Canyon Day Three

This was the day we rafted from Shinumo Wash camp (Mile ~24) to Lower Saddle camp (Mile ~48) and visited Redwall Cavern. Shinumo Wash was the camp with a thriving colony of Datura. In the photo, a white moth visiting the beautiful white Datura flower. The Datura opens its flowers at night.

Experimenting with consuming the seeds or some other part of the plant is one of the things that kills people visiting the canyon. The plant is deadly poisonous, usually. Carlos Castaneda in his first book, The Teachings of Don Juan describes preparing it under supervision of a Yaqui shaman for a serious hallucinogenic journey. He was near death for days.

Find photos made on day three of our GC river raft adventure at Canyon Day Three Gallery

On this day we had our first of many sightings of the Nevills Expedition restored mid-century whitewater boat, Sandra. We passed and were passed by this group many times. When camping above the Hance rapid we watched them make a late afternoon run. When scouting the Crystal rapid they were scouting ahead of us. We watched their run. We met them at the rapid called Boulder (not Boulder, something) as we ran it on their heels. They were at the -something- Canyon pull-out when we arrived there, and left just ahead of us.

Find photos of the Canyon Expeditions group and Nevills Expedition restoration, Sandra at Canyon Expeditions Nevills Gallery

Here is a picture of the groover set up. One thing about camps in the canyon: there’s always a great view from the seat.