Lava Falls, Grand Canyon National Park
The second half of our rafting party gets the thrill of a lifetime in the Grand Canyon's biggest rapid.
I have barely had time to scan through the 42 GB of images I amassed with the four cameras I carried on the trip. (Note to photographers, make sure your outfitter is understanding about the amount of gear before you book your trip. Our group was smaller than normal, making extra room for my two backpacks and Pelican case.) The boatman on the raft I was on went first, offering a memorial to a friend who had passed, and we had the cleanest, driest ride through Lava Falls. He then crossed the tail of the rapid to get us into position for spectating and photographing. The second raft party had watched our descent from the scouting spot; as they trundled to their raft, I had time to get out my gear, swap on the 70-200, a new flash card and battery pack for the D700. This is one of 52 images I took in 40 seconds, selectively firing the shutter to keep the buffer from overfilling. Somewhere on that raft are 10 people, most of whom appear to be underwater during this frame.
Comments (4)
Nice.
I am so jealous. I did this trip years ago and had the time of my life. I'd love to do it again.
I clearly remember the Lava Falls part of the trip. It was the only time on the whole trip that I was actually AFRAID. That water is scary. We pulled over before the falls so the river runners could scout them and pick a path. A bunch of people were hanging around, watching the boats go through. We went through in a matter of seconds and everything was okay.
How did you keep your cameras dry on that trip? I mean the camera in use, of course.
Posted by Maria | May 6, 2009 9:13 PM
Posted on May 6, 2009 21:13
Wow, exciting shot. Makes me want to sign up for one of these trips. But maybe it's not for small kids?
Posted by Idaho Dad | May 6, 2009 9:17 PM
Posted on May 6, 2009 21:17
A few details: Scotty and I were feeding Ann batteries like laser cannon ammo to Han Solo. When the gunner commands, we obey. Dry camera gear? Ann is lightening fast with a drybag when the camera is her baby. Shoots between the drops. And I'm sure she'll do a gear breakdown blog at some point (hint - hint).
Idaho dad ... Do it! You won't regret it. Use Colorado River and Trail. They are the best by far. Everyone should visit the Canyon from the inside. Your heart may be broken when you realize what we lost when the Glen Canyon Dam was built. I never want to leave at the end. Re-entry into the world is very hard after the Canyon.
In my view (others may disagree), the long trip (11 days) is not even for teenagers. It is for robust and very responsible adults. There is some killer hiking (e.g. 11.5 mi Thunder River to Deer Creek) through amazingly rough, beautiful and exotic country. When you go to the Canyon, you will have a love affair with it and it is a jealous lover.
The dangers are unforgiving. So is the beauty. Cliffs, fast water, bats (I love 'em), shy rattlers, icy water, unpredictable weather, and many of other things that wilderness aficionados love. It is also a hardworking trip: hauling riverbags, setting up camp, and breaking camp fast to catch a sunbeam, avoid rain, or secure the next camp. This will be hard on most children and there is no way out once you are in.
But it will be their turn one day, and then they will understand.
Posted by Robert Marc | May 6, 2009 9:52 PM
Posted on May 6, 2009 21:52
Welcome home, looking forward to more trip reports and photos!
- mike
Posted by calanan | May 7, 2009 8:51 AM
Posted on May 7, 2009 08:51