The Mighty Colorado Canoe Trip

Since we moved sites to find some morning shade, it was more pleasant - we were able to sleep until 7:00 am comfortably. Well, I did with my earplugs; Brian was up all night listening to two ladies arguing, dropping f bombs, threatening each other until multiple people called the cops... and three showed up at 6:45.
We got to the livery at 8:00 to get in the van with 7 others to get dropped at the river. Livery vans are notoriously run-down and driven by locals who have had the job since puberty, only about six years prior. This one was no exception. But the ride was quick, full of the usual 'where's everyone from?' and 'if you see this, you went too far.'
When we got to the river, I pulled out the solar charger to get some juice before the phone (and more importantly, camera) died. Pretty much everyone took notice, but one guy gravitated right to us to start asking questions. First, the solar charger, then the trip and soon to our license plate and how he guessed the single canoe on the trailer full of kayaks was for us. When the conversation lulled a bit, he turned to the group and explained that he works for 'Pheonix' magazine as a photographer and is on assignment. I can't remember the name of the issue that he was shooting for, but basically was about enjoying what AZ has to offer for outdoor recreation. We all agreed that he could take pics: yeah sure man, let's just start paddling. Well, it was pretty obvious that he had little intention of shooting the older couples, and basically followed us closely. He would race ahead, climb up rocks and canyon walls to get pictures of Brian and I. Then, get back in his kayak and catch back up. Three times he spotted a really great shot, and asked for us to paddle upstream to get his envisioned picture. This whole process would not have gotten very far, but Abe is a somewhat-local biologist that has a love for photography. So he paddled alongside and we all talked and asked lots of questions, until he found his shot and paddled ahead. We don't know whether or not we will be in the magazine, but he got our email so we can at least get our pictures.