‘Twas the night before our vacation and all through the house
Everyone was busily packing, most especially my spouse.
Our bags were lumped by the front door without care.
Everyone was rushing as our taxi soon would be there.
We took out our packing list and checked it twice.
I was sure we were forgetting something, so I checked it thrice.
Then from outside the taxi driver honked his horn.
We rushed down the stairs, and I realized my pants were torn.
But no time to worry about it now, we had a plane to catch.
So we ran outside and I slammed the door, locking the latch.
On the way to the airport our kids were all a chatter.
They were excited, and that’s all that mattered.
We arrived at the airport just in the nick of time.
We checked in our bags as the hour made its first chime.
We arrived at our hotel, and the accommodations were great!
My husband was starving, so we went into town and ate.
The next morning in the lobby there was such a fuss;
Our host counting each one of us as we boarded the bus.
The plane waiting for us was small, and I felt a lump in my chest.
This was going to be a bumpy ride, turbulent at best.
We made it to the tiny airport, not the worse for wear.
And when we stepped off the plane, two cowboys were there.
They drove us to their ranch down a bumpy dirt drive.
The driver told us not to worry, it was a short ride.
We met the rest of the ranchers with a good old fashioned “Howdy!”
And we slept in a covered wagon that night like an old western movie.
The next morning the helicopter ride in was smooth, one of the best,
But I wasn’t to be fooled, and pulled the seatbelt over my chest.
Then from beside me one of the kids made a shout.
So I looked out my window (though I feared I’d fall out).
I could not believe my eyes at the sight I was seeing.
The canyon was all around us, and the Colorado River was gleaming.
We met our guides with a smile and great cheer.
Everyone on the beach was excited, not one glimmer of fear.
We put on our life jackets, at laughed at our get-up.
The kids couldn’t wait for their first hike and a chance to schlup.
As we glided down river, the motor a quiet hum,
We rounded our first bend, and I almost swallowed my gum.
The rapid loomed ahead and I held on for dear life!
My kids sat in the front, taking the water as cold as ice.
As we plunged and rose and plunged again,
I laughed in spite of myself, and wanted to do it over again!
In camp we shared stories and talked about our day.
The stars overhead glowed more brightly than a June bug in May.
As we settled into our cots, and my husband started to snore,
I breathed in deep, than again once more
“A once in a lifetime experience”, that was it for sure!
The canyon was like nothing I’d ever known before.
And when we returned home tomorrow, and snuggled into our beds,
I knew I’d miss this place, and tears would be shed.
For no where else, I knew, would I ever see such a wonder,
As the Grand Canyon and the river, in the middle of the summer.
By Vanessa Therrien
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Dinosaurs, Airheads, and Why Humans Should Have Been Beavers
So what do these three things have in common? One word. Idaho. When most people think of whitewater rafting in Idaho the first thing that pops into their head is the Salmon River, one of the largest undammed rivers in North America. Second is probably the scenery. The beautiful alpine forest is almost as picturesque as Idaho gets, and is also home to some very unique wildlife.
One is a living dinosaur. When you whitewater raft on the main Salmon River in Idaho, many outfitters give you the opportunity to participate in catch & release fishing of White Sturgeon. They are the largest freshwater fish in North America and like the crocodiles of Africa and Australia their anatomy hasn’t changed since the dinosaur age; in about 100 million years! These giants can grow to weigh nearly 1800 pounds and be up to 20 feet long. Many live up to or beyond 100 years old, longer than the average human. If you get the opportunity to catch one of these gorgeous bony fish, take a photo and kindly release him back into the water. This is one fossil best observed naturally in the wild and not in a museum.
One of the sturgeon’s closest neighbors is a prehistoric nomad that is assumed to have migrated over the ancient land bridge that once existed between Asia and North America. Bighorn sheep are not only large, males in the Rocky Mountains region can sometimes be up to 500 pounds, but those 30 pound curved horns aren’t just for show. During the rut, they use those impressive hood ornaments to clash heads with one another, meeting with more than 1 ton of force! How on earth can they survive so many head on collisions? Their double layered skulls have oversized sinus cavities. In addition to other adaptations, this provides extra cushion for the brain so they can smack heads to their hearts’ content, sometimes as long as 20 hours. This makes the Bighorn sheep Idaho’s original thick headed, head banging airheads.
