The Grand Canyon State - This nickname is well earned for our beautiful state of Arizona. It surprises me when I speak to an Arizonan, either new or who has lived here for years, and they explain that they have never seen the Grand Canyon. Of course as you have read other posts on my travel blog you have probably guessed that I have visited this National Wonder many times. My son and I were fortunate enough to have a close friend guide us into the Canyon! We hiked down and stayed two nights at Phantom Ranch and hiked back to the rim. It was an adventure I wish everyone could experience! During that hike I remember crossing the Colorado River and was awed by the beauty and power of this waterway.
Here I am about 17 years later and making plans to see the Canyon from that mighty river! This adventure will take us on a three day and two night rafting trip in the Canyon! Bob's friends discovered this opportunity and invited us to join them. After careful consideration (totaling a few minutes) we said YES! We were so excited we invited a few more people to join us on this expedition. You will meet them later in this post.
Strap on your life-jacket this is going to be a wild ride down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon in the Grand Canyon State!
"It is a vast wilderness of rocks in a sea of light, colored and glowing like oak and maple woods in autumn, when the sun gold is richest."
~John Muir in Steep Trails; first published in 1918
*map courtesy of Western River Expeditions
Just as the Colorado River can be fast and furious my photos will be posted fast and furious! Enjoy the ride as my brother, sister-in-law, their grandson, friends, Bob and I have the adventure of a lifetime!
Here was our transportation itinerary just to get on the river: shared ride, shuttle bus, charter flight and finally a helicopter ride!
This is our fearless (almost) group of adventurers. We met the night before and had fun anticipating what was ahead for us!
Hoover Dam
Learn more; https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/
We arrived at Bar-10 Ranch by charter flight.
Mason (my 13 year old great-nephew) shot hoops on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon!
Time for a helicopter ride to the Colorado River.
After much anticipation we were on the banks of the Colorado in the Grand Canyon. Our rafts (J-Rigs) and crew were waiting for us.
Part of our fearless group looking ready to go!
Within the first several miles of the trip our raft's motor failed. Now what? We were all wondering how we would continue our adventure. Bob's face says it all. Our two person crew seamlessly brought new motors out of some hidden storage area on the raft and away we went. That was pretty amazing!
Our first day on the river and Mason lead the lineup on this rubber pontoon followed by Sarah and then Peggy. Get accustomed to seeing Mason in this position! He took up residence there and was fearless!
What an adventure for us!
After a day on the river our crew choose an area for camping and dining. The "fire line" process was an efficient way to unload supplies.
The crew may have chosen the area but Mason earns the award for choosing the perfect campsite. The views were unbelievable. We slept out under the stars and the nighttime view of the sky was equally as amazing.
Vishnu Basement Rocks
Approximately 1.8 billion years old
Marade who is pictured on the right taught us about the geology and history of the canyon.
Mason and his crazy cliff jumping!
During our three days on the river I learned some rafting vocabulary and observed very methodical approaches to everything from storage to daily hygiene. You met Marade earlier. This is her vanity on the river. Her personal items were in the metal box. One day she literally provided a history lesson in the middle of brushing her teeth. She was intelligent, personable and helpful. The crew was extremely knowledgeable, confident and hard working. We were so grateful for their leadership.
Bob and I are not campers by any means of the imagination. We not only learned a few camping lessons from Mason, Peggy and Bob but we also learned we are not and never will be campers!
We learned that a walk-in closet is the nearest bush to the changing tent.
Our menus included pasta, steak, eggs, bacon, fresh muffin cakes (delicious) and so much more. We definitely did not go hungry.
The crew did all the cooking and serving but we were responsible for washing our personal plate, fork and knife. The photo below is the dishwasher! Wash, wash, rinse and then sanitize. It worked great.
Our Crew
They made two birthday cakes for a guest who was celebrating his birthday.
Oh the cot assembly and then disassembly!
Mason created sand sculptures.
Bob's friends, Greg and Elizabeth, who initiated the idea for our adventure.
Mason and the "mancake" the crew made for him! A little difficult to explain this one but he earned it by catching a smaller pancake on his plate after the crew sent it flying from the griddle. Great fun and a fantastic memory!
Our indoor bathroom. And yes there was an outdoor bathroom with the same facilities. When not at camp there were other options.
Bob decided to experience what Mason was talking about-hang on!
And sometimes this photographer gets wrapped up in her work!
This photo says a lot. We are exhausted but have so much to contemplate after
our adventure in the Grand Canyon State.
"The glories and beauties of form, color and sound unite in the Grand Canyon."
~John Wesley Powell
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