Glad to hear you're on the trip.
Most folks have answered your questions, but I thought I'd put my two cents
in on continuing the trip below Diamond Creek. Going on is far more than a
"float out." There's still lots of astounding Canyon down there. Contrary
to what many commercial outfitters would have the public believe, the
Canyon doesn't end just below Lava Falls!
An overnight float somewhere below Separation can be a wonderful experience
-- especially if the sky is clear. It's true though that late October can
be chilly. Jeff is right, don't forget some kind of running light on the
lake.
I would recommend combining the overnight float with a tow. I know it may
seem sort of anti-climactic, but so is rowing your butt off against a lake
wind while jet skis (aka "personal watercraft") and other motor boats are
whizzing past you. Normally tow boats arrive really early in the morning
and you're off the lake and derigging (ugh) before you know it anyway.
You mentioned other methods of dealing with requests for assistance. If you
mean calling for assistance, e.g., evacuations, the old dependable signal
mirror (required equipment) is a tool well worth learning how to use. I
understand pilots really do see those darns things quite well and relay
sightings to the South Rim immeditately. Of course, you might consider
trying to find an Aircraft VHF radio for emergencies too. Remember, there
won't any commercial motor trips blasting by in October.
Have fun and good luck.
LEN
Leonard Thurman http://www.azstarnet.com/grandcanyonriver
Len@Songbird.com Grand Canyon River Running
====================================================================
To subscribe, send email to majordomo@songbird.com, with "subscribe
gcboaters" as the only line in the message body. To unsubscribe send
"unsubscribe gcboaters". For further information send "info
gcboaters", or see http://www.songbird.com/gcboaters
====================================================================