Another strange little guy you may get the opportunity to see, most likely at night, is the beaver. The North American Beaver is the third largest rodent in the world, and the largest in North America, but don’t let their “pest” status fool you. These 44 pound tree munching neighbors of the White Sturgeon and Bighorn sheep are master architects. The dams they build form artificial ponds that are perfect not only for building their own lodges, but for providing a home to other water dwellers as well and increasing plant and animal diversity in the surrounding area. If beavers were humans, or vice versa, in this age of “green living”, imagine how green and earth friendly our cities would be!
Take a walk on the wild, and slightly odd, side of Idaho and plan your whitewater rafting trip on the Salmon River today!
By Vanessa Therrien
One is a living dinosaur. When you whitewater raft on the main Salmon River in Idaho, many outfitters give you the opportunity to participate in catch & release fishing of White Sturgeon. They are the largest freshwater fish in North America and like the crocodiles of Africa and Australia their anatomy hasn’t changed since the dinosaur age; in about 100 million years! These giants can grow to weigh nearly 1800 pounds and be up to 20 feet long. Many live up to or beyond 100 years old, longer than the average human. If you get the opportunity to catch one of these gorgeous bony fish, take a photo and kindly release him back into the water. This is one fossil best observed naturally in the wild and not in a museum.
One of the sturgeon’s closest neighbors is a prehistoric nomad that is assumed to have migrated over the ancient land bridge that once existed between Asia and North America. Bighorn sheep are not only large, males in the Rocky Mountains region can sometimes be up to 500 pounds, but those 30 pound curved horns aren’t just for show. During the rut, they use those impressive hood ornaments to clash heads with one another, meeting with more than 1 ton of force! How on earth can they survive so many head on collisions? Their double layered skulls have oversized sinus cavities. In addition to other adaptations, this provides extra cushion for the brain so they can smack heads to their hearts’ content, sometimes as long as 20 hours. This makes the Bighorn sheep Idaho’s original thick headed, head banging airheads.
Another strange little guy you may get the opportunity to see, most likely at night, is the beaver. The North American Beaver is the third largest rodent in the world, and the largest in North America, but don’t let their “pest” status fool you. These 44 pound tree munching neighbors of the White Sturgeon and Bighorn sheep are master architects. The dams they build form artificial ponds that are perfect not only for building their own lodges, but for providing a home to other water dwellers as well and increasing plant and animal diversity in the surrounding area. If beavers were humans, or vice versa, in this age of “green living”, imagine how green and earth friendly our cities would be!
Take a walk on the wild, and slightly odd, side of Idaho and plan your whitewater rafting trip on the Salmon River today!
By Vanessa Therrien
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Christmas in Belize?! Sign Me Up!
For those of you who live in areas of heavy snowfall, you might find yourself wanting a change from the classic “White Christmas”. That’s where we come in. Imagine a warm, sunny day on a sandy beach, lounging in a hammock and listening to the ocean. Sounds pretty good doesn’t it?
Slow down from the holiday rush to island time. On a private island there’s no traffic, no crowds, and no need to fight off a competitor for that last can of cranberries. Get back down to earth and enjoy the simple pleasures of an island lifestyle for 5, 6, or 9 days.
Our all inclusive, multi-sport trips in Glovers Reef, Belize give you the opportunity to spend your Christmas vacation in style and take some pictures that will make your friends and family envious! While your neighbors back home bundle up like Eskimos to shovel several feet of snow, you’re throwing on your favorite bathing suit and kayaking, snorkeling, wind surfing, SCUBA diving and “hammock surfing” in the Caribbean sun. There is so much to see and do every day you’ll be amazed at how fast the week flies by!
At the end of your work-less and technology free days, you’ll be happily exhausted after playing an evening volleyball game, dancing the “Punta” or doing some nighttime snorkeling. Instead of snuggling up to a fire to ward off frostbite, you’ll be spending your nights in a comfortable cabana right on the beach falling asleep to the lull of the surf, knowing that you get to wake up and have another adventure tomorrow!
