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#230: JACKASS CANYON HIKE WITH KIDS
APRIL 23, 24, 1983
April 23, Saturday, 1983
Susan and I decided it would be nice to take the kids on a hike in the Grand Canyon someplace that they could hike without too much difficulty. Jackass Canyon seemed the logical place, only 900 feet deep or so and a little over a mile walk down. We had munchies on the way up. We loaded up and started down the north arm of Jackass. The kids were excited. Ryan is 6 years old today, Marijka is 4 years old. I had all the food and one sleeping bag and a half gallon of water. Susan had all four pads and two sleeping bags and a half gallon of water. The kids had some munchies and a shirt in their small packs. My pack weighed near 35 pounds. There were three other cars parked on the rim indicating we were not going to be alone. The kids were full of questions about everything from rocks to dinosaurs and cactus.
1. Me, Ryan 6 today, Marijka 4, Susan, starting down Jackass Canyon. 4-23-83
Once down in the canyon floor of the Kaibab Limestone it was fairly easy walking. We met 5 students from Flagstaff High School on their way out and we happened to know one, Maurine Avery. It took only a little while and 10,000 questions later to reach the middle fork of Jackass and then the south fork a short distance on. 3288
2. Susan, Ryan, Marijka going down the north fork, Jackass Canyon, Kaibab Formation. 4-23-83
3. Susan helping Marijka over ledge in Kaibab Limestone, Jackass Canyon. 4-23-83
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4. Susan, Ryan, Marijka going down north arm of Jackass Canyon. 4-23-83
5. Going down the main part of Jackass Canyon in Toroweap Formation. 4-23-83
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Just beyond the last junction of canyons is the 20 foot drop off in the Toroweap Formation. There was some green water below the dry fall. A telephone wire still hung on the rocks to climb down on. We had brought 20 feet of rope and a harness for the kids to lower them down the cliff. We took our time and they didn’t seem too worried. Susan went down first and then I lowered the packs with the rope to her then I held the rope and let the kids down slowly and Susan guided them as best she could. Ryan was first. He did very well. Marijka was fearless and went down without thinking how far it was to fall and never gave it a thought. Once all were down we left the rope under a ledge for the climb out. Now the real work began.
6. Me holding rope for Marijka to get down cliff in lower Toroweap Formation, Jackass Canyon. 4-23-83
The large boulders that seemed to impress Marijka the most were piled up for the next quarter a mile or so. She said “These are BIG rocks.” Some were house size. It took some doing getting the kids down this mess and we had to haul them over boulder after boulder. They were getting tired about two hours into the hike and almost to the Colorado River. It was hot and the sound of the river lured them onward despite the sweat they were complaining of. They were surprised to hear the river and that was encouraging them on. Soon we caught site of the river and it was clear water. A pretty sight when you’re hot. The kids suddenly were not tired anymore and ran down the beach to play in the water. Off came the packs and pants and into the water they went. They didn’t stay in long because the water temperature was 48 degrees. It took 2 ½ hours to get down here; 900 feet down in 1.25 miles. It was nice to get that dam pack off. I’m not used to it and neither was Susan. 3291
It was not long before three Navajos started out from the river with a load of fish. Two other guys were left and they were fishing and planned to stay the night. Soon a river boat came through the rapid. I might add the river was very high, about 28,000cfs. We recognized the boatman the same time he recognized us; Art Gallenson. Lone time no see. Haven’t seen Art since I left Grand Canyon Expeditions 6 years ago. He pulled in for a brief visit. He left and later on Bob Dye was running a single boat and he came through but didn’t recognize us as he pulled in on the west side below the rapid for camp at the mouth of Badger Canyon. He had a boat load of fishermen. After awhile he got his binoculars out and recognized us. He came over with the empty boat and visited us later and we had a beer. It was dark when he went back. The kids and us were tired and we all stretched out on the beach about 8:30pm. We had macaroni and cheese with tuna for supper. Ryan and Marijka slept in the same bag and fit very well and were soon fast asleep. Susan on one side and I on the other of the kids and it weren’t long before we dropped off to sleep as well. I woke up once during the night and it was very bright with a near full moon. High today reached 81 degrees and calm and clear. Some clouds floated over about sundown. About 1.5 miles of walking today or more.
7. Boats starting down Badger Rapids, Susan and kids watching. 4-23-83
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8. Susan and kids building sand castles on beach below Badger Rapids. 4-23-83
10. Susan watching kids play on beach below Badger Rapids. 4-23-83
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9. North wall of Jackass Canyon above Badger Rapids at camp. 4-23-83
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11. Susan and kids at camp, Jackass Canyon beach below Badger Rapids. 4-23-83
April 24, Sunday, 1983
I woke up early about 6:00am. It was still warmish; low was 52 degrees and clear. The river had dropped about 3 feet and was still flowing very high. The kids played in the water after we had breakfast. Soon we started out with much encouragement to get the kids started from the river. It was hot in the sun and we soon heard much complaining about how hot it was. None of us were used to the heat since it had been snowing in Flagstaff most of the month. But we had to set an example and show that we were not bothered by the heat when we really were.
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12. Ryan and Marijka having breakfast, Jackass Canyon beach, Badger Rapids in background. 4-24-83
13. Ryan and Marijka playing on Jackass Canyon beach. 4-24-83
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14. Marijka protesting hike out. Bob Dye camped on other side of river. 4-24-83
15. The rocky hike up Jackass Canyon. 4-24-83
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Once in the shade though, it was not bad. A wind began to blow. Both kids hiked up the rocks better then climbing down. We took frequent rest stops and looked around. We only carried a half gallon of water out. It was a relief to get up past the boulders and get started on the rope climb.
16. George and Marijka climbing out on boulders in Jackass Canyon. 4-14-83
Susan and I went up to leave the packs on top. I climbed back down and Susan had the rope above. Ryan was first and he went up by himself. He slipped once and got scared but Susan held him until I could get up and get his feet on a ledge. He made it up after that ok. Marijka went up real easy and never had any trouble. Climbing didn’t seem to bother her, probably too young. It was an easy walk on up the canyon to the car. They carried their little packs all the way and made it to the top. Marijka was fairly tired but mainly hot. Temperature was 88 at the car and windy. We had made it out in 3 hours. We were on our way by 11:00am for home. They slept most of the way back. A very nice hike and enjoyable for the first family canyon hike with Ryan and Marijka. Total of 3 miles walked.
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17. Susan and kids entering narrows of Jackass Canyon. 4-24-83 3299
18. Susan helping Marijka up Toroweap cliff in Jackass Canyon. 4-24-83 3300
19. Susan helping Ryan up Toroweap cliff in Jackass Canyon. 4-24-83
