On the day after leaving Phantom Ranch, our first order of business was to run Crystal Rapid, one of two class (9) rapids on the trip. It was known for its strong holes at the top of the rapid, and a rock garden at the bottom. While we were all thoroughly soaked by the rapid, we managed to get through it without incident.

SHINUMO CREEK

Shinumo Creek shows its polished granite.

The weather had turned cold or the waterfall would have been more inviting.

ELVE'S CHASM

Mesothermal deposits occur at depth and fairly high temperatures (200-300 degrees Celsius) when hot mineral liquids flow through cracks in rock over a prolonged period. The liquid precipitates deposits into the crack. Quartz, calcite and dolomite are just some of the minerals which can fill cracks in this manner. We saw mesothermal deposits throughout the canyon, but Elve's Chasm is a rich environment for seeing these phenomena.

During rain, Elve's Chasm is a creek, but it is fascinating anytime. Here a mineral, possibly quartz, has filled a wide crack.

Weathering rock in the creek bed.

Higher up, the creek spills over stratified rock.

Here is a clear example of a mesothermal deposit.

Dan sets up the BBQ at 118.6 Mile Camp.

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We come to an area of Tapeats Sandstone.

Vishnu Schist is a hard, igneous rock, which assumes smooth, rounded shapes when eroded by water.

DOLL'S HOUSE

The Doll's House consists of polished schist which has been formed into many "rooms," which are fun to explore and climb.

Mark exploring a room of the Doll's House. Photo: Mark

A submerged rock tore a 12 inch hole in the floor compartment of one of the rafts. Here, Brian examines the patch.

We had a good patch kit with us. Three coats of cement were each allowed to dry to a tacky consistency. The patch laid on the cement held immediately. Note the Deer Creek Waterfall coming out of the rock above Leo, at the left of the photo.

For a couple of days, we had experienced intermittent thunderstorms. Then these clouds appeared, suggesting a bigger system moving through.

A tarp we put up to protect from rain was useless when the gust front came through.

In the morning, we crossed the river to Deer Creek.

DEER CREEK

Deer Creek plunges from a high slot canyon in the Redwall.

We hiked up a trail to the slot canyon. This shot was taken before walking into the slot canyon. Photo: Mark

Amber stands above Deer Creek. Photo: Mark

Paige and Brent exploe the slot canyon. Photo: Mark

Dan brought a rope, so several of us climbed down into the slot canyon and walked, alternately on the rounded sides of the creek or in the creek itself. After about 100 yards, our progress was blocked by a large boulder. One could not help being impressed at the cutting power of water.

The rounded bed of Deer Creek. Photo: Mark

High above the slot canyon of Deer Creek is the Throne, and yet another waterfall. Photo: Mark

Paige and Brent sit on the throne and have a beer. Photo: Mark

Amber at the oars, with Paige and Brent. Photo: Mark

PANCHO'S KITCHEN

The weather was threatening, and Amber insisted that we stop early at a camp called, "Pancho's Kitchen." It is good that we did. It blew and rained all night long, but the many overhangs at this campsite kept us dry.

As we prepared dinner, a family of Bighorn Sheep came down to the river to drink and graze.

Young sheep enjoy the grass by the river.

Warren relaxes as the dutch oven bakes a carrot cake.

Finishing dinner preparations as darkness sets in.

CAMP LEDGES

In Muav Gorge campsites became scarce. The Muav Limestone came down to the river and the canyon was mostly narrow and steep. At Ledges Camp, the limestone offered a flat area which proved to be a comfortable campsite.

Following the storm at Pancho's Umbrella, the weather was decidedly cooler. The sun seldom reached the river, and the rapids ensured that our feet were wet all the time. Most of us had swollen ankles, but Rus was finding it particularly uncomfortable. Dan gives Rus a warm soak with a bit of aloe added. It seems to work.

Brian and Amber prepare to warm us up with lasagne.

Dan cooked the lasagne dutch oven style. In 40 minutes it was perfect. Rus and Layla take advantage of the warm oven.

A campfire was a nightly experience. It was here where we shared our adventures of the day and where we got to know more about one another.

Don enjoys the splendor and privacy of the groover. Photo: Dan