The season starts in December and runs through May, so give yourself an early Christmas gift and bring in the New Year with an adventure of a lifetime!
By Vanessa Therrien
Slow down from the holiday rush to island time. On a private island there’s no traffic, no crowds, and no need to fight off a competitor for that last can of cranberries. Get back down to earth and enjoy the simple pleasures of an island lifestyle for 5, 6, or 9 days.
Our all inclusive, multi-sport trips in Glovers Reef, Belize give you the opportunity to spend your Christmas vacation in style and take some pictures that will make your friends and family envious! While your neighbors back home bundle up like Eskimos to shovel several feet of snow, you’re throwing on your favorite bathing suit and kayaking, snorkeling, wind surfing, SCUBA diving and “hammock surfing” in the Caribbean sun. There is so much to see and do every day you’ll be amazed at how fast the week flies by!
At the end of your work-less and technology free days, you’ll be happily exhausted after playing an evening volleyball game, dancing the “Punta” or doing some nighttime snorkeling. Instead of snuggling up to a fire to ward off frostbite, you’ll be spending your nights in a comfortable cabana right on the beach falling asleep to the lull of the surf, knowing that you get to wake up and have another adventure tomorrow!
The season starts in December and runs through May, so give yourself an early Christmas gift and bring in the New Year with an adventure of a lifetime!
By Vanessa Therrien
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Dancing with the Devil Fish
What’s so amazing to everyone who goes on these whale watching safaris in Baja is the realization that there is still a place you can go where whales come right up to your boat and allow you to touch them. Sitting at home this may not sound that thrilling but when it actually happens, it’s a memory you’ll cherish forever. But let’s start at the beginning.
The adventure begins in San Diego with a private charter coach ride to Ensenada. From there you board a private charter plane for a beautiful scenic coastal flight right to the beach, landing on a sand runway at San Ignacio Lagoon. The fun and upbeat guides meet you and drive you in a school bus adorned inside and out with paintings of whales, dolphins, manta rays and other sea creatures to the beach camp where you pick your own big, clean, heavy duty, walk-in canvas tent
furnished with padded cots, solar powered night light and clothes locker on a firm sandy surface. 
The camp is equipped with sturdy and private solar hot water shower stalls, clean and comfortable toilet facilities, and the main big top dining tent where excellent and authentic Mexican meals are served.
The dining tent also serves as a commons area, a classroom for interpretive sessions with a well-stocked library on the area’s flora and fauna as well as a place to get a snack, a hot drink, cold beer (free) or soda. And it’s where we find out what’s in store each day at breakfast like when the boats will leave on whale watching outings each morning and afternoon. Living on the beach has never been this comfortable.
San Ignacio Lagoon in west central Baja covers dozens of square miles in the Vizcaino Desert Reserve, part of the United Nation's Biosphere Reserve Program. It is one of the most unusual, undisturbed habitats on the Baja peninsula. The lagoon's mouth to the Pacific is far enough away that you are protected from the ocean swell. And with no predators in the lagoon this area makes a perfect nursery for the birthing of young California Grey Whales, an undisturbed breeding ground for adults, and the perfect location for a whale watching safari.
When gray whales were hunted in the late 19th century the whalers nicknamed them devil fish for their ferocious fighting behavior but as they swim around our skiffs with such ease and grace it's easy to see why we now consider them gentle giants. As the local Mexican guides of our 25’ outboard powered skiffs, approach the whales slowly and calmly, these giant mammals are drawn to us out of curiosity and what frequently follows can be one of the most remarkable days in anyone’s life.
Often a whale comes right alongside, looking at us with its tennis ball sized eyes and covering us with the spray from its spout getting a rise from the group. When they come to the boats, there is often an opportunity to reach over the side to touch them. If you are lucky enough to make contact with the cold, soft, leathery skin of a Gray Whale it is a moment I guarantee you’ll hold on to for the rest of your life.
There’s just nothing like the experience of a 6o’ whale moving under your skiff, knowing exactly where it is, never touching (or maybe occasionally giving it a love bump), and lifting its head up out of the water so you can scratch its nose. This is not an unusual happening and yet every time it occurs everyone in the boat gets giddy with excitement.
