Rivers & Oceans Worldwide

Presidents' Day Trivia Answers

2012-02-24T12:53:00.002-07:00

Below are the answers to last week’s trivia questions:

A and B: Teddy Roosevelt. The 26th president served in office from 1901-1909.

C: Woodrow Wilson. The 28th president served in office from 1913-1921.

D: Gerald Ford. The 38th president served in office from 1974-1977.

BONUS QUESTION: January 1, 1971 and Richard Nixon. The 37th president served in office from 1969-1974.

EXTRA CREDIT: Rutherford B. Hayes. The 19th president served in office from 1877-1881.

Come join us in 2012 and find out for yourself why these presidents saw fit to preserve and treasure the 7th wonder of the world!

Presidents' Day Trivia

2012-02-16T10:32:00.009-07:00

As we head into the Presidents’ Day weekend, we thought we’d do something a little different. Let’s see how well you know your Grand Canyon history with a bit of Presidents’ Day trivia. You can post your answers to our comments section and compare with other readers. Answers will be given next week!

Match the Presidents below to the influential moments in Grand Canyon History

1. Gerald “Jerry” Ford

2. Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt

3. Woodrow Wilson

A. The Grand Canyon Game Preserve was established by this president on November 28, 1906.
B. On January 11, 1908, this president added the neighboring national forest lands to the Grand Canyon Game Preserve and re-designated it as a United States National Monument.

C. Exactly 93 years ago, Grand Canyon was established as the 17th United States National Park by an act of Congress signed into law by this president on February 16, 1919.

D. This president signed the Grand Canyon Enlargement Act on January 3, 1975, adding Marble Canyon to the Grand Canyon National Park, extending the boarders to include the 288 river miles we know and love to raft today!

BONUS QUESTION: Originally called “Washington’s Birthday”, Presidents’ Day was originally celebrated on George Washington’s birthday, February 22. In what year was this federal holiday moved to the third Monday of February under the “Uniform Monday Holiday Act”, and which president was in office?

EXTRA CREDIT: Which president was in office in 1880 when George Washington’s birthday became a federal holiday in Washington D.C.?

Happy Presidents' Day!

By Vanessa Therrien

100 Years and Still Going Strong

2012-02-13T12:53:00.002-07:00

Tomorrow Arizona will celebrate its one hundredth year of statehood. From national parks and massive construction projects to space exploration and sports victories, Arizona has a rich historical legacy that is sure to grow as it journeys into its second century. To show our love to Arizona this Valentine’s Day, we’ve selected a few events, interesting, memorable and bizarre, to share.

February 14, 1912- Arizona becomes the 48th state under President Taft.

1915- Arizona’s state flag design is approved.

1919- Grand Canyon is named a National Park.

1928- The Navajo Bridge is built in Marble Canyon over the Colorado River.

1930- Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff discovers Pluto.

1934- Arizona and California are “at war” over the Colorado River and Arizona Governor Moeur sends the Arizona National Guard to the river where construction workers are attempting to build a dam to divert water into California.

1948- Native Americans receive the right to vote in Arizona.

1957- Page is founded to provide homes for the construction workers of Glen Canyon Dam.

January 8, 1958- Mary Jane Colter, famous architect, dies at the age of 88.

April 9, 1959- Flank Lloyd Wright dies in Phoenix at the age of 91.

1963- Glen Canyon Dam is completed, allowing for the creation Lake Powell.

1968- The Phoenix Suns join the National Basketball Association.

1972- Bob Dylan writes “Forever Young” in Scottsdale.

January 4, 1975- Grand Canyon’s boundaries are extended from Lee’s Ferry, river mile 0 to the Grand Wash Cliffs, river mile 227.

1986- The ringtail and the ridgenose rattlesnake are designated as Arizona’s state mammal and reptile.

March 14, 1989- Arizona author Edward Abbey dies at the age of 62.
1995- Grand Canyon National Park closes for the first time since becoming a state park due to a budget dispute between the White House and Congress.

2001- The Diamond Backs defeat the Yankees in the World Series.

2006- Pluto is renamed a “dwarf planet”.

2008- Author Stephenie Meyer of Scottsdale becomes the bestselling author of the year.

2010- The Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge opens, allowing drivers to bypass the Hoover Dam and cross over the Colorado River north of Kingman.

February 14, 2012- Arizona celebrates its Centennial as the 48th state.

-By Vanessa Therrien

‘Tis the Season: The Night Before Grand Canyon

2011-12-21T14:33:00.003-07:00

‘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

Dinosaurs, Airheads, and Why Humans Should Have Been Beavers

2011-11-08T10:07:00.006-07:00

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

Christmas in Belize?! Sign Me Up!

2011-11-02T13:48:00.002-07:00

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

Dancing with the Devil Fish

2011-10-27T09:14:00.025-07:00

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

A Fish Eye View of Baja

2011-10-13T11:37:00.008-07:00

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

Rafting With Ghosts!

