Sandi started our morning up with blueberry pancakes. We shoved off and floated around the corner right into Ski Jump Rapid (32.1MP). There is a huge rock face on the right side signaling this approach. At the lower/ mid flow we had, this was just a big smooth rock. At flows around 6-8 ft, this rock becomes one of the biggest rapids on the river.

Judy's boat in front of the big wall above Ski Jump Rapid.

Ski Jump Rapid rock. Run right or left.

Around the corner we stopped at Sunflower Hot springs (MP33.6). This cascade comes off the rocks into a hot shower with pools above.

Chillin' in the Sunflower Hot pools.

Looking down towards the shower.

Dan modeling his Adidas.

The upper pools.

The lower falls.

The Middle Fork Lodge (MP35) is the location of the gauge for the run. There are a number of buildings and a bridge that cross the river here. There are also a bunch of signs that say "Private, Stay out!" so I'm not really sure what the deal is here.

The bridge at the Middle Fork Lodge (MP35).

Dan paddling Judi's boat.

At MP 38 is the start of Jackass Rapids. This series of rapids has a few great surf waves created by some underwater rock shelves. Lower Jackass Rapid (MP38.5) has a great one with decent eddy service on the right side. The Jackass Rapids Camp (MP38.7) would be a good one for kayakers.

Marlin runs Upper Jackass.

Liz rowing Upper Jackass.

From Jackass down the river totally mellows out. There are some fun waves and a few small surf spots, but mostly it is just amazingly beautiful canyon.

Dan surfing it up.

Marlin and Cindy

Dan on one of the many play spots.

Colin catching fish

Whitey Cox Bar (MP46.8) is a beautiful beach where we stopped for lunch. A bit down from there is Loon Camp (MP50.1) and Hot springs where the group split for a hike to the springs.

At MP52.8 you reach Hospital Bar. There is a great camp here with a very small hot pool at the river's edge. At higher water this one goes out and under water. It is marked with Hospital Bar Rapids and a huge, beautiful wall on river left. Springs are on the left too below the wall.

The wall at Hospital Bar

Springs run into a small pool at Hospital Bar.

Below Hospital we camped at Lower Grouse Creek Camp (MP57.1). THis is an amazing campsite right in the middle of Grouse Creek Rapid. From the camp there are a few nice hikes to the Simplot Cabin and up the hill. The view across from Grouse Creek is stunning. We were lucky to have some great afternoon sun shining on the big wall. There is a large old growth that fell in the camp in a wind storm in 2004 that still lies across the beach.

Judy in the canyon above Grouse Creek Camp.

Rafts tied at camp.

Vern and Tim cool off in the river.

Hangin' out in camp.

Marlin and Cindy treated us to Stir Fry and Noodles with fortune cookies. On to Day 5.

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