Strong headwinds and narrower channels made paddling upstream fairly difficult this morning. Even the birds were mostly cooped up, including the Turkey Vultures who normally ride the wind currents.

But as always, perseverance repays huge dividends, as the sun broke through and we made it upstream to beyond Medio Canyon, then riding the river current down to Cochiti Canyon for lunch.

It is always amazing to see what had been totally navigable waters five years ago now only sand.

But the impressive rock formations, water reflections, connection with nature and the elements, stillness, and solitude are deeply nurturing and expansive.

We saw the same beaver twice, both going out and returning. It was very curious, and not at all alarmed by our presence, and the eye contact with another being was delicious.

And the new camera, with its superior images, continues to bring much delight.