Hiked at Matkat Canyon before lunch. Nothing major to note with the rapids except Upset Rapid. I decided to ride with Kelby because I was still freaked out from the last class 8 rapid. It seemed the safer choice-- but Kelby ended up having the worst line. We surfed the huge hole in the middle … Continue reading GC2015 Trip Report [Day 11 | 30 November 2015]

"A left hand run at Bedrock is not recommended" - Tom Martin, A Guide to the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon What an eventful day. Not even sure how to describe it, so I will do my best to make sense. Bedrock Rapid was BAD. Everything about it was BAD. Somehow Nick was slightly … Continue reading GC2015 Trip Report [Day 10 | 29 November 2015]

As the canyon narrows, we get less [if any] direct sun. It was very cold today. It rained a bit and looked like snow at the rim. Hiked to Elves Chasm. It was breathtaking. Also made a stop at Blacktail Canyon and hiked to the music room and the Great Unconformity. Really, really cool. Nothing … Continue reading GC2015 Trip Report [Day 9 | 28 November 2015]

The Gem Series. A big day for us in the Grand Canyon. Woke up to beached boats and had to wait for the tide to come in so we went for a morning hike to Monument Creek. I spent the morning freaking out over Granite, Hermit, and Crystal Rapids. I might have even cried a … Continue reading GC2015 Trip Report [Day 8 | 27 November 2015]

Happy Thanksgiving! "Nervous going into today, but things went really well. Everyone brought their A-Game. Nick did awesome on the oars and he sounded like he was having a blast." -AK's River Journal This was a HUGE day on the river. Hance was big, but surprisingly not as awful as I expected. Horn Creek was … Continue reading GC2015 Trip Report [Day 7 | 26 November 2015]

The rapids today were all pretty straightforward. The major obstacle of the day was the winds. So, so, so strong. Everyone got stuck in this huge eddy [nicknamed "the eddy of 1000 strokes"]. The canyon was narrow with the huge eddy on river left. Right as you are coming to a bend in the river, … Continue reading GC2015 Trip Report [Day 6 | 25 November 2015]

There was a rock slide in the middle of the night across the river from camp. I have never heard anything like it. We hiked to the iconic Nankoweap Granaries first thing in the morning. We arrived at the confluence of the Little Colorado River today. I was looking forward to playing in the crystal … Continue reading GC2015 Trip Report [Day 5 | 24 November 2015]

I hopped on the oars for the first time! Once I got into a rhythm it was pretty fun-- but I'm definitely not ready for anything other than flat water, and maybe small riffles. Visited Red Wall Cavern and took some iconic Grand Canyon photos. River Miles: 21.2 miles Camp: Upper Nankoweap [mile 53.1] Thirty-Six … Continue reading GC2015 Trip Report [Day 4 | 23 November 2015]

The turning point in our trip. Our trip leader broke his ankle on an excursion to the Silver Grotto and required a helicopter evacuation out of the canyon. I am super thankful for the experienced individuals we had on our trip who handled the entire situation seamlessly. A short day on the river an an … Continue reading GC2015 Trip Report [Day 3 | 22 November 2015]