On Day 10, we awoke to an unfamiliar sight, clear blue skies, and were all very happy, as this was a big hiking day. Half of the group hiked up Tapeats Creek to Thunder River, then across Surprise Valley and down Deer Creek, while the less ambitious spent the day hanging out at the “Patio” in Upper Deer Creek. The hike was about 10 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain/loss and included two thigh-deep crossings of Tapeats Creek, lunch by the amazing Thunder River where it gushes out of the Muav Limestone, and a descent through the ledges of Tapeats Sandstone in Upper Deer Creek. After the two groups rejoined at the boats, we floated downstream to Poncho’s Kitchen and spent our second night sleeping out under the stars.