Dear Eddy

It was with deep regret that I read JP Running's article in Winter 2001 about the passing of a good friend to many. I speak fondly of Bryce Mackay, a.k.a. Doom Cloud. This is to set the record straight as to where the moniker came from.
It was the summer of '83 when nps “whirly birds” dropped encoded notes to the boatmen of that era (now boat persons, I reckon). Quite simply the messages in a bottle said “Flows to exceed 65,000 cfs—Camp High, Be Safe.” Some of you may recall the many safety meetings worried guides conducted to discuss the new river stages.
During all this flood-prone waterway hysteria, like being required to walk your dudes around Crystal, the Doom Cloud was first seen approaching Pierces Ferry. Hatch boatmen were haggard from a rough night at sea, floating Lake Mead from Separation to Pierces in the dark without motor power in order to conserve energy. On one float trip (with Patty, Billy, and McC) we awoke around sunrise dreading the derig and the ride home in “The Cage.” This cage was the sleeper Bryce had added to Ted's semi that winter. Once inside one felt slightly better than being lowered six feet in a pine box. The only redeeming quality was since it was separate from the cab one could have a beer on the way home if Bryce stopped somewhere to get some. McC was focusing on the approaching dust storm near Meadview. McC says, “what's that” and Billy looking up says, “Aw that's Bryce.” And McC says with a smirk “Kinda looks like our ‘Doom Cloud.'” And so the story goes. Except the night at the Annual Boatman's bash, in Flagstaff that year, when the Doom Cloud was tied inside his cage.
My compliments to JP for his story and if I may add just a small piece to this cliff-dwelling legend, the first time I had the honor of riding in the cab with Bryce, he pulled out his Buck knife and was cleaning his fingernails. Suddenly, he stabs himself in the leg. As I looked on in disbelief, Bryce drawls “Had to put the blade somewhere so I could shift the gears.” God Bless him and a one big Yee Haw.
Terry Snyder
Sacramento, CA

Many years ago, well-intentioned caretakers of Grand Canyon realigned trails away from archaeological sites to reduce impacts to those sites. And they also improved specific trails to eliminate the impacts to vegetation of multiple trailing. Now that most of those dragons are slain, trail workers are turning their attention to improving trails for the sole purpose of easing human passage. Note the removal of the large block of quartzite at the most technically challenging spot on the Thunder River trail. This is a great thing. I would compare it to the “improvement” of Quartzite Falls on the Salt River which makes the rapid (where people have drowned) easier to pass through safely. Now, on the way up to Thunder River, guides will no longer need to give so much one-to-one attention to their passengers. Don't be too surprised if next season you find four-foot-wide incut steps chopped into the slippery travertine boulders on the route up to the first pool of Elves Chasm. Osha would approve. Will you?
Glenn Rink

Simply put, the canyon needs your help! Watch where you walk and watch where you camp (and do the same for the rest of those on your trip). Dune surfaces and the soil crusts within the canyon are fragile and easily damaged by careless feet. Walk in washes or on established paths and trails. Don't Bust the Crust!!
When camping, stay below the historic high water mark. This means staying off the terrace at Soap Creek, or out of the higher mesquites at Nankoweap, for example.
If an area looks blocked off, or a trail appears re-vegged, there's probably a good reason for it. Restoration efforts are underway at many camps and side canyons. Please help the place heal by not walking there.
Remember, even the slight impact of you (and your twelve closest friends) is of concern and adds up. Walk wisely and spread the word!
Greg Woodall
Grand Canyon