Group 2 have arrived. Dave 'Scout' Whortley, Ted Piper, Charlotte 'Chuck' McCauley, Antoine
Dupuis and Anne P 'The Frenchies'.
The Ceiba team lead by Scott Davies picks us up and we are on our way to Lees Ferry to begin our journey
down the Grand Canyon.
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| Arrving at Lees Ferry |
For just 9 people we have a ridiculous amount of
kit! Somehow and in only 6hrs!!! we have managed to load it all onto the rafts. Beer,
boats, books, cameras, kit, chairs, tents, you name it we've got it.
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| Hows much kit! |
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| Loading all the essentials for the trip |
As we have to get an offical permit to get onto the canyon there are a number of legal requirements that have to be met. We
meet the offical rangers and have our kit checked. One of the things thats checked are the bouyancy aids mine is the only bouyancy aid that isn't
US Coast Guard approved but after a couple of minutes chat the National
Park Ranger 'Peggy' gives it the all clear. It looked for a moment that I may have to wear a bright ornage life jacket (neck collar and all) for the duration of the trip!!!
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| Its amazing how much gear you can fit onto 36ft of raft! |
Scott briefs us on how to set
up camp (poo cans and all), use the kit and rafts, cook and make sense
of the 19 day food plan before sending us on our way. Then we
are off. We finally set voyage onto the crisp cold waters of the Grand
Canyon. 100 yards later we stop and set up our first camp!
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| Scotty briefs us on how to set up camp |
A
quick meal at Marble Canyon allows us time to look at maps and chat
briefly about the plans. 20 miles ish a day 4/5 hikes before Diamond
Creek then 3/4 days to Pearce Ferry. This is going to be an adventure I
never forget.
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| Discussing plans for the 3 week trip |
We step out of the minibus and all just stop. I
have never in my life seen a sky like it. So many stars! So clear! We
just stand, look up and watch. We are in the grand canyon!
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| Shiny new boat finally hits the crisp blue water of the canyon |
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