We began day 5 with McDonalds on the river for breakfast thanks to Cindy and Marlin. Grouse Creek Camp (MP57.1) is close to Tappan Canyon (MP58). The canyon is huge. This is the first place the

Scouting Tappan Falls right.

Dan in Tappan.

Liz river boarding Tappan.

Below Tappan Falls there are a bunch of fun Class III rapids down in the canyon. They are all read and run, but have some fun ledge drops and powerful hydraulics. At MP58.9 is Tappan III where I lost my new Smith Sunglasses in the big hole on the left. Dan's encouragement to drop in overcame my sensibilities of surfing with my glasses on. RIP. The canyon goes for another mile or so, and was one of my favorite places on the river.

Colin and Josh in Tappan III.

Sandi nearing the exit to Tappan Canyon.

The Flying B Resort (MP66.5) provided ice cream and refreshments for us 5 days in. They also have a nice beach and freshly cut grass for dry river feet. The bridge that crosses the river here was rebuilt in 2006 after winds caused by the fires blew the old one off its foundation.

Flying B Resort

The Horseshoe Gate at Flying B.

Right around the corner from the Flying B is the airstrip, followed shortly after by Haystack Rapids (MP67.8). This series has changed a lot in the past decade, and is always changing, so a recommended scout. There are some larger boulders down toward the bottom of the rapid that could flip or wrap a raft. Below Haystack is Bernard Rapid, a rapid that was caused by a creek blowout a few years back.

Mike Kirwan entering Haystack Rapids.

The large boulders in the Rapid.

Liz running Bernard Rapid below Haystack.

Bernard Rapids.

From Haystack down, the river takes on a whole new feeling of big water. The rapids become a lot deeper with bigger waves and fewer rocks. Jack Creek Canyon (MP70.5)is marked with the Earthquake Rock, a giant rock fall (1983) on the left side as you enter the canyon. Right below here is Jack Creek Rapids, which is a great wave train rapid run best down the center.

Typical canyon rapids below Haystack.

A mile down from Jack Creek is Driftwood Camp (MP71.6) where we made camp for the evening. Dan and I explored around the corner and found a sweet surf wave.

Unnamed wave around the corner from Driftwood Camp.

That evening the weather was looking unstable. We struggled with the idea of putting up "The Big Top" tent. In the end we put it up, figuring nothing was going to happen. As we propped it up, the sky opened up and began dumping tons of hail on our camp. One minute earlier it had been 70s and warmish. I'm glad we had the tent.

The Big Top.

Driftwood Camp.

We spotted an Owl in a tree this evening, and were treated to a light show with Tim spinning balls on strings. It was hot.

Owl

Josh

Marlin and the Extreme Wilderness Poodle, Maddy (XWP).

Tim rocking out.

Tim rocking out some more.

Jason hitting himself in the balls.

Morning at Driftwood Camp.

On to Day 6 on the Middle Fork.

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