We had made our way down a canyon, then down the river a ways, the day afore. Today's plan was to boat a couple of miles downriver to President Harding Rapid, then climb out of the big ditch at Eminence Break. Our friend Sonny Lawrence from Redlands California has visited many sports in his outdoor career. He spent the 90's boating, using various (larger) craft than we brought with us. So we were somewhat surprised when he decided to run President Harding Rapid, though, well, not TOO surprised. What WAS surprising was that he made it without tipping! Ram and Sonny, enjoying morning in river-camp. Pack up, put on those chilly wetsuits and get on the water. No pancakes on this river trip!

President Harding rapid from the trail above. I (Tom Jones) have wiped out in this rapid twice. Once in May 1996 in a 16' Avon raft, my first-ever flip - very exciting. And once a week prior, when I struggled to get out of the downstream eddy, and got tossed out by a micro-hole, in a 4-1/2 foot Sevylor, Sonny's pooltoy of choice for his run.

Aaron moving into photographer's position.

The victim... er, daring adventurer, about to enter the jaws of dismemberment!

Centered on the tongue...

... and into the first big wave...

Yee Haw!!!

Yee Haw!!! - into the wave train.

Over the top of a haystack...

And a closer look of the same... (shoulda been out of there, but...)