Part 10 Rafting the Colorado River Day 3–Matkatamiba

Yesterday we played in Deer Creek Falls and today we continued rafting down the Colorado River, next stop Matkatamiba...

Guide training at Grand Canyon Day 1

Part of the Greening of Grand Canyon includes adding water fill stations so bottled water won’t have to be sold. Should also reduce the recycling of all those plastic bottles. Of course, if you don’t bring your own water bottle you will still be able to buy water bottles to fill and they’ll most likely have cute pics or logos of the canyon. Just one bit of info today.

And, yes, as of March 1st visitors with gun permits Will be able to pack a loaded gun on their hips. Not really sure why they need to but that was part of the Credit Card bill. Hell, I can’t carry a gun while in uniform unless I’m a law enforcement officer, which I am not and don’t want to be.

P15 collard cougar at Grand Canyon (NPS archives)

22 adult cougars have been collared at Grand Canyon. One of the backcountry Rangers said that makes them out numbered 6-1 by cougars. Only 20 people in the USA have been killed by cougars since 1900. Hope nobody packing decides to shot one with more than a camera.

Other topics covered were about the proper way to dispose of human waste in the backcountry. Funny how folks really don’t want to haul out their own poop. How to safely prepare food and water for tour groups, reading the stars from different cultural perspectives, condors released in Arizona like Utah during the summer months, and archeology. And to end the day, Ranger Pat brought us up to date on the latest podcast technology being used at the canyon which you can check out here.

Community Building where I was all day

Got a couple inches of snow and more is falling. Tomorrow morning I start off with a tour of the historic Kolb Studio’s residence. Sure hope I’m allowed to take pictures.