βFor myself I choose to listen to the river for a while, thinking river thoughts, before joining the night and the stars.β ~ Edward Abbey
Day Four — Anderson Bottom to Lower Cabin Bottom, 6 miles
Thank you, Alan for capturing these reflective moments…
Now, it’s Alan’s turn for some reflective shots. We don’t want to arrive at the next campground too early, as the previous nights inhabitants may still be there, so this is more of a “float” than a “paddle.”
We enter the stretch of river that has several structures in the cliffs believed to be built by the Ancestral Puebloans
Found some shade for the “kitchen” once again.
Some very precariously perched rocks along the hike to the local version of “Newspaper Rock.”
Ancient petroglyphs, or early graffiti?
The large rock structure in the distance is “Turk’s Head.” We will travel around to the other side tomorrow and camp.
Overlooking Soda Springs Canyon
The Green River makes horseshoe bends many times on our trip. The river will loop around Turk’s Head, doing a 180 degree turn.
Sunset on the river from Lower Cabin Bottom.
I think this was my favorite campsite, a “satellite” location with a view of Turk’s Head behind me. I attempted to sleep without the rain fly this night to watch the shadows of the moon reflecting on the rock, but got too cold at 2:30am.
Day Five — Lower Cabin Bottom to Turk’s Head, 2.5 miles
We make the short 180 degree paddle around Turk’s Head.
Midweek, we start to get some interesting cloud formations filling in the “boring blue sky.”
This is what a typical unloading process looks like. Turk’s Head Camp.
We hike up to see some of the ruins in the Turk’s Head rock formation.
We find a couple on the lower level, but then continue around the bend…
There are more ruins around the corner, and on ledges higher up the rock.
These were most likely granaries for food storage.
What a special treat to be on the river not only during a full moon, but also during a total eclipse! (This is the best the little Point and Shoot can do, but still memorable.)
Once the moon is in total eclipse phase, the Milky Way is brilliant. John brings out a tarp so we can do some star gazing.
Day Six — Turk’s Head to an island sand bar at river mile 15.5, 7 miles
Early morning before leaving Turk’s Head camp.
We don’t often see river traffic, but when we do, it is often quite entertaining. One night, we had a strumming musician float by at 3:30am.
We stop to make camp on an island at river mile 15.5.
Notice “lean-to tarp” on left for kitchen shade, a welcome relief from the midday sun.
I try walking around the island, but it doesn’t take me very far.
To be continued…Next up, Days 7-9
Another couple days in paradise! I like that you have areas to hike to at your stops. Neat to find a few ruins:) I was noticing the beautiful clouds you had to add to your already gorgeous photos. Love those reflection photos!!
Pam — The hiking was a blessing, as I would have otherwise been in some serious withdrawal after Colorado! π
Awesome adventure. Love seeing the ruins. Want to do this very much!
Thanks, Gaelyn. I have Hovenweep envy too!
How perfect to go with folks who know the river, the rock formations, the ancient ruins and art!
Hi, Lisa — Yes, John and BJ were very gracious to show us all their favorite spots. Hope our paths cross next week!
Wow, what a memorable place to watch the eclipse. That’s about as far into nature that you can go to watch it! We were also camping with friends that night and were able to sit out under the stars and enjoy it.
Mindy — So glad you got to watch the show with friends in the great outdoors. But then I think you and Chris are always in the great outdoors. π
You are SO fortunate to have hooked up with John and BJ, and the others you have met. Doors have certainly been opened for you. We applaud you for walking thru those doors and gaining life-changing experiences. Your list of experiences is certainly lengthy at this point. Good on you.
At the time of the eclipse, Sharon and I were boondocking off of F.R. 525 in Sedona. We were sitting by our campfire and watched the moonrise. Being unaware there was to be an eclipse, we stopped watching the moon, enjoyed the fire and ultimately went to bed. π
Oh, Ed, so sorry you missed it, especially from such a fantastic location! We were behind a high canyon wall, and it was already in eclipse phase once it started to come up over the wall. I made it through, but about 3/4 of the way back to full I was already snoozing.
fantastic, the beauty of our south western states overwhelms us. To be able to spend eight days exploring and camping is an awesome opportunity. Once again we are left feeling envious.
Keep on…
I agree, Allen, the Great Southwest is the gift that keeps on giving!
What a great experience and memory this trip will make. I’ve seen it from on high, but you, you saw it eye to eye. Gorgeous, just gorgeous.
Box Canyon Bud, Mark
My BC Bud — Yes, I thought often of that incredible shot of you and your bike on the White Rim, as we followed that trail from below. Now, I want to see the high side. π
Tremendous colours on your photographs. A memorable and exciting trip using a different form of travel. Pony trekking next ??
Dave — I always wanted to take a pony trek! π Thanks for the nice compliment.
Seeing the eclipse on the river would be stellar – you are truly living life well!
Susan, it was indeed a magical site! Hope you were someplace with a good view.
Susan: On the off chance you read this, we would like your contact info, email, whatever. We met you at Mark and Bobbie’s. Ours is gt and 350 and ed@and earthlink.net Take out each “and”.