In 2002, Bill was able to fill a long-held dream and take a raft trip down the Grand Canyon. Accompanied by the two other adventurous members of the family, he booked a 9-day trip through Canyon Explorations. This was a great choice as GCX provides everything but the sun block and really took us on a first-class adventure.
We started the trek at 4:30 AM on July 1st at the South Rim of the canyon. Even in July, the temperature was about 40° and we were all shivering. We had been warned that it would get much hotter as the day went on. We hiked down Bright Angel Trail to the river – a 7 ½ mile hike with a 1 mile vertical drop. Bill was really in sad shape as they approached the bottom and temperatures approached 110°However, with the support of Liz and Mary, he made it.
After a short breather, we boarded the rafts which were awaiting us and headed downstream.The scenery was immediately breathtaking and continued that way for the whole trip. Seeing the Canyon from the bottom is a completely different experience from looking down into it. Even though the air temperature was pretty hot, riding on the rafts was very pleasant, since one could dip into the chilly river water for a cooling splash.
Our guides were very friendly and knowledgeable, so we were treated to a description of Canyon geology, botany, and zoology. The discussions were occasionally interrupted when the boats had to run rapids which demanded all the guides’ attention. At those times, we were courteously requested to help when the guides would say, “Bail. Bail faster. Hang on,” in loud, authoritative voices.
Our night camps were somewhat variable. Depending on which side of the river we landed, the camp sites were either blistering hot (sunny side) or pleasantly cool (shady side). We soon learned to beg the guides for a shady stop. Everything from food to toilets was carried on the rafts. When we landed at the end of the day, work parties were organized to set up the kitchen and common areas. More experienced rafters would select their personal sleeping areas first and then help. The difference between a good sleeping zone and a bad sleeping zone in the Grand Canyon must be felt to be appreciated.
Even though afternoon temperatures were always over 100°, we were usually shivering as we started out in the cold morning air. A splash of cold river water when the raft hit the first rapid is guaranteed to waken the sleepiest head.
All the food had been carried on ice for a week before we got on the trip, but meals were very good. It was something different every night and usually delicious. Life was made easier by the fact that there was an unlimited supply of fresh water close at hand. Of course, it had to be purified and filtered, but it certainly made the trip easier. The guides were very meticulous about cleaning up our sites and making sure no food or other scraps were left behind.
In addition to five full-size, 8-person, inflatable rafts which were rowed by the guides, we had a small (6-seater) paddle boat where the more adventurous could spend a morning or a day doing their own work. The paddle boat was really quite a ride through the rapids. Even though people usually think of rapids when they think of the Grand Canyon, the nicest part of the trip was just drifting along the river and watching the scenery go by. The rapids just provided a periodic excitement break. Our guides were expert rafters and although the rapids were thrilling, we always felt quite safe.
The trip also included frequent stops at side canyons which featured nice hikes, great swimming areas, and waterfalls where we could take warm showers and wallow in mini-pools. Since the river water was always pretty cold, the warm water in the side canyons was particularly welcome.
The final day of the trip featured a grand feast. When we pulled the rafts out of the water, we were met by a fleet of trucks and vans which were to haul us, our gear and the rafts back to civilization. However, the trucks also brought delicacies such as we had not seen for nine long days. Orange juice, fresh bread, smoked salmon, Cokes, and butter all went down really well. We then got into the vans for a long and sleepy ride back to town and hot showers.
This was the kind of trip all of us will remember.