The crew (Brendan, Jenn, Amber, Seany, Mom, Dad, Tim(our guide), and yours truly adventure kayaked the big horn tour up the Colorado River and the Black Canyon just below Hoover Dam. It had all the elements of our kind of trip. Adventure, challenge, good food, exercise, family, fellowship, beauty, and even some occasional rest. This trip did not disappoint and suggest you see for yourself.
CLICK THE RECENT PHOTOS VIA FLIKR TO THE RIGHT TO SEE SOME OF THE GREAT PHOTOS OF THE TRIP!!!
Day 1 - consisted of a short drive from our hotel near Lake Mead down stream from Hoover Dam to our starting point. We arrived a Willow Beach, dumped all our gear and began the packing process. Could not believe how much gear we could pack in these kayaks. Sean and I paddled the "mule" - a 17' carbon fiber yak that we packed nearly 350# of gear and food. We had everything you could need, some luxuries (wine and beer), and 12 gallons of water with the capacity to make some in the stream. Staying hydrated and cool was paramount. The first day, we paddled up river to our base camp for the next few days approximately 8 miles. The river was flowing strong and at times, it did not seem we would get to our destination. With the help of our guide, we discovered how to read the river, take advantage of up flowing eddi currents, and a little tailwind. We arrived late afternoon, pitched our gear in a box canyon camp known as Arizona Hotsprings, and kicked back to a little relaxation, water, beer, and some wine. Our camp guide then treated us to some dutch oven fajitas and other snacks to fill our bellies. At about 10pm, we all hit the hay to to pretty warm temps and had a tough first night of sleep.
Day 2 - I woke early at about 5am to give fishing a go with my fly rod and spinning rod. Brendan join briefly following and he got a small hook up and I did not even get a bite. That is why they call it fishing. The kids join me at the rivers edge and I called it and went back to camp to assist. Everyone was a bit groggy - likely from the first day effort, tough night with weather, and getting used to sleeping on the ground. We had some coffee, oatmeal with bananas, and started to prepare our day 2 paddle up stream to see the base of Hoover dam and some other canyons to hike. The water looked very slow and inviting as we started our 4 mile paddle upstream but soon turned very fast which made for the hardest day of paddling of the trip. After a strong paddle up stream and a few breaks, we reached a sand bar just below the dam and it was a delight to see from a different perspective. The water was flowing hard so we turned and ditched into a canyon just below the dam for a nature hike to some beautiful scenery, hot springs, and some food for lunch. On the way back to base camp, we made a few different stops, more hikes, a little fishing, and some more visits to hot springs. It was soothing and relaxing and we had a fine time together exploring. Just before we arrived a base camp, we spotted a small herd of big horn sheep and it was a spectacular site for sure. Back at camp, more food, wine, and a treat of home made peach cobbler in the dutch even fireside. Seany boy even got to hold a dead rattlesnake. They were everywhere that night... This night was cooler with very windy conditions and a light desert sprinkle in the air. It was beautiful to gaze at the stairs when the storm broke later in the am.
Day 3 - Relaxed in camp and had some coffee, bagels, and fruit. After some taking in the morning, a little fishing, we prepared our gear and delivered it to the beach for the packing process. Jenn, Brendan, Amber, Seany, and I hiked the canyon above our camp to see the hot springs and rinse ourselves. It was a beautiful spring in a sand stone box canyon the meandered in serpentine fashion. At the top of the spring, we again had the fun of spotting another rattle snake and moved in closer, yet safely, to let my reptile loving son see of Gods wild creatures. When we made it back to camp, we packed the boats and paddled the final 8 mile stretch and enjoyed some stops along the way, splashing water, and finally arriving back at Willow Beach.
This trip was so amazing. My parents took our family 2 different times when I was young and introduced me to something very special. It is clear that it made an impression on me and I dearly wanted to return. I plan to go again for sure. So many things experienced on this trip. To name a few:
*God is faithful in all of our lives. Loved having the opportunity to praise His mighty name in such a naturally beautiful setting. There is something very special about the desert landscape and having the opportunity to take in the Lords handiwork.
*Seany and Amber contributing to the work, camp set ups, and paddling their arms off. They both did an awesome job and never complained or whined. They loved the experience.
*Mom and dad did the same. They did a fine job and really loved the time. Sharing this time, along with the kids, made the trip extra special.
*Brendan really helped everyone along the way. He brought his slingshot and kindly stored some cold beer in his kayak for the pleasure of many in the camp. Loved being with him and experiencing this trip together...
*Thanks to our guide Tim and his care for all of us. His casual nature and skill made the trip a fun one and we knew ultimately we were in good hands with him.
*24 miles of paddling, tons of hiking, site seeing, and so much more! Sipping some red wine in the wilderness around a camp fire each evening, was simply some of the best fellowship I've ever experienced!
Hope you liked the story of our trip. Thank you father God for your blessings of adventure, family and these special times.
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