After my fantastic experience in 2013 down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, Dave approached me and suggested that we put in for a permit. He and his brother had been talking about how they wanted to do this bucket list trip, and it appeared that I might be ready to put one together – someday. I unquestionably agreed, thinking it would be a good 5 to 10 years before we were lucky enough to pull that golden ticket permit, but low and behold a few months later we were all exchanging high fives and the reality started to sink in that we actually had to put the trip together. I was nervous to say the least.
In 2013 I was a wild-card addition in a group of extremely talent boatsmen. I tried to sponge up as much knowledge as I could while doing everything in my power to just survive what I learned was a full on expedition. This go around, I with a select other few would be the knowledge base to get the group safely down the 225 miles of river and through the 80+ major rapids.
Fourteen of us pushed off from Lees Ferry on the 11th of October for our 19 day adventure. The prep for the trip was massive, and the stress on the trip definitely matched it, but the experience in the Canyon washed all that away from what ended up being a perfect and flawless trip through the Big Ditch. Those with knowledge stepped up and helped those still learning, through all the cruxes the Canyon threw our way. And budding oarsmen became full-fledged boatsmen, greasing demanding rapids day in and day out.
There are really too many individual stories of disappeared or flipped boats, canyons hiked meals cooked and friends made to distill into a writeup, but any of the 14 participants would more than likely enjoy recounting it with you over a sandy, river temp beer – any day. There is a good reason this trip of a lifetime is on the bucket list – you just can't go on it without it changing your life.
Many thanks to all in the group for sharing your photos with me. Some stunning work both in front and behind the camera...
Pop some popcorn and a cold one and settle in for this lengthy but enjoyable
recounting of our 19 days in the Grand Canyon
And we're off – 14 rigged and ready to roll at Lees Ferry
Lots of people 'shopping' night one at Ledge Camp
Ally & I on line at House Rock Rapid
Maher taking it all in at North Canyon
Bosworth snags a stunning photo of this sheep on the way out of the side canyon
A festive group on our first tutu-tuesday
Ally on the sticks
The crew navigates back down Silver Grotto
Milke & Sarah in the Dory not able to find any sneak lines here
Crain putting the Bosworths into the rinse cycle
Ally up front getting buried
Things start to get real down in the Canyon when you get to Hance
Ally up front taking a big hit in Hance
Flat water and fun times
Ally on a SUP is tiny in this grand environment
Debauchery, party of three
No raft trip is complete without a raft-up party – pass the Pampero...
Beautiful weather in a beautiful place
Beached boats at Nankoweap as the sun starts to climb the walls
Evening fun at Nanko with Crain's flag flying
Beauty all around
Ally & me at the granaries
It's hard not to get a good picture at this place – our campsite at the bottom right of the image
Mules cross the bridge at Phantom Ranch delivering supply and even the mail
And this is where I leave you – a visit to Phantom then Ally hikes out with Maher & the Bosworths
Soon after the passenger drop off my world gets turned upside down
Crain getting into some bigger waves in Hermit
Me with the pedal down in Hermit
Brian taught Amanda to be an active passenger
Dan in the tail waves
Quite a night to remember at our unplanned camp spot, Waltemberg
Big rains in the night pour sediment into the main current at Waltemberg
It didn't take long for the color to change – here Crain charges the left side
Cascading water at Elves Chasm
Stunning light in Blacktail
Foreboding clouds down river – we were not out of the rains yet
The canyon comes alive with some rainfall
Sheep across from Deer Creek with a tall falls in the background
The rains cleared and the waxing moon found us
Dave dwarfed by the magnificent Deer Creek Falls
Across Deer was a great spot for our much needed, second layover
Everyone enjoyed some time at the patio above the falls
Back on the river with nicer weather
Winding narrows in Matkat
Just the right amount or water
The river is not only hard on our bodies but our beverages as well
Light climbs the walls and it's time to look for camp
Gorgeous hue in the water at Havasu
Critters in Havasu
Layover three at Fern Glen provides some project time for Crain
Costume night to celebrate Brian's 45th
Paying respects at Vulcans Anvil
Gulp – B-Mac scouting at Lava
Me in Lava
B-Mac on a good line
The good line takes a turn as B-Mac takes a lateral and gets washed out in Lava – yes those shoes are attached to his legs
Six in and six out at Lava calls for celebrations at Tequila Beach
Party pyramid at Tequila
Campfire antics after Lava
Scenery starts to change as the walls open up on the lower river
Once you see this peak you know you are nearing the end
Happy crew, all safe & sound at take out, 225 miles from Lees Ferry
Cleanup day back in Squaw as we eek in just before winter arrives
The work seemingly never ends
The big picture – 225 between Powell & Mead
19 days on the river starting on the 11th – flows 10k to 15k cfs
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