Mike Bronson came up with a late October San Juan River permit. Other boaters were Mike Watts, Mark Foster, and Gene Couch. Two IK's, the home built 'Chick Magnet', and a single raft. Flow was a very steady but low 600 CFS. The water was clearer than any of us had ever seen. You could actually see underwater sandbars and rocks. This made the trip a different experience than of any before.

Camps were pre-launch at Sand Island, Desecration Panel, the main Chinle camp with a layover, Midway, and Pourover. New for us was Desecration which was a pleasant surprise and Midway which worked but not a favorite for anyone. We ran our own shuttle since there were 3 vehicles and time to be had. Major hikes were Upper Butler Wash, Desecration Panel, Chinle Wash (Mule Ear attempt and the backside Notch), and both above and below Midway. I had a particularly rewarding drunken sailors walk back from the Notch to Chinle Camp. Experienced an unexpected hard left turn into self-awareness.

Weather was a nippy low-thirties for the first couple of nights which then edged towards a more agreeable 40 degree night. The fall colors were as close to prime as they could have been. It was a no-drama, relaxing, and enjoyable 5 days with experienced easy-going boaters. I liked it. Mark Foster contributed any photos that I did not. His trip report can be found under Google Photos at: Part 1 , Part 2.