“Our rations are still spoiling; the bacon is so badly injured that we throw it away. We have now only musty flour sufficient for ten days and a few dried apples, but plenty of coffee…..We may be compelled to give up the expedition”
J.W. Powell / 1869
“Food”, seems to be one of the many highlights of a Grand Canyon Expedition. I truly believe it is the river ambiance, the stars and the roar…. The Powell Expedition in 1869 pushed 90 days from start to finish. Their journey took them from Green River, Wyoming to the mouth of the Virgin River, now under water at Lake Mead. They had spent almost 30 days of that 1869 expedition in the Grand Canyon. Their lack of boating skills, poor provisions, the harsh environment along with the constant pounding from the river had rattled the entire group. The river had not only stole the little food they had left, but the crew was physically and emotionally at their breaking point!