Thomas Hayden's Snapshots

Sleeping on the beach by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #4 Soap Creek Morning by Thomas Hayden

A paco pad and a sleeping bag is often all you need for a great night's sleep on the river.

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Hydration supplies by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #1 The Pack in Flagstaff by Thomas Hayden

Water alternatives were an important component of the hydration situation.

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AA Battery Ammo Cans by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #1 The Pack in Flagstaff by Thomas Hayden

Like the ammunition they were designed to store for the soldier in the field, these cans housed over 600 AA batteries (way too many) that I brought for the GigaPan and my camera. With limited solar recharging capability down in the Canyon, the AA battery power option was the only reliable power source for this project.

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GigaPan kit by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #1 The Pack in Flagstaff by Thomas Hayden

This is the case that the GigaPan called home for the trip. It was provided by Kirk Bauer of Bauer Cases in Vancouver, WA. Like the GigaPan robot inside it, the case never failed me despite having a very rough ride through some of the rapids, getting stepped on constantly, and being dropped on the rocks everyday. The NRS logos that adorn it come from another sponsor of this project, Northwest River Supply, who make bombproof products for river exploration.

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Common Crow by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #1 The Pack in Flagstaff by Thomas Hayden

In town, generally, you find crows. In the wilderness, generally, you find ravens. In both places, they appreciate any food you may drop and leave behind.

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Tamarisk by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #2 - Badger Creek Rapid by Thomas Hayden

A non-native, invasive species that was planted as wind breaks after being introduced from the Middle East. It has small, wind-blown seeds that have allowed it to spread widely across the waterways of the American southwest. Hydrophilic, the tamarisk is a highly resistant to removal efforts and absorbs three to four times the amount of water per plant as the native species to competes with for the riparian areas.

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Willow by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #2 - Badger Creek Rapid by Thomas Hayden

A native riparian plant that offers food and shelter to a vast number of insects and animals in the area.

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Badger Creek Canyon by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #2 - Badger Creek Rapid by Thomas Hayden

Large drainage to the North.

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Jackass Canyon by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #2 - Badger Creek Rapid by Thomas Hayden

A large drainage to the South on Navajo Reservation.

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Fire pit full of trash by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #2 - Badger Creek Rapid by Thomas Hayden

It is illegal to build fire rings in the National Park and river parties typically remove any that are found in camps. This one is only a few miles downstream from the put-in and on the Navajo Reservation, but it is never fun to find the trash of others in a beautiful place like this.

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Soap Creek Rapid (Class 5-6), 16' Drop by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #3 - Soap Creek Rapid by Thomas Hayden

"Hey Diddle, Diddle, Right Down the Middle"

This GigaPan is taken from a rock that likely was a part of the rapid during historic high flows. Today, Soap Creek is a relatively simple and fun run.

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Coconino Sandstone by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #3 - Soap Creek Rapid by Thomas Hayden

Consisting primarily of sand deposited by eolian processes (wind-deposited) approximately 260 million years ago, this sandstone layer forms cliff faces that dominate the canyonscape in Marble Canyon.

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Snow on the Canyon Rim by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #12 Upper Tanner by Thomas Hayden

Despite temperatures in the eighties everyday, the snowpack from 2010's south-tracking snow storms wass so heavy that it remained deep at higher elevations. We saw snow at the rim every day of the trip.

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GigaPan in Shadow by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #12 Upper Tanner by Thomas Hayden

Taking 360 degree images at anytime but high noon means the camera's shadow will always break the fourth wall to some degree. Who needs walls anyway?

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Chaco footprints by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #12 Upper Tanner by Thomas Hayden

Despite my best efforts, I couldn't find a way to stay out of the shot.

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Wind Blown Sand by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #12 Upper Tanner by Thomas Hayden

Ridges and waves in the sand are good indications that a camp is often pummeled by high winds. Upper Tanner was relatively calm when we landed, but the signs of sandy food were all around us.

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Dry Bags by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #12 Upper Tanner by Thomas Hayden

Camp is packed up and ready to load onto the boats.

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Specklepod by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #12 Upper Tanner by Thomas Hayden

Astragalus lentiginosus - My guidebook tells me that this is one of the numerous locoweeds in the area. This means that livestock seek it out, but are poisoned by a compound called swainsonine that when ingested in large quantities (in the spring when these plants are often the only greens available) cause strange behavior and even death. It is the most widespread poisonous plant problem in the western US.

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Evening Primrose by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #12 Upper Tanner by Thomas Hayden

Oenothera caespitosa - Each Flower blooms for one night only.

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Desert View Watchtower by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #12 Upper Tanner by Thomas Hayden

Visible on the south rim of the Canyon for miles along the Colorado River, this prominent tower commands a wide view. The NPS can provide more information on this easily visited attraction of the area and a transcript is included below. If you visit The Watchtower, look for the wide sandy beach at the
top of the big bend in the river and that is Upper Tanner.
The Desert View Watchtower (transcript) written by Park Ranger Brian Gatlin
From Desert View… aptly named because of the views to the east of the Painted Desert…you can see the Colorado River make a big bend and continue to the west, the North Rim more than 10 miles away, and a panoramic view for well over 100 miles on a clear day.

The Watchtower dominates the near view. This structure was designed by Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter who is often referred to as the architect of the southwest. She traveled throughout the southwest to find inspiration and authenticity for her buildings. The architecture of the ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau served as her model. This particular tower was patterned after those found at Hovenweep and the Round Tower of Mesa Verde. Ms. Colter indicated that it was not a copy of any that she had seen, but rather modeled from several.

