Spring, Luck, and a Whitewater Rafting Trip

Spring is almost here! The time when we get a nice week long break from school and we vigorously clean our houses and throw open the windows to chase away the winter chill. All of us are going to be looking for some relief from the cabin fever that started to plague us when the first snow hit the ground. We find one of the best cures is getting out and enjoying some fresh air and good whitewater.

In just two short weeks, only two days before Saint Patrick’s Day, the One Day Whitewater Rafting trip in the Grand Canyon will be departing Diamond Creek and will continue to run for seven days a week until Halloween. