• Home
  • About Geogypsy
    • Herstory
    • Parks where I’ve worked
  • Places I’ve been
    • United States
      • Arizona
        • Antelope Slot Canyon
        • Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
        • Colossal Cave Mountain Park
        • Flagstaff
        • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
        • Grand Canyon National Park
          • Grand Canyon National Park North Rim
          • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim
          • Toroweap
        • Havasu Canyon
        • Horseshoe Bend
        • Jerome
        • Kaibab National Forest
        • Lee’s Ferry
        • Meteor Crater
        • Navajo Bridge
        • Oak Creek Canyon
        • Painted Desert
        • Pipe Springs National Monument
        • Prescott
        • Quartzsite
        • Saguaro National Park
        • Sedona
        • Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
        • Vermilion Cliffs
        • Walnut Canyon National Monument
        • Wupatki National Monument
        • Yarnell
      • California
        • Anzaberrego
        • Bakersfield
        • Death Valley National Park
        • Joshua Tree National Park
        • Redwoods NP
        • Salton Sea
        • Yucca Valley
      • Colorado
        • Mesa Verde National Park
      • Florida
      • Illinois
        • IL River
        • Morton Arboretum
        • Starved Rock State Park
      • Michigan
      • Nevada
      • New Mexico
      • Oregon
        • Crater Lake NP
        • Mt Hood
        • Oregon Caves National Monument
      • Texas
        • Alpine Texas
        • Padre Island
        • Port Isabel
        • Rio Grande Valley
      • Utah
        • Brian’s Head
        • Bryce Canyon National Park
        • Buckskin Gulch
        • Cedar Breaks National Monument
        • Cedar City
        • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
        • Dixie National Forest
        • Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
        • Johnson Canyon
        • Kanab
    • World Travels
      • Germany
      • Mexico
      • South Africa
  • Tours
  • Photography
  • Work with Me
    • Sponsors
  • Contact
Geogypsy
Menu
  • Home
  • About Geogypsy
    • Herstory
    • Parks where I’ve worked
  • Places I’ve been
    • United States
      • Arizona
        • Antelope Slot Canyon
        • Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
        • Colossal Cave Mountain Park
        • Flagstaff
        • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
        • Grand Canyon National Park
          • Grand Canyon National Park North Rim
          • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim
          • Toroweap
        • Havasu Canyon
        • Horseshoe Bend
        • Jerome
        • Kaibab National Forest
        • Lee’s Ferry
        • Meteor Crater
        • Navajo Bridge
        • Oak Creek Canyon
        • Painted Desert
        • Pipe Springs National Monument
        • Prescott
        • Quartzsite
        • Saguaro National Park
        • Sedona
        • Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
        • Vermilion Cliffs
        • Walnut Canyon National Monument
        • Wupatki National Monument
        • Yarnell
      • California
        • Anzaberrego
        • Bakersfield
        • Death Valley National Park
        • Joshua Tree National Park
        • Redwoods NP
        • Salton Sea
        • Yucca Valley
      • Colorado
        • Mesa Verde National Park
      • Florida
      • Illinois
        • IL River
        • Morton Arboretum
        • Starved Rock State Park
      • Michigan
      • Nevada
      • New Mexico
      • Oregon
        • Crater Lake NP
        • Mt Hood
        • Oregon Caves National Monument
      • Texas
        • Alpine Texas
        • Padre Island
        • Port Isabel
        • Rio Grande Valley
      • Utah
        • Brian’s Head
        • Bryce Canyon National Park
        • Buckskin Gulch
        • Cedar Breaks National Monument
        • Cedar City
        • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
        • Dixie National Forest
        • Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
        • Johnson Canyon
        • Kanab
    • World Travels
      • Germany
      • Mexico
      • South Africa
  • Tours
  • Photography
  • Work with Me
    • Sponsors
  • Contact

