Day 16

We’ve reached our limestone goal. Today the shores transitioned slowly to having the occasional slab of white stone right into full out sand and limestone banks. Sections of the river had their beds completely paved with solid limestone, causing the water to look a bright, ruddy red. The river took us, winding down and down through a northern landscape that looked like another world. We could see the sky in all directions further than at any previous point in the trip. After 38k we finally found a nice grassy plateau with a nice view of this broad river, shouldered with shingle banks and sand cliffs. We sat on the rocks, relaxing, talking over dinner – enjoying out location. Bill, Mackie and I are retiring early, appreciating the refuge from the sun, no fly on our tent, after a punishingly hot day. It may rain on us, but at this point we welcome it.