Epic Rafting Trip through the Grand Canyon – The Adventure Begins!

A preview of the awesomeness to come.

As my dedicated readers (all three of you) know, I typically try to post an account of our travels within a few days of our activities. This keeps friends and family updated on our whereabouts and what we’re up to. Also, given my faulty memory, things are still relatively fresh in my mind – a real plus. Our recent adventure rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon was a whole new experience. Sixteen days on the river with NO cell phone, NO internet, NO computers, and obviously NO blogging. So, I’m struggling a bit with how to document this completely epic adventure. I want to do it justice, but not bore you to death with an overwhelming number of pictures and details. I did take some notes and over 1500 photos, so that’s no idle threat. Lol. We’ll see how it goes…

We chose Canyon Explorations, headquartered in Flagstaff for our trip. They offered the type of trip we wanted (non-motorized) and had great reviews. We originally booked in May 2019 for a June 2020 trip, but then COVID happened. Our trip was rescheduled to September 22-Oct 7 and it couldn’t have worked out better. We flew from SeaTac to Phoenix on Sunday, 9/20, rented a car and drove to Flagstaff where our adventure begins. For those worried about Riley, we left him in the capable care of our friend Peter who housesat for us and provided both Riley and our kitty, Clyde, with world class spoiling.

 

Can-X - we highly recommend them! 

After a day kicking around Flagstaff we had a mandatory 5:30pm orientation at the Doubletree Hotel where we were staying. Canyon Explorations (Can-X) staff, Lisa, gave us an overview of our morning departure and helpful information on packing. We each received a “day bag”, for stuff we wanted access to throughout the day (think of it as your carry-on bag) and a larger “check bag”, for clothes and items we’d only see in camp each evening. Can-X also provided a sleep kit (ground tarp, pad, sleeping bag, liner) and tents. We also got a nifty Can-X coffee mug (used each and every morning!), a snack container, and a waterproof river guide/map. Based on Can-X recommendations, we’d also purchased paddle jackets and several smaller items (Super Salve, waterproof note book, etc.) that proved indispensable on the trip. My advice if you go – read the Float Notes and follow the recommendations!

 

Orientation!

We were up early on Tuesday, 9/22, dropping off our bags at 5:30am and boarding the Can-X bus by 6:30am for the 2+ hour drive from Flagstaff to Lees Ferry. After a brief stop at Navajo Bridge, we arrived at Lee’s Ferry where we met our boats and crew.     

Our ride from Flagstaff to Lee's Ferry.

 

Looking down at the Colorado River from Navajo Bridge.
In just a bit we'll be floating below and looking up at the bridge!

First the boats – our trip consisted of four inflatable oar boats (one guide rows with two guests), a paddle boat (one guide steers and six guests paddle) and a dory (one guide rows with 2-3 guests). The oar boats were the heavy duty pickup trucks, carrying most of the supplies for the trip. And everything we needed for the full 16 days started out with us on day 1, there was no resupply during the trip. The paddle boat was the zippy race car of the bunch, carrying just the paddlers and their day bags. The dory was the sport SUV, functional and fun! To continue the analogy, we also had two motorcycles – inflatable kayaks for those interested in swimming the Colorado. Lol. Truthfully, we had some awesome kayakers and Rog took his turn (and a brief swim).

 

Off the bus and loading up at Lee's Ferry.
Dory on the left, oar boats and paddle boat on the right.

Preparing for launch.

The paddle boat is on the river.

Ahhh… the crew. How to introduce these fine folks? After 16 days on the river, we’re family (and I mean that in a good way). Every single one of them was outstanding! Jesse was the team leader in charge of our itinerary each day and he oared the dory. Matthew was in the lead oar boat, he routinely was first through any rapid. His lovely wife, Tina, along with Ashley, were the assistants who helped keep all the crew and guests in line. Mara, also in an oar boat, was the Ice Queen – in charge of the coolers, food and mealtime logistics. She was usually last through the rapids as the sweep, ensuring that everyone was safely through. Nancy, with 20+ years of guide experience, was in another oar boat and Mark, at 26, the youngest of the crew, also oared a boat. And then there is Mandela, a force of nature, who was in charge of the paddle boat, which was also the safety boat for any kayakers. Each one of the crew was a gem with fascinating histories and interesting stories to tell. You don’t become a Grand Canyon river guide by sitting on your butt and leading a dull life, that I can promise you. 

