My father introduced me to whitewater rafting when I was a teenager and we rafted some big rivers and rapids that left a big influence on me when I was that age. I've always loved being on the water and secretly wanted to be a raft guide and have a honeymoon of rafting the Grand Canyon for two months.
Colorado River reflection along Potash Road in Moab, Utah
The mighty Colorado River runs right through my town and multiple guide companies run this river. I've always wanted to own a raft, but the thought of all the gear and the intimidating factors of rivers and drowning made me hesistant to buy one (plus the fact that I only have very basic rowing skills).
the bare bones cataraft !
However, one fall day in November I saw an advertisement in the local paper, about a local outdoor adventure school having a raft garage sale. I woke up that day, and said, hey let's go look at some rafts ! Low and behold, as soon as I walked up to the gravel parking lot, I spied a 13 foot cataraft that was calling me. Lots of dollars and cam-straps later, I was officially a boat owner !
maiden voyage ! all set up !
Our maiden voyage occurred in Northern California along the Smith River. We also took the raft down the American River near Sacramento.
My favorite trip was in November along the Ruby-Horsethief section on the Colorado River bordering the state of Utah and Colorado. We gathered our friends and spent three full days and two nights on the river. The whole time we only saw four other people and enjoyed the warm fall sun. We had one canoe, two kayaks, one duckie, and put most of our gear on the cataraft.
A slow wake up to the sun, coffee, eggs, bacon, and then a slow paddle down the river while staring up at steep canyon walls. Many new adventures will evolve from owning a raft. Many new rivers to be run. A different mode of transporation that I am quickly falling in love with for many reasons.
Sometimes I get so caught up in the beauty of working in the outdoors, the mountains, the rivers, the wildlife, I forget to take pictures of the people I get to work with, that make it that much more fun ! I enjoy working as a team and we always have a good time and plenty of jokes. Here's some photos from the season:
digging llama tethering posts in early spring
inside one of the ranger cabins
looking at the map AGAIN
work buddy llama: SPECS
overnight trip to the backcountry cabin in early spring, yes snow in May
