145 Days To Go - Tapeats Creek/Thunder River



Thunder River Springs. You can just see the Colorado River in the hazy distance down Tapeat's Creek.



 

TL Report: Tribe members, Heads up! Final trip balance is due in two weeks. You can send it to my email via PayPal or send me a check (addresss is on the $$ Deadline link on the left). You should have rec'd an email from me last week with a trip expense spread sheet. If you didn't call me asap. Thanks to the folks who have already sent me their money!

The NPS is taking lottery applications for GC non commercial permits until 2/23/11:

Grand Canyon, Ariz. – The National Park Service is now accepting applications for noncommercial river trip permits to raft the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park. The permits are for specific launch dates within calendar year 2012. A total of 436 permits will be awarded for 12- to 25-day river trips. Eligible individuals may apply online at the weighted lottery web site. To access the web site, start from the park’s main web page at www.nps.gov/grca and select “River Trips/Permits” then “Weighted Lottery”. Applications will be accepted online through noon on February 23, 2011.

Remember you can only go on one trip in a calendar year, so your date has to be after we are off the river (July 16th). I want to go if you get a permit :-).


Here's 5 ideas for the trip Tshirt. Email me with your favorite(s) for front or back.

GC Koko



Wave Koko



Map with Eve's birthday!

Marble Canyon

Nankoweap

If you want a tshirt, add $22 to your final trip payment. Men's Tshirts are Hanes, and the women's are fitted and run small.



Western pin in Crystal

 I just updated a post I made in August about the NPS' rescue of a commercial outfitter after they pinned below Crystal with new photos. The NPS river ranger sent my daughter, Callie, the photos as part of her 5th grade Nat'l Park Project. The photos are from the NPS helicopter and I don't think they are on the web anywhere else. An Exclusive! Check out the updated post/photos here.

Mileage This Week: River Mile 134-136. We are coming into another of my favorite sections of the river, Tapeat's Creek to Deer Creek. We'll cover Tapeat's this week and Deer Creek next week.

At river mile 134.4 we'll stop and hike up beautiful Tapeat's Creek. With lots of shade trees and cool clear water, this hike is simply delightful. Even though the camping wasn't the best, this used to be on of my favorite layover spots. Unfortunately the NPS has now restricted camping at the mouth of Tapeats, probably because it is so popular and is a well used area. Regardless, just a short hike up this creek and we'll be able to swim in some deep pools and water slides.

If we are very, very lucky and the weather is cool we may consider doing the longer, more strenuous hike up Tapeat's Creek to the magnificent Thunder River. Thunder River originates from Thunder River Springs and pours 100ft directly from the Mauv Limestone before flowing into Tapeat's Creek.

Thunder River Springs

Thunder River is considered to be the shortest river in the lower 48 states and is the only place in the US that a "river" flows into a "creek".

For those of you familiar with the canyon and it's hikes, it is not recommended to do the full Tapeat's -Thunder River-Surprise Valley-Deer Creek loop in the summer. I remember the last time part of the group did this hike in April they all came back practically delirious. I can't imagine doing it in the extreme heat.



Granite Narrows



At river mile 135.6, we'll pass through the Granite Narrows, the narrowest point on the river at 76 ft wide.






GC History: Tapeats Creek: Named by Major Powell after a Pai Ute Indian who showed him the place.

Equipment/Camp/Info Check: What is Heat Exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion, also called heat stress, results from heavy physical activity in hot conditions, and not drinking enough liquids. Normally, the body has a cooling system that is controlled by the brain to make the organs work properly. The cooling system adjusts and lowers the temperature by producing sweat. With heat exhaustion, the body's cooling system is not working well and results in an increased body temperature. Normal body temperature for an adult is generally 98.6 degrees. With heat exhaustion, body temperature is usually between 98.6 to 104 degrees. Heat exhaustion may damage cells and cause dehydration (loss of too much water and mineral salts). As the body temperature increases and affects your brain, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke.

What are the causes of heat exhaustion?

• Extremes of age: Old people and young children.
• High temperatures
• Illegal drugs and drinking alcohol
• Medicines: Certain medicines used for treating pain, allergies, depression, heart problems, or tumors.
• Obesity
• Too much exercise or physical activity: Sweating a lot can make your body lose too much salt and water. Hard exercise which lasts a long time such as hiking. Those doing heavy physical activity and manual labor in a hot environment may also get heat exhaustion.

What are the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion?

• Signs and symptoms usually appear when water and electrolytes in your body drop too low or too fast. Because of this, you may be unable to continue exercising or doing physical activity in the heat. You may also have any of the following:
• Body temperature between 98.6 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Headache, dizziness, or body weakness.
• Irregular or fast breathing, fast or pounding heartbeat, and low blood pressure.
• Muscle weakness and twitching, or a feeling of pins and needles on the skin.
• Nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), or abdominal (stomach) cramps.
• Too much sweating.

How is heat exhaustion diagnosed?

• Taking your temperature through the mouth or armpit. (I love you guys, but I'm NOT taking your temp in your ass no mater what).

How is heat exhaustion treated?

• Heat exhaustion needs to be treated as soon as possible to prevent further problems. Caregivers may suggest that you rest and stay in the shade or sit in a cool side creek or the main river.
• Soaking in the River
• Intravenous fluids: These are liquid solutions that contain water, mineral salts, sugars, and proteins. These may be given through your vein (IV) to increase your fluid volume.

What should I do if I think someone has heat exhaustion?

• Move the person with heat exhaustion to a cool, shaded area and turn him on his side.
• Check if the person is breathing or has a pulse. Start rescue breathing and CPR (basic life support) if needed.

• If the person is awake and cool water is available, drench him in cool water. You may also wrap him with cool water-soaked sheets. This may drop his body temperature rapidly. Give him cool liquids if he can drink them.
• Remove his clothing and start fanning him, or spraying lukewarm water on his body.
• Apply ice packs on the neck, armpits, and groin (area where the trunk and legs meet).
• Do not give fever medicines, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, to lower the body temperature.

How can heat exhaustion be prevented?

• You can do the following when exercising in a place with a very high temperature:
• Drink lots of liquids, such as water, fruit juices, or energy drinks, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinking alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, liquor (vodka and whiskey), and other adult drinks.
• Eat salty foods, such as celery, salted crackers, and salted pretzels.
• Limit your activities or strenuous exercises during the hottest time of the day. The hottest time of the day is usually late morning through early afternoon.
• Wear lightweight, loose, and light-colored clothing. Protect your head and neck with a hat or umbrella when you are in the sun.

http://www.drugs.com/cg/heat-exhaustion.html

Next Deadline: Final trip balance is due February 15th.