Lava Falls

I was fortunate enough to borrow a Spot device from my work to send out messages from camp to let our loved ones know that we were OK (actually we were HUNKY DORY). It was a nice way to check in, and I've heard from folks on the trip that their friends and family really loved watching our progress down the river. This link is my favorite spot message from the trip, taken right above Lava Falls. You'll need to make sure the satellite image is turned on and then either zoom out, or scan to the rapid just downriver (left) from the spot, and you can see the beast.

Plus, aerial imagery is cool.


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Lava is a large rapid, to say the least. I had dreams about it the night before we were going to run it. I felt like I was going to puke when I heard its roar from upstream. But when I got up to the scout to see it, I calmed down a little bit. Jeremy had been rowing so well during the trip that I had full confidence that he was going to nail the bubble line and we'd have a great run. As I got back to the boat to get my dry suit on, I realized we were going to run four and four to take photos, so I watched as the first four pushed off. Only from the hoots an hollers did I know that they had great runs, as I was tucked in behind the tie off for the scout.

Next it was our turn, and Jeremy and I were going last as sweep. As we were dropping down in, we saw Matt and Mel flip in the top hole. It was terrifying to watch and even more terrifying for them to experience. We were in rescue mode, so I actually don't remember our run as well as I would have (but I still screamed like a banshee). What I do know is that by the time we were at the bottom of the rapid, we hardly had to turn the bilge pump on. It was a great run.

Matt and Mel were rescued by Seth in his kayak. The boat was flipped back over a mile or so downstream. The only thing lost that day was an oar.

Why do they call it the GRAND Canyon?

Okee, so I've been back from the river for a little less than a week, and have been hit hourly with full-on river jones and feeling like I've been torn away from my tribe of freaky boaters. I'm going to try to blog about the trip in more detail, because I have a lot of stories to tell, but for now, here are 20 of my favorite photos we took on the trip.

All photos (c) Jeremy Christensen and Kylan Frye

Just another day in the Corps, where every meal is a banquet, every march a parade.

Captain, my captain

The proud vessel, Desolation, at Havasu. And by proud vessel, I mean 14.5' dorky handmade garage boat that kicked major ass in the Grand.

Jeremy playing a face-melting guitar solo and showing off hidden talents

Kyle Frye (no kidding) my hermano del rio and his mando. I'm getting my fiddle tuned up and joining the Frye family bluegrass band. I hope they know Orange Blossom Special, because that's the only one I got

Scorpion Island, one mile above Pierce Ferry Take Out. AKA 14 Year Old Girl Drink Drunk Beach

Snakin' our way through Helo Alley.
"There ain't enough liquor in this boat right now to keep me happy" -Dave as the 157th helicopter flew over the river.

Jeremy through the travertine tunnel at Havasu

Some pretty flower I used to know the name of at Havasu.

Bug, my river heroine, in Granite. Bob is lookin fine up front, getting ready to kiss the wave

Matt and Mel in Granite with the Beer Pig aka Jug Boat aka GAWDAMMIT FRANKLIN.

Kyle Frye in the Susie Too getting hit by a wave in Granite.

Somewheres in the Ditch

Bocce in Redwall.

Joel contemplates the river, or lunch, or beer, or his lovely lady, but not necessarily in that order.

View downstream of Lee's Ferry. These really aren't in order. Sorry.

Seen during my mornin' pee. Not bad.

The Delta Room, The Nook, The Crown Room and the Kitchen. Fun night.

Sunset on the canyon walls, after a storm

Golly GEE-ology

Cool cloud action.

Tammy Popcorn's back, y'all. She'll kick your ass at horseshoes.