early morning from my campsite at the foot of Geike Peak

Geike Peak and Scyllia Butte

Slate Creek to the lower left, and what I believe to be the Diana Temple?

I had it in mind to take a short day today and spend the afternoon exploring down Slate Creek to Crystal Rapid – one of the most notorious rapids in The Grand Canyon.

The simplest route into Slate leads down the east side, toward this prominent Tapeats pillar, and then down a steep slope to the north. I found some of the route to be cairned.

first sight of Crystal Rapid

This isolated beach has no footprints.

This offered the perfect setting for an afternoon siesta. I spent quite some time here, relaxing and watching river runners negotiate the rapid.

In this raft you can clearly see two people.

It goes under a wave…

…and emerges with only one!

This little guy was a friendly, curious companion during lunch.

Eventually I headed back up the canyon.

looking down at Crystal Rapid from above

At last, a familiar landmark on the rim I can recognize for sure – Eremita Mesa – Cocopa Point and Yuma Point.

and points farther to the east – Pima, Mojave, Hopi…

Whites Butte, high above the Redwall

Boucher Creek

Yuma Point and Whites Butte

This is the best looking water I’ve seen in four days – Boucher Creek near my campsite at the junction with the Tonto Trail.