Category: Colorado River

10 October 2011

Part 13 Rafting the Colorado River Day 4–Lava Falls

Gaelyn above Lava Falls Colorado River trip Grand Canyon National Park Arizona
I was told last year that Lava Falls at River Mile 179 is the most exciting and terrifying 13 seconds of life, if you stay in the boat.  This was sure to wake me up after a day of counting sheep.
Lava flows below Toroweap Colorado River trip Grand Canyon National Park Arizona
Geologists estimate that  between 400,000 and 10,000  years ago lava flowed across the canyon damming the Colorado River at least 12 times.  Yet the mighty Colorado broke through these up to 2,000 foot lava dams repeatedly and has since carved down about 1000 feet.
Toroweap overlook above Colorado River trip Grand Canyon National Park Arizona
I’d seen Lava Falls from the Toroweap overlook, and gave a little shiver.
Vulcan's Anvil Colorado River trip Grand Canyon National Park Arizona
First we approached Vulcan’s Anvil, the remains of a volcanic plug, about one mile upriver from Lava Falls.  The Paiute consider it sacred.
Walking down river to scout out Lava Falls Colorado River trip Grand Canyon National Park Arizona
Then we stopped to scout out the rapids.
Lava Falls rapid Colorado River trip Grand Canyon National Park Arizona
Lava Falls rapid normally drops 13 feet and is rated at an 8-10 (1=easy and 10=most difficult).  This year the Colorado River ran three times it’s usual cfs (cubic feet/second).  The boatmen said this would make the rapids a little less exciting.
Lava Falls rapid Colorado River trip Grand Canyon National Park Arizona
I needed to hang on with both hands so took no video.  We plunged into a HUGE hole followed by a wall of water soaking everyone on board then continued the wildest roller coaster ride of my life.  When all was said and done I asked our boat driver Shelly, “Can we do it again!”  If she’d been able to get the boat back up Lava Falls I’m sure we’d have road it all day.  WOW!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/user/finleyholiday
Not my Colorado River trip yet awesome footage.
Basalt along the canyon walls Colorado River trip Grand Canyon National Park Arizona
Major John Wesley Powell portaged around Lava Falls during his 1869 expedition reporting, “What a conflict of water and fire there must have been here!  Just imagine a river of molten rock running down into a river of melted snow.  What a seething and boiling of the waters; what clouds of steam rolled into the heavens!”
After this excitement the river slowed for the last of our journey.

Push my buttons!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...
Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, National Parks and Monuments Lava falls, rafting 16 Comments
01 August 2011

MWT – A trip to Flagstaff

01 New truck pulls Jan's 1955 Spartan trailer NR GRCA NP AZ (1024x689)

Thursday Mike and I hauled a friends vintage 1955 Spartan trailer to Flagstaff.

02 Sundog over Painted Desert SR89A S AZ (1024x768)

Saw a little sundog over the Painted Desert.

03 Storm over Mt Humphreys SR89 S AZ (1024x765)

Drove towards a major storm approaching Mt Humphreys.

04 Mural on store Flagstaff AZ (1024x750)

Flagstaff has a very fun oldtown where I bought gear for my upcoming trip on the Colorado River.

05 Galaxy Diner Flagstaff AZ (1024x768)

Had dinner in the funky Galaxy Diner.

06b Cadilac Coupe de Ville at Galaxy Diner Flagstaff AZ (1024x767) 06a Chey BelAir at Galaxy Diner Flagstaff AZ (1024x767)

Where some nice old cars were parked in the lot.

07 Storm SR89 N leaving Flagstaff AZ (1024x650)

On the return drive Saturday we again drove through a storm passing Mt Humphreys.

08 Little Colorado River from SR89 N Cameron AZ (1024x751)

It rained so hard even the Little Colorado River was flowing at Cameron.

09 Painted Desert SR89 N AZ (1024x766)

Then the clouds broke up over the Painted Desert.

10 Colorado River Marble Canyon from Navajo Bridge SR89A AZ (768x1024)

And the sun shone on the Colorado River at Marble Canyon.

11 Storm over Kaibab Plateau from SR89A W AZ (1024x766)

But the clear sky didn’t last as we approached the Kaibab Plateau where home is.

mwtnarrowbanner

To tour more of the world go to My World Tuesday by clicking here.

Push my buttons!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...
Colorado River, Flagstaff Arizona, Galaxy Diner, Kaibab Plateau, Little Colorado River, Marble Canyon, Mt Humphreys, My World Tuesday meme, Painted Desert, road trip, RV lifestyle, vintage cars and trailer 12 Comments
03 November 2010

Dam View

01 Gaelyn at Dam View Page AZ (800x600)

I really need a Red Rock fix.

02 Dam View Page AZ (800x600)

During the summer Mike and I visited several places I’ve yet to post about. On one of our shopping trips via the Grand Staircase Escalante we stopped at the Dam View in Page, Arizona.

03 Mike on trail at Dam View Page AZ (800x591)

We walked a short trail to the overlook.

04 Eroded sandstone at Dam View Page AZ (800x600)

Past marvelously eroded sandstone sculpture.