As you get closer to the building you might see how well it blends into the environment. It is difficult to tell where the rock of the canyon walls end, and the tower begins. She said:

“First and most important, was to design a building that would become part of its surroundings; one that would create no discordant note against the time eroded walls of this promontory.”

To obtain this result she insisted that the rocks not be cut or worked, so they would not lose the:

“weathered surfaces so essential to blend it with the canyon walls”.

Note, too, some of the intricate designs she had built into the tower. For example, look for the white decorative stones near the top, which fade out as the eye goes around the tower. She had seen this pattern at Chaco Canyon and thought it would break the monotony of this Watchtower. The built in cracks which are patterned from some of the ancient towers she had seen are deliberately designed. There are petroglyphs on some of the stones which were brought here from near Ash Fork.

The internal steel framework of the Watchtower was designed and supervised by the bridge builders of the Santa Fe Railway company. Upon this framework, each exterior stone was selected and carefully placed to ensure exactly the look Mary Colter was hoping to obtain for she was a stickler for detail. At one point she had to leave for a day and the workmen continued to put on stone, completing two layers. When she returned, she was not satisfied with one stone on the newly laid layers, and the men had to take the whole thing down and re-do it to her exacting specifications. Her attention to accuracy of detail was amazing.

The kiva room, which is now used as retail space, was also carefully designed as a rest area. It was here that visitors to the canyon in the 1930’s could sit in comfort and have outstanding views of the canyon. The fireplace is unique in that it does not block the view for visitors. Gaze into one of the reflectoscopes and see a different perspective of the canyon.

As you climb the stairs of the tower there are many stories imbedded in the paintings and artwork which decorate the walls. The first gallery, on the first landing, was done by Fred Kabotie, a Hopi from second Mesa. These represent the physical and spiritual origins of Hopi life. The ceiling images, painted by Fred Geary, are recreations of images from Abo Rockshelter, now part of Salinas National Monument in New Mexico.

The top floor of the tower is without decoration which might detract from the beautiful panoramic views of the Grand Canyon. Again, this design reflects Mary Colter’s respect for the landscape in which she was building.

The Watchtower stands today, partly as a monument to Ms. Colter’s careful attention to detail, her enchantment with the southwest, and her commitment to the cultural preservation.

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Shinumo Rapid - Class 2-3 - 8" Drop by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #20 - Over Shinumo Creek by Thomas Hayden

An average rapid in the Grand Canyon. A couple of holes on the river left side. This was a great rapid for the inflatable kayak to run.

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Menodora by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #20 - Over Shinumo Creek by Thomas Hayden

Another yellow flower about to bloom, Menodora is a member of the olive family.

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Swimming Hole by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #20 - Over Shinumo Creek by Thomas Hayden

One of many waterfall/swimming holes on Shinumo Creek. I had quick swim because the water was very cold, but it was deliciously refreshing. The NPS has a Humpback Chub reintroduction program in the works at the mouth of Shinumo Creek and it seems to be going quite well. I saw several large fish in the hole and little ones nibbled at my toes. I was sure not to apply sunscreen before entering the creek and used no soap (biodegrable or not) while swimming.

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Thomas and Christy by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #20 - Over Shinumo Creek by Thomas Hayden

The photographer and his fiance take a break from the hike to enjoy the view over Shinumo Creek.

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Hairy Gold-Aster by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #20 - Over Shinumo Creek by Thomas Hayden

These small bushes cover the lower talus slopes of the Grand Canyon. By the end of our trip, their golden flowers painted the Canyon in spring color.

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Claretcup Hedgehog Cactus by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Grand Canyon GigaView #20 - Over Shinumo Creek by Thomas Hayden

Echinocereus triglochidiatus - often grows in large clusters, approx 12 inches tall, produces deep red flowers, and edible fruits

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REI by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan REI Portland, OR - 360 degree view of the entrance by Thomas Hayden

Helps you carry your stuff.

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Spy Vs Spy by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan REI Portland, OR - 360 degree view of the entrance by Thomas Hayden

Security camera sees everything, too!

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Socks and Gloves by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan REI Portland, OR - 360 degree view of the entrance by Thomas Hayden

You know you need some.

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Double Sea Kayak by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan REI Portland, OR - 360 degree view of the entrance by Thomas Hayden

Go Paddling!

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Happy Campers by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan REI Portland, OR - 360 degree view of the entrance by Thomas Hayden

Picture on wall

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360 in 360 by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan REI Portland, OR - 360 degree view of the entrance by Thomas Hayden

My computer is displaying a 360 degree video. To learn more about video applications in 360, check out www.slopeviews.com 

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Grand Canyon GigaView by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan REI Portland, OR - 360 degree view of the entrance by Thomas Hayden

Kickstarter.com

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VOLUNTEER by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan REI Portland, OR - 360 degree view of the entrance by Thomas Hayden

It really is a great way to spend your time.

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How to Choose a Backpack by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan REI Portland, OR - 360 degree view of the entrance by Thomas Hayden

Consider this...

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Join the REI Co-op by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan REI Portland, OR - 360 degree view of the entrance by Thomas Hayden

You really should.

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Become an REI Member by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan REI Portland, OR - 360 degree view of the entrance by Thomas Hayden

Start Sharing the Benefits - Got my dividend in the mail today. Going to spend it tomorrow for the Grand Canyon trip.

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Kiteboarder by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Columbia Gorge from Crown Point Number 2 by Thomas Hayden

Perhaps a collision?

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Historic Comumbia River Highway by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Columbia Gorge from Crown Point Number 2 by Thomas Hayden

Classic scenic drive

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Bonneville Dam by Thomas Hayden from the GigaPan Columbia River Gorge upstream from Crown Point by Thomas Hayden

Once a great falls where people met to fish for salmon, now a huge energy facility.

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