Layover #5: Mesa HikeMar 08 2018

Camp 222

Mar092018
Map thumbnail of location

While we were on the hike yesterday, we got leapfrogged by two trips -- both of whom are taking out at the same place we are, on the same day we are. Blegh, we'll worry about that tomorrow.

For now, we had a pretty relaxed river day, so we pushed off whenever your boat was loaded and rigged, and just floated.

One highlight was stopping at the jumping rock -- an overhanging rock about 25 feet up that stick out into the deep channel. It's obvious that you gotta jump in.

Jon flashing the camera some style on the way downJon flashing the camera some style on the way down
Feet first!Feet first!
Nick getting cold.Nick getting cold.

Nick didn't want to put on his drysuit today, so for this jump, he stripped down to his boxers and let fly. Brrr. (For reference, the river is about 45°F)

Oh well, it's all in good fun.

We pushed on to our desired camp, and found out that both groups had decided to camp there. Okay, we'll keep going. We found another good camp 2 miles farther downstream, and decided to camp there. This was great because then we're even closer to the takeout spot, and we can be the first group there.

Jon maxin' and relaxin'Jon maxin' and relaxin'

I added a new activity to my evening routine today, though: I went through my entire boat and derigged everything that was absolutely not necessary. All extraneous straps were removed and placed back in the bags for the outfitters. I also made sure that my gear was not intermingled with the outfitter's gear, and so on and so forth.

Anything I can do to remove stress from tomorrow will be pay dividends many times over.

Takeout DayMar 10 2018