A River Runs Through It, 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 Navajo Sandstone. Above the water's edge is the Carmel Formation which has the Entrada sandstone on top of it.
Activities along this stretch -
The first hour we get our sea legs under us and make sure all the boats float. Then, we learn how to relax and float on the river. We can swim, float, or daydream the hours away. This stretch will be good practice to try a few good echos along the cliffs. Once we establish camp at Trin-Alcove, we will explore the canyons and head to the top of one for our first wine and popcorn sunset.
DAY 2
We will travel about 9 miles and stop near Ten Mile Canyon, mile marker 80.5. (Topo View of Ten Mile Canyon)
Geology -
The rock formations we saw near the river yesterday get taller today. The Navajo sandstone has pushed up above the water, pushing the Carmel Formation higher. The river sits on top of the Kayenta sandstone. The Entrada has almost disappeared on top of everything.
Activities along this stretch -
Swimming and floating are on top of our list today. We try to float in the shade and paddle hard through the sun-soaked portions of the river. If there is time and energy, we will make a couple of stops and explore some side canyons and high cliff views.
"...about six miles below noon camp we go around a great bend to the right, five miles in length, and come back to a point within a quarter of a mile of where we started. Then we sweep around another great bend to the left, making a circuit of nine miles, and come back to a point within six hundred yards of the beginning of the bend. In the two circuits we describe almost the figure eight. The men call it a bowknot of river; so we name it Bowknot Bend."
J.W. Powell, July 15, 1869
DAY 3
We will travel near mile marker 70.0 and stop at the base of Bowknot Bend. A dam was once considered for placement near here. It never made it past the dream stage. On the east side of the Bend, uranium was mined. (Topo View of Bowknot Bend)
Geology -
The awesome Wingate sandstone will push up today. The Kayenta Formation will be high a dry.
Activities along this stretch -
If one is tired of relaxing and floating, there are several off river adventures to heat us up.