Grand Canyon Trip

[drd1135]

At the airport so I thought I would post some iPhone shots of our 8 day raft trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Obviously, the shots I am in were taken by someone else.

 

[Briar]

That looks like great fun.

 

[drd1135]

That looks like great fun.

It was harder than I thought. I was really physically tired at the end of each day.

 

[DM Larson]

I am super impressed and a little envious. That is a trip of a lifetime and one that I would have liked to do in my 20s or 30s, but now, at 50, it seems a little too daunting. Congratulations!

 

[drd1135]

I am super impressed and a little envious. That is a trip of a lifetime and one that I would have liked to do in my 20s or 30s, but now, at 50, it seems a little too daunting. Congratulations!

I would like to point out that I am 64, my wife is 63, and there were three folks over 70 on this trip. The oldest, at, 77, was some (I swear he was) bionic maritime lawyer who could climb those rocks better than I. It really kicked my ass, but that's part of the vibe of this trip. The four members of the crew were younger, but they manned and piloted the rafts 240 miles down the Colorado river and then prepared three meals a day for all of us in the wilderness. Fish, pasta, pork chops, sausage, bacon, eggs, french toast and pancakes, and the most amazing burritos I've had in awhile. There was a freshly baked cake every day and filet mignons on the last night. Amazing people, truly. This trip was so far out of my comfort zone that it had another zip code, but it was a great adventure. With burritos and cake.

 

[bdbits]

Thanks for sharing that drd1135. I am very slightly younger than you but out of shape, and thought I was getting too old for adventures. I am working on my shape/health, and now may need to rethink the possibilities (and talk the Mrs. into it).

 

[DeeJayK]

Thanks for sharing these photos, Steve. I'd love to see some more images. Did you take along any photo gear beyond the iPhone? If you've previously shared such, please point me to the thread.

I'd also love to hear more about your experiences. My wife and I are booked for a similar trip in early May. If you feel like sharing, I'd love to know as much detail as you'd like to share, for example:

• what were the days like in terms of schedule (i.e. how much time on the water and off, etc.)?
• what were the highlights (and lowlights) of the trip for you?
• what gear was indispensable and what gear do you wish you'd left at home? (not limited to photo gear but also clothing, etc.)
• what gear do you wish you'd brought?
• what would you choose to do differently if you were doing it again? (e.g. trip length, boat type, etc.)

I thought about sending you a private message, but I figured someone else might benefit from the wisdom you've gained as well. Thanks in advance for any info you care to share.

- K