It seems an awesome statement, even for nature to make.
John Muir

The skies are crystal clear night and day and from one dawn to the next a man learns why he left Tennessee, Virginia, or whatever state. To be carried along by swift waters. To drift like pilgrims through a hushed cathedral. To witness a gash in the earth beyond comprehension. To read a colossal text of earth's history. To repeat Major Powell's journey into the "Great Unknown."

Anne Marie, our gorgeous and intrepid river guide, takes a plunge into the cool pool at Elves Chasm of Grand Canyon. The eight day, 277 mile Colorado River rafting trip through the canyon included many side trips to spice up the adventure. This was one of them. Precious rain percolates through the various limestone layers that constitute the canyon's aquifers, and then surfaces as springs or waterfalls. Perhaps the most famous falls are at Havasu, a world-class photography and hiking destination, but there are many others offering a refreshing break from the desert heat. The water at Elves Chasm is a cool, clear 50 degrees.

There were two pontoon boats on this "5 star" river cruise, each with a head guide and an assistant. The head guides were female and their assistants were male. Talk about a change in social paradigms!