 

Our stellar crew!

We were signed up for the full river trip – 226 river miles to the take-out at Diamond Creek. You can do just the upper or lower canyon by hiking in/out on the Bright Angel Trail on Day 8 around river mile 89.5, but Rog really wanted to do the whole river. (Did I mention that he’s brilliant.) So happy we did!

Lee's Ferry to Diamond Creek - 16 days and 226 river miles.

And let’s not forget our fellow guests. When we started out there were 13 guests and 2 assistants in addition to the crew. It is no overstatement to say these folks were a vital part of what made this such an awesome trip. We did have an exchange midway where we said a sad goodbye to six of our new friends and got to meet seven new ones. Rather than try to introduce each one here, we’ll just continue on our trip and share names and pictures as we go. Without hesitation, every single one has an open invitation to visit if they’re ever in the Seattle area. Ya’all drop by, ya hear! 😊  

Back to the trip. We were on the water by 10:30am and the adventure begins!! We started our trip on Mara’s oar boat. Everyone is encouraged to switch up boats and ride with each of the guides, which we did throughout the trip. Our first small rapid was about a mile downstream, the Paria Riffle.  We stopped about four miles downriver for lunch at the aptly named Four-Mile Wash and had one of several safety briefings and orientations.

We start off on Mara's oar boat. 

And we're off!
The Paria Riffle at river mile 1.

We gather round so Jesse can educate the masses. 

Jesse's baby. This was it's maiden voyage.
The dory is Jesse's personal boat and a fun addition to the trip.

We continued on, making camp at Hot Na Na Wash around mile 16.5. Pulling into camp triggers a flurry of activity. Everyone helps unload the boats – all the dry bags, sleeping kits, tents, camp chairs and kitchen gear gets unloaded. Jesse would indicate where the kitchen and Groover (more on that in a minute) would be set up. While the crew gathered to discuss the day’s activities and plan for the next, we were free to choose a campsite. While several folks opted to set up tents, we never felt the need and spent every night sleeping under the stars.  

View of Navajo Bridge from down under. 

Exploring along the river.

Launch day was the coolest and cloudiest day of the trip.

White water!

A face-full of the Colorado! Lol. 

There's a happy rafter! :)

While the crew always kept the same boat, they did rotate cooking duties and other camp chores. So let’s talk just a minute about the food. OMG. Talk about exceeding expectations. We were fed three full meals a day and always had access to water and snacks. The day started with a conch call for coffee (yes, they use a shell to summon you to meals!). Breakfast included hot or cold options – cereal, yogurt and fruit were always on the table and other offerings might include eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, bagels, lox and cream cheese, etc. Lunch was usually sandwiches, salads, or wraps along with fruit and cookies. Each evening, after a tasty appetizer, the suppers served were amazing. Over the 16 days we were treated to mushroom ravioli, salmon, fajitas, steak, teriyaki chicken, burgers and brats, pasta dishes, chicken curry, chili, pork chops, a burrito bar, and my new favorite food – pozole with corn fritters. Add in a variety of sides and a yummy dessert – these guys make magic in a dutch oven – and you can excuse me for gaining five pounds in a little over two weeks! Oh, and every meal included a vegan option for those so inclined. As I said, expectations exceeded!

After a long day, appetizers and then dinner is served. 

So about the Groover. What, you might ask, is that? Well, when they say pack it in – pack it out, they mean everything. There are no rest stops along the river, so at camp each evening the crew sets up “the box”.  The general rule is #1 in the river and #2 in the box. The box is basically an oversized ammo can with a seat for comfort.  But back in the day it really was just a box and sitting for any length of time would leave a mark, hence the nickname, “the Groover”.  Ok. Maybe TMI, but I know you were wondering about that. 😊

 

A Groover with a view. Lol. 

I think we’ll stop here, as the moon rises above the canyon wall and we’re all tucked in on our first night on the river. It’s been a fantastic day and I promise you it just gets better. There will be lots more fun white water, amazing wildlife and absolutely phenomenal hikes to share.

Frist night on the river. Ahhhhhhhh.