The Grand Canyon National Park is highly regulated & restricts the number of rafting trips in an effort to minimize the environmental impact of visitors to this beautiful national treasure. For many, this is a "once in a life-time" opportunity...I've been lucky enough to take this trip three times, Paul has rafted it six times, & now, some of our children have had a second opportunity to see the Grand Canyon from the Colorado River. It was a record high water year - running about 26,000 CFS. Awesome!
We spent some dead time braiding hair for easier maintenance...
Getting ready to launch at Lee's Ferry below the Glen Canyon Dam. It will take us 2 weeks to travel 280 river miles to Pearce Ferry in Lake Mead...
There are long stretches of calm water that make for a relaxing float or an inviting dip in the water.
The Canyon is filled with beautiful places to stop along the way. One of our favorite stops is Vasey's Falls. In the past we've been able to stop here & play in this water fall, but with the high water much of it was underwater & the rest of it was covered in poison ivy! So a photo op from the boat was all we got this trip.
Another favorite is Red Wall Cavern. It is HUGE! We stopped here for lunch one day.
We sang a few patriotic songs to test the acoustics. The cavern creates a rich, full sound.
There are many opportunities for hikes along the plethera of side canyons & streams that feed into the main Colorado River. Here we are at Nautaloid, famous for the fossils embedded in the rocks.
Adia was determined to catch a fish...
Another side hike to Saddle Canyon. The water was really muddy here. With the summer thunderstorms, these side streams/canyons are subject to flash floods which deposit this red mud into the main stream & makes the Colorado River pretty muddy at times but it doesn't last long because of the enormous volume of water that goes through the canyon washes the mud downstream quickly.
One of the most photographed sections of the Grand Canyon is here at Nankoweap - it's supposed to be the longest stretch of canyon you can see all at once. It is also home to the most intact Anasazi Graineries high in the canyon walls. Another favorite side hike with a spectacular view!
The Little Colorado River is a bright aquamarine color - notice the contrast to the muddy water in the main river? Seriously looks fake or like someone's swimming pool...so gorgeous AND fun!
Uncle Rick was always looking for places to jump. We have a few thrill seekers in this family.
There are two class 10 rapids on this river. The boatmen are scouting Crystal, deciding on the best approach for a safe run.
This is Crystal...pictures just don't do her justice! There is a giant hole right in the middle & the water is constantly churning but everyone had a successful run & we were all relieved.
Another side hike to Shinomu Falls...
Elves Chasm...
Deer Creek is a favorite. You have to hike up over a mountain & down into a labyrinth carved out by Deer Creek. The falls are an extra treat - not only beautiful, but refreshing after a hot hike.
This was probably the highest cliff Uncle Rick found to jump...he did this one solo & Leah got it on video. He's crazy!
Who shaves their legs in a river? Most of us...we even washed our hair & bathed in the river.
Matkatamiba is another beautiful hike...
Havasu - more aquamarine water with falls & cliffs to jump...
LOVE the travertine pools near Beaver Falls...
Besides the beautiful landscape & marvelous side hikes, the main attraction is the white water. We had plenty of whitewater fun...
Lava Falls is the other class 10 rapid.
One of our boats didn't quite make it through upright...grateful everyone was safe - a little wet, but safe! Brent, Rochelle, Trevor, & Uncle Ben had a good long swim as they "swam" a good mile & a half before the water calmed enough for us to get to them. We were so proud of Trevor for staying calm & brave, remembering to do all he was taught to do should he end up in the water - I'm sure it helped that his mom & Uncle Ben were able to be close enough to him to reassure him. Aunt Dara & Aunt Leah warmed Trevor up while the guys went to work on the boat. Thank goodness the guys are trained on how to handle these mishaps! They were able to secure the lines & flip the boat back upright in such a short time...& Trevor has quite an exciting story to tell about "What I did this summer."
Last day & we are still smiling...one of us needs to shave.
This is our rafting mentor, aka Old Man River. We were so happy that he could make the trip with us. He is 82 years old & this was his 30th trip down the Grand Canyon! A remarkable man...we love you, Blaine!
Thanks for blessing our lives with this great, wholesome activity. Rafting has given our family many GRAND adventures.
9 comments:
This brought back a lot of good memories. So glad you all survived! Good to see a pic of Blaine too.
So glad you are all back safe and sound after such a wonderful adventure. How could anything go wrong. You had more people praying for you this time. :) Good job Trevor. Adia the fisherwoman, did she eat it? I know Troy is still talking and dreaming about it. Thanks for sharing.
So glad my daughter got this AMAZING experience... she LOVED it and she fell more in love with all of you! I read her little journal, that she had been writing in while on the trip, and she wrote "I really have the coolest family ever!" - it was cute! She also wrote on how creative God is and I was in tears over how precious of a memory this will always be for her. THANK YOU for making it happen!!!!
Jenny--what a great trip you had! and awesome pictures. my kids have enjoyed reading this post and seeing all the pictures. glad you guys had a wonderful time.
So awesome, Mom! You took some amazing pictures. I will have to reference this post on my blog so everyone will come and look.
And I'm pretty sure I would NOT have shaved my legs. I don't even do that here in the comfort of my own home.
Jill, not Kiff.
Kiff doesn't shave his legs either though.
How fun, and what beautiful pictures!! What great memories you all must have made. I am glad everyone is back safe and sound!
Umm.WOW! That looks amazing!
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