Entrance Camp in the early dawn (photo by Manuel)
Entrance Rapid has been making us nervous since we had first seen it on our hike on the second day on the river (guide school day 10). Navigating Entrance Rapid did require some good steering and draws - but we all got through without any serious issues.
All but three canoes decided to line the next rapid, since it was an easy line and the chance of flipping seemed high (and there were no anchors nearby if we wrapped a canoe on the rocks). Manuel and Chris as well as Sara B and Jakub (video complements of Manuel) went through the rapid with no issues. However, Sean and Brenden (who had decided to run it together as their partners - Zack and I - lined the other canoe) flipped (video complements of Manuel). It was an easy recovery, but they and the stuff in Zack and Brenden's boat got wet (luckily we had removed the guitar, just in case a flip occurred).
Then, we reached the rock slide rapid (which was only about a mile from Entrance Camp). Manuel and Chris 'went to Mexico' to scout, and then Sean and I followed. As we cut across the current from the Texas side to the Mexico side, I was certain at multiple points that we would flip and/or end up going through Rock Slide prematurely (with or without our canoe). But we made it. Then we did a tough but fun rock scramble up to some lookouts where we could see the entire rapid from above. I did not go as far or high as Sean (who is really comfortable with rock climbing), but could still see all of the rapid. We stayed high to watch as some of the other groups made their way through the Mexico Gate of Rock Slide (Texas Gate was blocked by a strainer).
Scouting rock slide rapid from above on the Mexico side (photo by Manuel)
Sarah and Emily aiming towards Mexico Gate (photo by Manuel)
There was a bit of drama when both Emily and Tommy were standing on a rock in the middle of Rock Slide yelling conflicting instructions at couple groups. Some of the people in those groups got really irritated. Seeing this, I asked Sean before going into the rapid whether I should listen to his directions or theirs while in the rapid, and he said theirs - I felt better knowing we were on the same page going in.
Sean and I ran the rapid 7th, and actually ended up going through the narrow middle gate although we were originally aiming for Mexico Gate. We started to go towards the middle gate, and just opted to go with it, since we knew from looking from above that we would be fine. Although the middle gate was narrow, it was actually much easier.
Sean and I starting off from Mexico side, getting ready to go into the rock slide rapid (photo by Manuel)
We stopped for lunch at Camp Misery, which was located right after rock slide. We served sandwiches with tomatoes, bell peppers, avocados, summer sausage, salmon, tuna, cookies, oranges, and chips. After lunch, we saw a presentation by Manuel and Sara B on the 'Respect Wildlife' Leave No Trace Principle. Their presentation was really cute, and involved them role playing with Sara being knowledgeable in Leave No Trace and Manuel being a naive tourist.
We ran a variety of tough rapids before reaching Gourmet camp at 3:29pm (4.88 miles from Entrance Camp). Sean had been pushing me to learn to steer, but I was glad while running these rapids that Chris has said to wait until the following day. Sean and I are working well - my paddling skills have improved a bunch since day 1! We rocked rapids today that we would have struggled with (or chosen to line) on day 1.
Sean and I chilling (photo by Manuel)
Once at Gourmet Camp (in the middle of the canyon!), we set up the kitchen, changed into dry clothing, and cooked quesadillas for dinner. We served tortilla chips, salsa, and oranges as an appetizer. As I was cooking, flocks of birds began swarming inside the canyon, which was pretty awesome to see (especially considering how it relates to my research!). The presence of the birds also decreased the presence of the small flying insects we had experienced earlier in the night.
Looking downstream from Gourmet Camp (photo by Manuel)
Looking upstream at Gourmet Camp (photo by Manuel)
For dinner we mixed and cooked corn and pinto beans and grilled zucchinis and onions. We then had people add these ingredients and/or sun-dried tomatoes and cheese to a tortilla, and then we grilled their made-to-order tortilla for them. Sean insisted on manning the grill the entire time, claiming it kept him warm. Everyone seemed to really like the quesadillas, but I think we could have had more food.
After dinner, everyone started chilling at the fire listening to Brenden play guitar. Sean and I washed the dishes, and most of the girls were braiding each others' hair. After we finished the dishes, we all sat around the fire listening to Brenden playing and singing with Sebastian playing drums on an empty water container. It was a pretty cool feel. For me, the most memorable song was about the Groover: 'My name is Charles (thanks for asking)'. Brenden is indeed really talented at crafting lyrics on the fly.
After a bit, Sara's dutch oven chocolate cake was finally done cooking. It turned out pretty nice (especially considering we didn't know the exact proportions of the ingredients), and we all shared a few plates and forks around the camp fire. Tonight was a great night of bonding around the camp fire. Looking up and seeing the stars and the canyon walls was also completely amazing.
Relaxing around the camp fire (photo by Manuel)
Gourmet Camp at night (photo by Manuel)
Tonight the guides announced that Sara B and Manuel would be the leaders of the day tomorrow, which leaves Sebastian and I to lead the Emory Peak day by default. I'm pumped, as I wanted to be leader on the Emory Peak day from the start. Sebastian seems cool, so I'm excited to be working with him.
Everyone seemed to think today was amazing. I thought it was cool to be in the canyon (looking up at the walls is pretty neat), and I enjoyed the challenge of the many rapids today, but I thought yesterday was so much cooler. I guess different people have different things that really excite them. For me, although today was awesome, yesterday was super amazing.
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