2011-09-29T15:14:00.003-07:00

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

This Month In Grand Canyon History

2011-09-21T11:42:00.003-07:00

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

Going Tribal on Grand Canyon Raft Trips

2010-08-13T12:28:00.005-07:00

“The best thing I’ve ever done in my life!” You’ve probably heard this exclamation many times from people who’ve done a Grand Canyon rafting trip. I imagine that you have an idea in your mind of what their trip must have been like – the stupendous scenery, wet and wild rapids, good food, and fresh air. But you probably wonder if all that is why so many people come back in a daze. Or is it something else? Is some kind of river Kool-Aid still circulating through their blood stream? Do they have a touch of dehydration?

I’ll tell you the secret . . . it’s not the big fun rapids and the glorious scenery and it’s not a special river cocktail. The thing that most people are not expecting when they start a raft trip through the Canyon and the thing that keeps them clinging to cloud 9 after the trip is over is going tribal!

A river trip is a natural homecoming to the very basics of human nature – the simple tribal way. Most people have no idea that this is the secret to happiness, the thing that money can’t buy; the tribal way is that extra something they’re missing in their every day lives. In this world of 3-G networks, life coaches, and mocha lattes, going tribal is the enlightening experience most folks have never had, but secretly long for.

Now . . . you may have your doubts, having run into some schmuck on the subway or had some jerk text through an entire movie you’d been waiting to see for 3 months. With those recent slights of strangers in the forefront of your mind, you may be asking yourself, “Probability proves, that going tribal can’t happen every time; what if I don’t like the other people on the trip? What if I get stuck on a trip with people I’d never associate with in my life?” I can tell you this, it will not matter. That’s where the magic of Grand Canyon, yes I said magic, comes into play. When the cliff walls are towering thousands of feet above you, all of that angst and those preconceived worries wash away like sour vinegar in the raging waters of the notorious Lava Falls Rapid.

While considering this epic endeavor, you may feel as if you are about to be set adrift in a lifeboat on a vast open sea, but once you’re on the trip you’ll find the guides will alleviate your fears of the unknown. They live up to every possible meaning of their job title as they guide you through the Canyon, through the rapids, through history, and through the “getting to know you” process. In their confident, capable, and knowledgeable hands, soon everyone is looking out for one another; whether it’s helping to put up each others tents in a windstorm, lending a hand to the one behind you on a hike, or just making sure each others life-jackets are tight before going through the rapids. You quickly realize that your fellow traveler is going to be there to help pull you out of the water should you fall in and that you will do your best to help them if they go overboard.

Your mind and body do not respond rapidly (no pun intended) to the realization that you are at one with nature. It takes a few days to revel in your disconnectedness and sink into the rhythm of simple river life. All alone, a mile within the earth, at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, your group of rafters must work as a team to deal with being exposed to the elements 24/7. Then, after the oddities of not having to flip a light switch, flush a toilet, or answer a phone have melted away, it happens . . . you’ve become a close knit group, a team, a tribe.

Soon after this bond is formed, you begin playing with the idea of never returning to your cubicle again. You’ve finally found that freedom you’ve been looking for!
By the end of a Grand Canyon rafting trip, people who have started out as strangers have often become friends for life and every time they check in with one another, the tribal bond flares as they recall that truly unique experience they shared.

By Sharon Hester (edited by Megan Prescott)

Add This Fun Stop To Your One-Day Rafting Trip

2009-12-21T14:54:00.005-07:00

Historic Route 66 is the road you take to do a one-day whitewater rafting trip in the Grand Canyon, why not add on a stop at the quirky town of Seligman AZ, full of all that fun kitschy stuff from a bygone era when cars were king and driving Route 66 was the way to go across the country. Step back in time in this friendly town and throw in a entertaining tour of the Grand Canyon Caverns.

Seligman is 30 miles from Peach Springs where you start the one day rafting trip and the Caverns is halfway between the two.

Moab Overview

2009-09-11T13:18:00.001-07:00

Spirit of Adventure!

2009-08-03T11:43:00.008-07:00

To: Locals of Flagstaff, AZ and Anyone Who is Willing and Able

For $1,000.00 + $12 National Park Entrance fee, you may participate on a 7 day full canyon trip to Lake Mead in the Grand Canyon departing August 9-15, 2009. To join this trip, payment in full will be due at the time of booking and, as per the outfitter's cancellation policy, is non-refundable. You will have to arrive the night of August 8, 2009 in Flagstaff for a 6:00pm orientation meeting at the Holiday Inn Express. This night's stay will be an additional cost. On August 9, you will board a bus at 6:00am for the two hour drive to your put in point at Lee's Ferry, river mile 0.

You will spend the next 7 days rafting and hiking side canyons as well as 6 nights camping beside the river. For your traveling convenience, you may rent camping equipment from the outfitter for $50.00 per sleep kit. On August 15, you will arrive at South Cove on Lake Mead, where you will take a bus back to the Holiday Inn in Flagstaff arriving between 4:00pm and 6:00pm.

If you have any questions regarding this trip or if you'd like to purchase a space on it, please contact us as soon as possible! www.rivers-oceans.com or 800-473-4576.

Adventure is waiting! The only thing missing is you!

Grand Canyon River Trip Deal!!!