Twice a day the skiffs leave camp for a 10 minute drive into the lagoon where the whales are. You can expect to see them “being themselves” lolling at the surface, diving and feeding, “spyhopping” to see where they are and spouting as they move from one part of the lagoon to another. The skiff drivers and guides show you around always in search of a group of whales near the surface which may be approached slowly and calmly. When you get your chance the guides position the skiffs where the whales often come over to take a look at us. When they come to the boats there is usually the opportunity to reach over the side to touch them.
Back at camp lunch is waiting and after a couple of hours of being on the water learning about the natural history of the lagoon and the whales and fish and bird life we head back for something to eat and a welcome break before the afternoon outing. After lunch there is time to beach comb, read and relax, pick up a volleyball game or even take a sea kayak for a paddle in the nearby mangrove. This also makes a delightful break from being out on the water if you like and mornings are especially good for birding.
We really love the nature and style of these trips. They are well run, fun, exciting, rewarding, and comfortable. They’re set in an undisturbed coastal setting you’d be unlikely to find yourself in if the amenities weren’t provided. And they’re not unlike a river trip. Just easier and more comfortable in a base camp setting.
We love to share our experiences from this trip so if the spirit moves you, just give us a call with any questions. We’re happy to speak with you.
By Tim Whitney
Thursday, October 13, 2011
A Fish Eye View of Baja
As the weather becomes chillier and old Jack Frost will soon be knocking on our doors, it’s the perfect time to escape to the warmer climate of Baja for some “R & R”. Whether you’re looking for a lot of adventure or a little, our vacations in the Sea of Cortez and Magdalena Bay will be just what the doctor ordered. We find that one of the most memorable parts of traveling to a new place is meeting and getting to know the locals, both human and animal alike. We would like to introduce you to a few of the larger aquatic residents you may have the opportunity to say hello to as you sail, snorkel, dive or kayak through their neighborhood.
Meet the Sea Lion: The Sea Lion is the smallest of our three large friends, but he’s no small fry. He stretches about 8 feet long and can weigh as much as 850 pounds when he’s done growing. He packs on the weight by eating up to 24 pounds of fish and squid a day, or roughly 120 hamburgers, but he’s happy to share. In fact, when hunting large schools of fish, he will sometimes buddy up with the local dolphins and sea birds to catch a feast. The Sea Lion’s smaller sisters are a very curious bunch, and often amuse themselves by poking and prodding at their human visitors. Though they do love to play, some of their California cousins have to delay the fun to take care of business by helping out the United States Navy with some special assignments. Who knew they had famous relatives?! You can find him and his family throughout the Baja Peninsula, particularly around the small islands where he’s safe from bigger bullies like great white sharks and orcas, and his door is always open!
Meet the Manta Ray: The Manta Ray is our next largest resident. You may have luck finding her in the Sea of Cortez as well as in Magdalena Bay, and her favorite place is close to one island or another. She averages a wingspan of 22 feet and weighs 3000 pounds, but when it comes to size it’s all about the wingspan. Her largest known relative weighed about average, 2900 pounds, but had a wingspan of 25 feet. Don’t worry though this ray is a gentle giant. She doesn’t have a stinger on the end of her tail, and she only eats small critters like plankton, and she needs to eat 44 pounds-66 pounds a day to stay fit! She gets along with pretty much everyone, except of course the krill. When there are large sharks around, other than her occasional dining partner the Whale Shark, she prefers not to socialize, but she's happy to hang and swim around with her human guests.
Meet the Gray Whale: Yep. You guessed it. The Gray Whale is our largest Magdalena Bay resident, but she’s only here for a short time. Her family tends to pass through around February, so it presents a small but significant window of opportunity to view one of the largest aquatic mammals in the world. At lengths averaging 52 feet, 10 feet longer than a school bus, and weighing close to 40 tons, or the weight of about 6 male African Elephants, you might feel like you need a bigger boat but the motorized skiffs on our Baja Whale Watching expeditions are the perfect way to get introduced to and spend 3 days with the Gray Whale and her family. Like all baleen whales, the Gray Whale loves her daily dose of krill, and the secluded Magdalena Bay offers the perfect protection from sharks and orcas so the young ones can get their sea legs before moving north. The Gray Whale is not a friend you would soon forget, and once you meet her, you’ll want to come back and introduce her to your friends.
