28 Days in the Grand Canyon

March 7th, 2006 Little Pepper

I was blessed to spend 28 days rafting through and exploring the Grand Canyon. Most people are familiar with the majestic scene of the canyon from the rim and from the many trails that lead into the canyon. Nothing can compare with the sights, sounds, and experience of making this natural wonder your home for a month and being completely cutoff from the outside world. It seemed as though the world existed solely within the red walls of the canyon. Everyday we navigated through numerous slot canyons, swam in hot springs, played in waterfalls, explored Indian ruins and petroglyphs, ate the best food in the world, and survived the biggest white water in the western hemisphere. At night we warded off scorpions, endured dust storms, and fell asleep under the stars to the soft roar of distant rapids and cicadas.

In the evenings we would set up camp on a lonely sand beach. Camp had all the comforts of home with a river rat’s twist. There was the “kitchen,” which fit into a box but included everything, including a version of the kitchen sink. The “groover” was an interesting and scenic resemblance of the bathroom (complete with “The Rafter’s Joke Book” for reading material). As we relaxed after dinner the guitar would be passed around as we watched the sunset illuminate the cliffs and river. We would talk about the days events, tomorrows rapids, and rafting legends, but conversation never drifted to life outside the canyon. We had all grown so accustomed to our new way of life that adjusting to the “real world” would be difficult. Living with the rythmn of the river is what made this my favorite trip ever.

Entry Filed under: Whatever!, Water Sports, Competitions