Ain't no time like river time
River trips are tough to beat. Whether it is a short ride on a duckie (an inflatable kayak) or an extended journey on rafts, you are in for a good time. The West has some fun, challenging stretches of water that are fairly well protected and regulated through permit systems. There is plenty of flat water where you get a workout paddling or rowing. There is plenty of whitewater where you better know what you're doing or things can go sour quicker than milk left out in the desert sun. On the extended camping river trips, time seems to halt, and the outside world drifts away, or you drift away from it. There is good camaraderie and times for plenty of personal reflection. It's no wonder rivers are often used as metaphors for life.
Phil and I punch through the rapids in our double duck at the Glenwood Springs' whitewater park on the Colorado River. We also did a fun run on the Roaring Fork River (Class 3).
Way back in the blogging "someone" wanted to hear more about that Denny Preisser character. Here he is readying his double duck for our overnight trip on the San Juan from Bluff to Mexican Hat. Denny has taught at Kayenta for at least 12 years. He is the ultimate river rat and known as the legend of the San Juan. There is no one Tracy or I would rather follow down a river. He knows his stuff and knows the river. He is meticulous in his preparation and organization. You are always in good hands when he is on your trip. Denny is also an avid hiker and backpacker who has done the likes of Mt. Ranier and the John Muir Trail. He leads a successful outdoor club at Monument Valley High School that gets the students out in the local area on outdoor adventures. He is making it work, and many, many Navajo kids are enriched because of him. He has been one of our best playmates on the Rez. Thanks Denny!
During our two day San Juan trip, Denny and I hung out with a student group floating with Navajo artist Bahe Whitehorne. We tried to do some water coloring painting along with the group. I would show the results, but you wouldn't be able to tell what the paintings were supposed to be.
Our good friends Ron and Caroline Lucas cool off beside the Mancos River in southwestern Colorado. This wasn't a river trip but a day hike with them and our dogs. Ron and Caroline were the photographers at our wedding five years ago and some of the neatest people we know. They have been park rangers at just about every National Park in the West as well as great science teachers. Ron once had a beer with author Edward Abbey. Enough said.
My last hurrah before the big changes happened on a six day river trip on the Green River. A group of 17 of us floated down through Desolation and Gray Canyons in Utah in rafts and duckies. The rafts can carry a lot of gear, so you don't skimp on food when you go on river trips like this. We ate well and had a great time.
Joe and Connie attack Wire Fence Rapids (class 3) in their double duck. Times like this make all the rowing and paddling through the flat water well worth it.
Phil and I punch through the rapids in our double duck at the Glenwood Springs' whitewater park on the Colorado River. We also did a fun run on the Roaring Fork River (Class 3).
Way back in the blogging "someone" wanted to hear more about that Denny Preisser character. Here he is readying his double duck for our overnight trip on the San Juan from Bluff to Mexican Hat. Denny has taught at Kayenta for at least 12 years. He is the ultimate river rat and known as the legend of the San Juan. There is no one Tracy or I would rather follow down a river. He knows his stuff and knows the river. He is meticulous in his preparation and organization. You are always in good hands when he is on your trip. Denny is also an avid hiker and backpacker who has done the likes of Mt. Ranier and the John Muir Trail. He leads a successful outdoor club at Monument Valley High School that gets the students out in the local area on outdoor adventures. He is making it work, and many, many Navajo kids are enriched because of him. He has been one of our best playmates on the Rez. Thanks Denny!
During our two day San Juan trip, Denny and I hung out with a student group floating with Navajo artist Bahe Whitehorne. We tried to do some water coloring painting along with the group. I would show the results, but you wouldn't be able to tell what the paintings were supposed to be.
Our good friends Ron and Caroline Lucas cool off beside the Mancos River in southwestern Colorado. This wasn't a river trip but a day hike with them and our dogs. Ron and Caroline were the photographers at our wedding five years ago and some of the neatest people we know. They have been park rangers at just about every National Park in the West as well as great science teachers. Ron once had a beer with author Edward Abbey. Enough said.
My last hurrah before the big changes happened on a six day river trip on the Green River. A group of 17 of us floated down through Desolation and Gray Canyons in Utah in rafts and duckies. The rafts can carry a lot of gear, so you don't skimp on food when you go on river trips like this. We ate well and had a great time.
Joe and Connie attack Wire Fence Rapids (class 3) in their double duck. Times like this make all the rowing and paddling through the flat water well worth it.
posted by CHUSKA NATIVES at
9:40 PM
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