WRSI ATHLETES & NEWS: Grand Canyon pt 1

The Grand, The Big Ditch, The Canyon... whatever it's called... it's one of the best multi-day trips, anywhere... and will remain one of the most daring (and supremely fun) things many of us ever do. Before the dam went in, heck, ever before the Forest Service was thought of... people were making their way down the slow pace of the Colorado River as it passes through its own Grand Canyon. During the spring the Colorado used to get to 100,000cfs and even once in 1983. There is so much history about this area I couldn't begin to share all of the beauty and lore. And I understand why there is so much and why it calls to so many from so far away... it is truly a magical wonderland.

"You know you're a Canyon guide when" ... love these guys

A long time Canyon guide and great friend, Kyle Kovalik used to tell me, "Brett, it's the best raft-supported hiking trip you'll ever do," I think he's right. 21 days with 16 unique, capable individuals in one of the most spectacular canyons on earth, what could possibly go wrong? Nada.

Tanman

The desert is an endless horizon. Except for the eastern Cascades, here in WA, I'd never been to a real desert. My friend Logan offered to drive both of us there. And though his car only had two seats, kayak racks, and a speedo with lots of numbers... we made it. Watching land formations and mountain ranges change is a treat in itself. Along with a small box of tasty treats from his dad's bakery in Leavenworth made it a great drive!

early morning Zion

The first night we slept outside Boise, I think? Poached some cold ground in a trailer park next to the highway. 19 degrees woke us up pretty early along with a chill blowing through my zero degree bag. Grabbed a quick breakfast and got back on the road. Drove through 2 major snow storms, but by the time we got to Lee's Ferry it was about sunset and 73. Nice and dry the desert was and every star in the sky was out. Possibilities seemed to have no limits. Creating our own adventures is what life is all about.

Amanda had a smile on her face pretty much the entire trip

Rig day!! Everyone who flew in, drove to the put in at Lee's Ferry with all of the gear. We rigged for half the day and finished with sunburns and beer. Thanks to our outfitter for making it a seamless transition. Renting the whole kit and driving away at the end is really the way to go, especially when driving from the PNW.

Laura enjoying billions of years of nature

We finally pushed off mid-afternoon, floated about 60 yards and parked on a small little wet piece of ground where we would officially launch in the morning, after our safety meeting with the ranger. The ranger was funny... sometimes. Let him be the funny one, it'll go quicker.

day 1

Kyle Kovalik took me down my first creek and, while he's my good friend, by the end he was everyone's good friend! He's a real love bug and his stories never get old (sometimes). Kyle's a true friend, has a long history of guiding in the Canyon and was unanimously nominated social director of our trip. Thanks Kyle! Kyle's beautiful, talented partner in crime Karen, and her friend Liz were coming from Denver. Big Mike! and many others were winging on down from the PNW. Long time paddling buddies Al and Jon drove together and weren't strangers to the Grand. Totten, his nephew Tanner, and friend and co-worker Amanda were already here. Wes knew Totten from another Canyon trip a couple years back and Wes's friend Laura who was on her own little adventure, making a detour on the way to Alaska! As well as Kate and Jason, who were midway through a cross-country trek from the Columbia Gorge to the deep south. EJ came from Portland and had been down the canyon several years before. We were all elated and everybody at least knew somebody! Very quickly we all became friends and this was to be one of, if not THE BEST river trip I'd ever been on! Thanks again to everyone for making this such a delightfully memorable voyage.

day 4: Redwall Cavern

Our trip had flows of 7,000-10,000 cfs, mostly sunny skies and temps hovering around 82. Not bad for late March! We really only had one rainy day and a couple of windy days during our whole trip! Amazing for spring time. The worst of which we saw at Deer Creek (day 9), but it was such a small price to pay, we were glad to have it. The rowers weren't glad I guess, but it was awesome to witness the power of stinging rain through a tight canyon corridor.

What's to follow is a mini-epic photo bombing of the most amazing desert-scape many have ever experienced. It's always a good time in the Canyon, but who you're with is really what makes it the best. Can't thank you all enough!!!