the trip. You can get this done at your local health dept, or during your next doctors visit. Don't blow this off, there's a reason we all need regular Tetanus boosters, it is nothing to fool around with. I also asked her if she would prescribe me a couple of things for the trip next summer. She's pretty awesome, and agreed that we should all be bringing prophylactic medications. Remember, this is a long, wilderness trip and a little preplanning will help prevent/alleviate illness. Besides over the counter stuff (Imodium, Advil, antibiotic ointment, etc), here's what I'm bringing:
- Cipro (broad based antibiotic, be sure anything you bring is not sun sensitive!)
- Prednisone (steroid for inflammation)
- Antibiotic eye and ear drops (ask you doctor for samples)
- Stronger pain meds (anything left over in your medication cabinet)
What the Grand Canyon Private Boaters Assoc has been chatting about this week: Everyone was really saddened to hear of a female hiker who was found dead off the Toroweap Valley Trail this week. Apparently, she either fell or, more likely, she succumbed to heat stroke while hiking during the day, in July, without any water resupply. Our Phantom exchange hikers will only be hiking at night, out of the sun, and with good water resupply. Here is the link for the NPS article if you'd like to read the entire news release.
Mileage This Week: River mile 47-49: At mile 47.5 we reach our second camp, Saddle Canyon. this is an absolutely beautiful side hike and a really nice beach.
GC History: How was the Grand Canyon created? Was it the result of a huge earthquake fault? How about an ancient glacier site? Nope. Here is a fun. short NPS video on how the GC was formed.
Equipment/Camp/River Check: Is this trip dangerous? Most people think of rapids when they think of danger in the Grand Canyon. If fact, the great majority of accidents happen off the river, not on it.
Falling is the most common cause of accidents in the Grand Canyon, no matter how surefooted you are. Moral of the story: Please don't free climb higher than you are tall.
Fire at Nankoweap, 1974, caused by burning TP. People in the camp suffered from smoke inhalation in addition to losing some camping gear. Moral: Follow the rules. They are there for a reason.
Fishhook Cactus, a serious hazard to barefoot hikers. Moral: Wear good shoes and be sure to take care of your feet. It's a long trip.
Though flips are not uncommon, the biggest problem is wet gear. Generally, they just make the stories about trip even better. Moral: Go for it on the river. When are you gonna have this opportunity again?
Frank Brown Inscription below Soap Rapids. For some reason he didn't think he needed a life jacket. Moral: Wear one anytime you are on the river. And buckle it. It will keep you safe.
Eddies can be really nasty. Back injuries from trying to row out of them are not uncommon. Moral: Be careful out there. Remember we are in the wilderness and away from medical care.
Beware of the mass murderers at Matkat. Moral: Ok, I'm just kidding on this one!
Several years ago, some people were infected with Hanta virus, a nasty and sometimes fatal lung disease carried in deer mouse urine. Moral: Wash your hands! Wash your hands! Wash your hands!
Becareful of the monster waves in Hermit. You may be in danger of dying from laughing so hard.. :-) Moral: Enjoy yourself. Life is way too short not to.
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 working correctly.
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