Had the time of my life on the big ditch October 13-31......we were supposed to rig 10/10 and launch the 11th, our government is failing us badly......we missed two days of the 21 we had booked but still had three layover days.
If you have been, you know, if you havent you simply must go. There is no other trip like it in the world. The ONLY way to really see the canyon is to paddle the 225 miles from lees ferry down.....the side hikes, the cliffs, the incredible geology, I could go on for a while. I had the good fortune to be invited on a private trip with a bunch of old paddling buddies from NC and AK, Salt lake area too. I had heard how people giggle and laugh all the way down and this is 100% accurate.
So many great campsites.....and side hikes......and rapids! Had good lines, no flips no swims, the whirlpools and funny water at the bottom of most rapids are amazing and VERY challenging. A couple of those whirlpools really wanted me. Granite and Lava were huge, and there was no kayak sneak either! Run the meat!
Making and renewing great friendships, there is truly NOTHING like packing it all up for 20 days or so and shoving off on one of the great experiences in the world. We had great weather, bluebird no clouds 16 of 19 days. It is cool down there in the shade especially, cooler than I thought.
Recommendations: we loved non motor season, starts October 1. I think this trip would be very different with 105 degree heat too. We loved the October trip. Also CEIBA rigged and supplied everything, I give them very high marks. We ate like kings. OK maybe the 65 cases of beer helped hahaha........
But if you are a river runner, you simply must do this trip at some point in your life. I am so thankful to have gotten it done. Take as long as you can, dories would also be a super cool way to do this in less time if you need to get it to 10-14 days. Grand canyon dories looks like a great group. Cannot rave enough about what a good time it was.
I will start posting pics vids etc on facebook.
Chris Hull
Grand Canyon 2013
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Grand Canyon 2013
"if some is good more is better"
