"We're preparing to do it in a day,but don't tell the nannies at the National Park Service." Comments like this automatically illicit red flags. If you get in trouble,and people do, who is coming to help? It wont be the Coast Guard. We have people from many backgrounds, age groups and abilities read the forums. A very real legal and moral minefield are the " I'm 15 years old and want to live on a desert island" posts. Announcing your adventure with a potshot at the local authorities, no review of established safety measures( trip itinerary left with friends, gear list, known dangers) is dangerous. You may be well prepared. But what of the kid in AZ who reads your posts and thinks " wow, I 'm going to do that" goes on a hot summer weekend and drops dead of sunstroke? My remarks are no more personal than the indifference of the Canyon. I've been down it by foot, a season on mule and well remember the lumpy black bags carried by "nannies."