Grand Canyon- The Friends Trip.

Having fun in Redwall Cavern

This was our second Grand Canyon kayak trip in a row. That’s 27 days on the Colorado River. It’s not easy leaving the Canyon after so many days. Writing about the adventure is even harder. This group was into experiencing the Canyon to its fullest, both on and off the water. We’ve never explored the side canyons as much as we did on this trip!  In addition, we celebrated birthdays, heard great music performed, saw personal challenges faced, new skills acquired and most wonderful of all, there were long-standing friendships strengthened and new ones forged. If some of these events sound life-changing, it’s because a trip down the Canyon tends to be just that.  It’s a little of the magic that place performs on us all.

I’ve posted a photo gallery here to make up for my lack of words.

Grand Canyon- A Proper British Education.

Ross, one of the Brits, leading the charge into Granite Rapid.

Just two days prior to putting in on the Grand Canyon, we had been amongst the lush forests of the Rogue River in Southern Oregon. The area around Lee’s Ferry in Arizona, the put-in for the Colorado, could not be more different.  Driving through the lunar landscape from our meeting point at Marble Canyon Lodge to the put-in at Lee’s Ferry you wouldn’t expect to find a river there. One of the things that I find so beautiful is the red cliffs in contrast with the blue, blue skies and puffy clouds.

Rogue River- Make Me Stop.

Larry M negotiates Tyee rapid at the end of our first day. Photo courtesy of RRJ

Everyone comes on a river trip for different reasons; work on skills, relax, have fun, be in a beautiful place, reconnect with friends and family.  And when the group is eager to learn, like this one was, we are on fire. The Rogue has many wonderful, user-friendly sites to work on skills, and the warm water (about 68° F) makes you want to be wet. As with anything you’re doing, if it’s really fun and interesting, you can lose track of time.

Phil and Ed discuss the finer points of surfing at the perfect teaching spot. Photo courtesy of RRJ

Rogue River -Living Up To It’s Rep.

Running the fish ladder at Rainie Falls. Photo courtesy of RRJ.

In mid to late August we ran two trips on Southern Oregon’s Rogue River.  We’ve long touted this as a great introduction to multi-day river trips and it didn’t disappoint.  Looking back through the photos I am reminded of the incredible weather we had with clear, blue sunny skies. It is so typical of the Rogue that time of year.

Enjoying breakfast and the warmth of the sun.