Gaelyn dreaming of rafting the Colorado River from Toroweap
While I was in South Texas this winter my supervisor told me she’d recommended me for the annual Colorado River trip for park employees. This is usually reserved for new permanent staff. I was grateful and excited but didn’t really hold my breath as a seasonal. There’s a Lot of permanent park employees on the South Rim.
Downstream from Lees Ferry
Last week I was asked if I am Really committed to taking the river trip. You bet! Would I prefer the upper river from Lees Ferry to Phantom Ranch, or the lower river from the Ranch to Diamond Creek?
Confluence with Bright Angel Creek, Phantom Ranch under colorful trees
Upper river is calmer and then there’s the 14 mile hike up 6000 feet on the North Kaibab trail back to the North Rim.
Downstream from the Black Bridge near Phantom Ranch
Lower river has more intense rapids with the same hike downhill to start. Hmmmm…. I’ll take whatever I can get.
Upstream from Toroweap
Thursday morning I found out I’ve been chosen for the lower river trip! OMG!!!!! I’m SO excited.
Downstream from Toroweap
BUT…. I could still get bumped. Cross your fingers and toes for me, please.
Lava Falls Rapid said to be “the most exciting 13 seconds of your life.”
A friend, fellow ranger and river runner has gear to loan me. Time to start reading my Grand Canyon River Guide. I’ll be getting more information soon. Four days rafting the Colorado River happens in the middle of August but first I have to hike to the river.
Lucky YOU, Gaelyn! My hubby would love to take this rafting trip. I would keep my fingers crossed for you. Have fun! Loved the photos, they are so pretty!
I'm happy for you. I'll write my congressman if you get bumped.
What fun that is something I would also love to do. My fingers and toes are crossed that all goes well for you. Diane
Oh boy, you are a lucky girl!!! I'm crossing everything I've got and holding my thumbs as well (German for crossing fingers). What a wonderful opportunity for you and what a great adventure! Hope you have a waterproof camera.
Wow, that sounds like fun!
How exciting!!! I've got fingers and toes crossed that you don't get bumped.
Everything crossable has been crossed. – Jazz
Fantastic! You have a nice life going on.
Crossing all fingers and toes and hoping you're a shoe-in for this awesome trip!
Ahhhh… these photos of yours take me right to the edge of the canyon with you.
OH! My fingers are definitely crossed for you! What a fabulous adventure!
Everyone has everything crossed for you Gaelyn!! The universe will keep you happy!! Beautiful Life you are living–ENJOY!! p.s. I will cross my fingers and toes, also:)
Wow, very exciting! This will be the trip of a lifetime. Sure hope it all happens as planned.
Great! My husband wanted to do that some years ago, but we never did.
Story of our life.
Oh freekin wow!!! It sounds like one of those trips of a lifetime. Something to have on a bucket list. I'm holding thumbs and hoping that you will bring back stunning photos.
Yup, got everything crossed for you. How exciting to be able to do a trip like this!
I've got it all crossed as well! Good luck… great photo's… bring back more… just don't sit soooo close to the edge! 🙂
Love that first photo of you! I've decided I'm going to make a special effort to come out to the Grand Canyon (next summer? the next?) just to hang out with you and so we can raft the Colorado together. Cool? =)