Horn Creek Rapid.  Note the two "points" on either side of the center of the photo.  There be large rocks or "horns" there, giving the rapid it's name.

A late start meant we got up at 6:30am or 7:00am instead of 5:00am.  It was the sleep of the dead, although I do remember saying goodbye to Rick around 5:30am as he left to head up Bright Angel Trail for the South Rim and the exchange.  For the rest of us, we packed the boats, headed down to the boaters beach and went up to Phantom Ranch for breakfast.  Air conditioning.  Ice cold beverages - ice being the operative word here.  Fresh bagels and cream cheese.  We washed up in the public rest rooms, enjoying the use of an actual toilet with running water for the first time in a week!  Some shaved in the sink, others loaded water.

Then, with one man per oarboat and a crew of four for the paddle boat we headed to Pipe Springs to pick up our new crew.

Joy at the reunion with Mark, Bill and Don, Chad and Jack, Charley, Kyle and James.  We then loaded up and headed directly into Pipe Springs Rapid, a 3 and then to Horn Creek rapid.  We run Horn Creek, rated a 9, without any problems after a solid scouting of the run.  The plan:  Straight up the middle. 

From Horn Creek it is an easy run through Salt Creek Rapid (a 2) and then we camp at the absolutely gorgeous pool above Granite Falls.  There we make an early camp, break out the steaks, dig into beer and happy hour.  Desert is an incredible chocolate ice cream thing.  Man, what a night!

Fishing at Granite Falls	Waiting at Pipe Springs for the boats	Mule train on the Black Bridge