Long Green in the Fall, continued...
DAY 1...continued
Geology -
One of the interesting facets of the river is watching the different rock formations grow out of the water. One day a formation will be barely exposed at the water line. The next day it will be towering overhead. During this day the river sits on the White Rim Sandstone. At the waters edge is the Moenkopi Formation which has the Chinle Formation on top of it. Both of these have talus slopes and huge slabs of rock on top of them. Above these formations is the very tall Wingate Sandstone which usually keeps anyone from climbing up from or down to the river. The Wingate is usually around 200 - 400 feet tall.
Activities along this stretch -
The first hour we get our sea legs under us. Then we learn how to relax and float on the river. We can swim, float, or daydream the hours away. This stretch will yield a few good echos along the cliffs. Once we establish camp at Horsethief Canyon, we will explore the canyon. We will look for petroglyphs and explore the climb to the top of the canyon. In the evening we will establish a perch, over-looking the river and scenery for our first wine and popcorn sunset.
DAY 2
After breakfast we hike up to the top of the canyon and push towards 'Big Spring'. After our morning exploration, we will canoe about 6 miles and stop near Fort Bottom, mile marker 39.5. Up high on a ridge, the masonry tower looms over Fort Bottom. The tower and other Indian ruins are thought to be Anasazi.
Geology -
The rock formations we saw near the river yesterday get taller today. Same formation types as yesterday.
Activities along this stretch -
Swimming and floating are on top of our list today. Around m.m. 40.5 we will stop and explore Fort Bottom. This spot has a very old cabin and some Anasazi Indian ruins to explore. We will make camp near the south shore across from the Tower.