2009-07-01T13:16:00.002-07:00

Trip Type: 3 Day Upper Canyon Motor Trip
Trip Cost: $612 per person (normally $1,007 per person)
Trip Dates: July 12-14
Trip Details: You will have to be present at the Holiday Inn Express on Lucky Lane in Flagstaff the night of July 11, 2009 for a 6:00pm orientation meeting where you will receive your river equipment. On July 12, 2009 you will board a bus at the Holiday Inn Express at 6:00am for the 2 hour drive to Lee's Ferry, river mile 0 of the Grand Canyon.

You will spend the next 2 1/2 days rafting the first 88 miles of the canyon. In this section, you will hike to Native American ruins, stop at the famous Little Colorado, and run the full range of rapids on the Grand Canyon scale of 1 to 10.

On July 14, 2009 you will arrive at Phantom Ranch, river mile 88, early in the morning to begin your 9.5 mile hike out of the Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail. This hike takes about 4 to 8 hours depending upon your level and the outfitter's hiking guide will stay with the slowest member of the hiking party. The outiftter will provide you with hearty snacks, water, and electrolytes for the hike out.

If you regularly engage in some sort of physical labor or aerobic exercise at work or play, this hike is possible for you. However, physical conditioning and consistent exercise prior to your trip is essential. Be sure to concentrate on strengthening your leg muscles, calves, and quads to avoid extreme muscle fatigue often experienced toward the end of your hike.

If you're a local, you can have a family member/friend pick you up at the South Rim and drive you home when you're done hiking out. Otherwise it is recommended that you stay this night at the South Rim. Which will cost an addiitonal $85 to $360 depending upon what rooms are available.

Please contact Rivers & Oceans at info@rivers-oceans.com or 800-473-4576 for more details.

One-day whitewater rafting trip

2009-05-29T14:17:00.001-07:00

Rafting Grand Canyon from Canyon Guide on Vimeo.

Western Section Grand Canyon Rafting

2009-04-28T13:00:00.001-07:00

There is a 3-4 day motorized rafting trip in the Western section of the Grand Canyon. In addition, there are a few oar trips for this section; however, because there are only seven oar trips that launch per season in this section, which means they are often booked over a year in advance. Most trips in the Western section include a night at the Bar-ten Ranch a working family dude ranch in the remote Arizona strip area of Arizona, near the rim of the canyon. This section has frisky, wet rapids and the scenery is gorgeous, however, it is sometimes called the “Introductory section” of the canyon, as the more famous rapids are upstream, as well as longer hikes up spectacular side canyons. All these trips conveniently begin and end in Las Vegas and include a helicopter ride into the canyon. Prices range from $967 -$1459 for the motorized trips and there are several trips discounted this season! This video is a nice overview of the trip done by a person who did the trip.

John Wesley Powell turns 175

2009-03-29T18:03:00.005-07:00

Happy Birthday Major!
Born March 24, 1834, John Weslwy Powell rambled around in his youth studying the natural sciences before joining the Union Army in the Civil War. After loosing his lower right arm in the Battle of Shilo he began his explorations of the American West in 1867 in the Rocky Mountains and along the Green and Colorado Rivers. On May 24, 1869 at the age of 35 and with a party of nine men, four boats and 10 months worth of food, they set out from Green River, Wyoming beginning his famous three month journey to explore record his findings, eventually running the Grand River (later the Colorado River) through the Grand Canyon. He made a second trip (ending the trip 144 miles into the Grand Canyon) in 1871. His work on the Geology, Ethnology and Native American languages of the region still stands as remarkable work of the day and in his paper The Arid Lands of the Southwest, his views on future water allocation in the region was visionary. He was the first director of the US Geological Survey and retired in 1894. He moved to his summer home in Haven, Maine where he died September 23, 1902. His accomplishments are still held in high esteem by river runners in the Grand Canyon and elsewhere. Join us on a trip into the Canyon to retrace his steps and experience the fun and beauty of this United Nations World Heritage Site, www.rivers-oceans.com. The picture is from the Powell Museum at Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomingdale where Powell taught. He is dressed in a shirt of the Grand Canyon River Guides.

2009-03-12T12:32:00.002-07:00

2009-02-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

2009-02-11T18:01:00.001-07:00

2009-02-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

Worldwide Adventures On and In the Water

2009-02-06T13:25:00.002-07:00

Rivers & Oceans Travel was established in 1986 by veteran Grand Canyon river guides to help people find rafting, sea kayaking and dive destinations best suited to their wishes. Since then people have been turning to Rivers & Oceans for guidance about active vacations to domestic and worldwide destinations. Our expertise extends beyond Grand Canyon rafting trips and includes other great rivers in Utah, Idaho and Alaska along with SCUBA and sea kayaking adventures in Baja, British Columbia, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. The outfitters we work with are seasoned professionals providing fun, active vacations. Searching for the trip that's best for you or your family can be a daunting assignment. We know. We also know how to put these trips together, at no additional charge, saving you the time and legwork.Rivers & Oceans A Travel Co., Inc.Flagstaff, Arizona 800-473-4576/928-526-4575 fax 928-526-8268
www.rivers-oceans.com