05 Gaelyn's shadow on trail at Dam View Page AZ pano (315x800)

Where shadows stood tall.

06 Mike above Marble Canyon on trail at Dam View Page AZ (800x600)

Right up to the edge.

07 Colorado River from Dam View Page AZ 2of2 (599x800)

The Colorado River far below.

08 Glen Canyon Dam from Dam View Page AZ (800x598)

10 million tons of cement called the Glen Canyon Dam hold back and alter the natural flow of the mighty Colorado River. This creates the 186 mile (299 km) long Lake Powell with 1960 miles (3154 km) of shoreline for people to recreate on.

09 Lizard on sandstone at Dam View Page AZ (800x584)

While life looks on.

Push my buttons!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...
Colorado River, Dam View, Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, Page Arizona 17 Comments

Hi, I’m Gaelyn, the Geogypsy

I retired after 29 summer seasons as a Park Ranger, traveling solo for 40+ years. My passions include travel, connecting to nature, photography, and sharing stories.

I started exploring US National Parks in 1977 and 20 years later became a seasonal Park Ranger.  I’ve lived full-time in a RV for 30 years working summers and playing winters.  I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow old, other than grow up.

Let’s share our stories.  Here’s more of mine…

My wheeleastate

I am currently…

…boondocking somewhere in southern Arizona.  In the area, give a shout.

Geogypsytraveler on YouTube

Follow my journey on YouTube. Just click the pic. Hope you’ll like, share, and subscribe.

Click image for 7 minute documentary (Password “geogypsy” lowercase)

Making the Gypsy documentary is a story of its own.  Click below for the rest of the story.

Living nomadically & connecting to nature documentary

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Photos available for sale include prints, greeting cards, coffee mugs, tote bags, phone cases and more

Reflected Wave 24X16 metal print under $100

Custom Coffee Mugs

Many items to choose from including prints

The Last Blast 24 x 16″ metal print under $100

Need a signal boost? When I boondock on public lands sometimes signal is weak or intermittent and a booster helps. Click the pic to visit WeBoost.

Connecting to nature and the rest of the world too.

Please contact me for photo purchases not seen at GLOlmsted Photography

Order fulfillment is by Fine Art America. If you’re not happy with your purchase, for any reason, simply return it within 30 days, and you’ll receive a full refund of the purchase price.

Why read Geogypsy?

The gypsy life spring-summer 1998 - "You were a real pioneer. RV'ing before it was cool." ...Yogi

How do you process photos? - “Your photographs create an Emotional feeling in the viewer...that they become One with You.” …Cindy

Life’s transitions between travel and work play - "I know you love your job as much as you love travel -- it shines through all your posts." ...Sallie

Lions at Kruger National Park - “Wonderful post, thank you. I was hooked start to finish!” … Peter B

11 lessons looking back 2013 - “A great post -- made me think, made me smile, made me want to cry." ...Sallie

Wildlife video Kruger National Park - “Gorgeous, this makes me want to go straight to South Africa now.” … Ayngelina

Living nomadically & connecting to nature documentary - “What an experience you had and gave to the "crew." Sometimes I think you don't realize how unique and inspiring you are.” …Alan

Search

Popular Posts

1. Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography. 2. Educate yourself about the places you photograph. 3. Reflect on the possible impact of your actions. 4. Use discretion if sharing locations. 5. Know and follow rules and regulations. 6. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them. 7. Actively promote and educate others about these principles

Categories

Archives

Sites I follow, read & recommend

  • A Full-time Life
  • A Yankee in Belgrade
  • Bob's Eyes
  • Box Canyon Blog
  • Camels and Chocolate
  • Dawns bloggy blog
  • In the Direction of Our Dreams
  • Jane in her infinite wisdom
  • Janie and Steve, Utah Trails
  • Kathie's Birds
  • Las Adventuras
  • Memorable Meanders
  • Oh, The Places They Go
  • On the Road Abode
  • Port Elizabeth Daily Photo
  • Stillhowlyntravels
  • Take to the Highway
  • Technomadia
  • the good luck Duck
  • Travel with the Bayfield Bunch
  • Wandering Earl
  • Wheeling It
  • Yogi's Den

Caught in a Slot 9×12 canvas print under $50

If you don’t like what’s going on in your government, contact your Congress

Directory of Senators

Directory of Representatives

Lijit

© Copyright 2008-2024. Geogypsytraveler.com
%d