Ready to meet the locals? Visit our website or give us a call and we'll be happy to introduce you!
By Vanessa Therrien
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Rafting With Ghosts!
In the spirit of October and the approaching All Hallow’s Eve holiday, we would like to extend some of our ideas on how you can make your One Day Whitewater rafting trip even more memorable. Make Flagstaff your base camp, an easy 2 hour drive from Peach Springs and the only One Day Whitewater rafting trip in the Grand Canyon, and pay a visit to our local ghosts!
We suggest you begin your adventure with a guided tour of the Riordan Mansion located next to Northern Arizona University on West Riordan Road. Designed by Charles Whittlesey, the same man who designed the famous El Tovar Hotel at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the guides will take you on a walk through the Riordan’s home, which is more than 100 years old, and share with you the history of one of Flagstaff’s favorite treasures. It is highly recommended that you make reservations in advance.
Your next stop could be the Museum Club, located on Historic Route 66, for lunch or an early dinner. A central hub for great music from bands like Mogollon and with an interesting ownership history, guests may hear the eerie creak of footsteps overhead or even find themselves ordering a drink from Thorna Scott, the ghostly wife of former owner Don Scott.
For a small fee, you can finish your day with a “Haunted Tour” of Historic Downtown Flagstaff. The tour begins in Heritage Square and takes you to many haunted and historic buildings including the famous Monte Vista, where John Wayne was the first to report a ghost sighting, and the Weatherford Hotel. Tours are currently running on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings leaving between 5:30pm and 8:30pm regularly throughout October with extra tours scheduled on Halloween night.
When it’s time for a change of scenery, move on to your scheduled One Day Whitewater rafting trip starting out of Peach Springs, Arizona. You will raft the last 35 river miles of the Grand Canyon and enjoy a thrilling ride through Class II and III rapids. The Hualapai Native American guides offer a unique cultural experience and perspective on the history of the canyon, and may even share a ghost story or two of their own.
After completing your rafting trip and a restful night’s sleep at the Hualapai Lodge, you can drive on for another 2 ½ hours and arrive at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the last place the famous honeymooners, Bessie and Glen Hyde, were seen before their mysterious disappearance. We also highly recommend taking a self guided tour through all of the historic lodges, and when you stop at the El Tovar, keep an eye out for the ghosts of Mary Jane Coulter, Fred Harvey, and one of the Harvey Girls.
Get in to the “Trick or Treat” spirit and see a spookier side of Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon you may not have known existed! Happy ghost hunting!
By Vanessa Therrien
We suggest you begin your adventure with a guided tour of the Riordan Mansion located next to Northern Arizona University on West Riordan Road. Designed by Charles Whittlesey, the same man who designed the famous El Tovar Hotel at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the guides will take you on a walk through the Riordan’s home, which is more than 100 years old, and share with you the history of one of Flagstaff’s favorite treasures. It is highly recommended that you make reservations in advance.
Your next stop could be the Museum Club, located on Historic Route 66, for lunch or an early dinner. A central hub for great music from bands like Mogollon and with an interesting ownership history, guests may hear the eerie creak of footsteps overhead or even find themselves ordering a drink from Thorna Scott, the ghostly wife of former owner Don Scott.
For a small fee, you can finish your day with a “Haunted Tour” of Historic Downtown Flagstaff. The tour begins in Heritage Square and takes you to many haunted and historic buildings including the famous Monte Vista, where John Wayne was the first to report a ghost sighting, and the Weatherford Hotel. Tours are currently running on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings leaving between 5:30pm and 8:30pm regularly throughout October with extra tours scheduled on Halloween night.
When it’s time for a change of scenery, move on to your scheduled One Day Whitewater rafting trip starting out of Peach Springs, Arizona. You will raft the last 35 river miles of the Grand Canyon and enjoy a thrilling ride through Class II and III rapids. The Hualapai Native American guides offer a unique cultural experience and perspective on the history of the canyon, and may even share a ghost story or two of their own.
After completing your rafting trip and a restful night’s sleep at the Hualapai Lodge, you can drive on for another 2 ½ hours and arrive at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the last place the famous honeymooners, Bessie and Glen Hyde, were seen before their mysterious disappearance. We also highly recommend taking a self guided tour through all of the historic lodges, and when you stop at the El Tovar, keep an eye out for the ghosts of Mary Jane Coulter, Fred Harvey, and one of the Harvey Girls.
Get in to the “Trick or Treat” spirit and see a spookier side of Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon you may not have known existed! Happy ghost hunting!
By Vanessa Therrien
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
This Month In Grand Canyon History
September 1540-
Conquistador Francisco Vasquez de Coronado is coming toward the tail end of his expedition through the wildernesses of North America to find the Seven Cities of Cibola. Don Garcia Lopez de Gardenas, in late August 1540, is sent out to explore beyond the province of Tuzan for eighty days. Guided by the native Hopi people, amongst sightings of big horn sheep and other native fauna, Lopez comes upon the Grand Canyon.
The following is an excerpt from the book "The Journey of Coronado, 1540-1542, from the City of Mexico to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado and the Buffalo Plains of Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska, As Told by Himself and his Followers" published in 1904, edited and translated by George Parker Winship. This excerpt is quoted from pages 202-203.
“He was conducted beyond Tuzan by native guides, who said there were settlements beyond, although at a distance. Having gone 50 leagues west of Tuzan, and 80 from Cibola, he found the edge of a river down which it was impossible to find a path for a horse in any direction, or even for a man on foot, except in one very difficult place, where there was a descent for almost 2 leagues. The sides were such a steep rocky precipice that it was scarcely possible to see the river, which looks like a brook from above, although it is half as large again as that of Seville, according to what they say, so that although they sought for a passage with great diligence, none was found for a long distance, during which they were for several days in great need of water, which could not be found, and they could not approach that of the river, although they could see it, and on this account Don Garcia Lopez was forced to return.”
Don Garcia Lopez and his soldiers were the first Europeans to see the Grand Canyon in its early glory. Now, 471 years later, the entire world has the opportunity to see and explore what Lopez never did. Join us on an adventure down the Colorado River, and take the opportunity to stand upon the rim in the company of history, and to appreciate the beauty of one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World.
By Vanessa Therrien
Conquistador Francisco Vasquez de Coronado is coming toward the tail end of his expedition through the wildernesses of North America to find the Seven Cities of Cibola. Don Garcia Lopez de Gardenas, in late August 1540, is sent out to explore beyond the province of Tuzan for eighty days. Guided by the native Hopi people, amongst sightings of big horn sheep and other native fauna, Lopez comes upon the Grand Canyon.
The following is an excerpt from the book "The Journey of Coronado, 1540-1542, from the City of Mexico to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado and the Buffalo Plains of Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska, As Told by Himself and his Followers" published in 1904, edited and translated by George Parker Winship. This excerpt is quoted from pages 202-203.
“He was conducted beyond Tuzan by native guides, who said there were settlements beyond, although at a distance. Having gone 50 leagues west of Tuzan, and 80 from Cibola, he found the edge of a river down which it was impossible to find a path for a horse in any direction, or even for a man on foot, except in one very difficult place, where there was a descent for almost 2 leagues. The sides were such a steep rocky precipice that it was scarcely possible to see the river, which looks like a brook from above, although it is half as large again as that of Seville, according to what they say, so that although they sought for a passage with great diligence, none was found for a long distance, during which they were for several days in great need of water, which could not be found, and they could not approach that of the river, although they could see it, and on this account Don Garcia Lopez was forced to return.”
Don Garcia Lopez and his soldiers were the first Europeans to see the Grand Canyon in its early glory. Now, 471 years later, the entire world has the opportunity to see and explore what Lopez never did. Join us on an adventure down the Colorado River, and take the opportunity to stand upon the rim in the company of history, and to appreciate the beauty of one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World.
By Vanessa Therrien
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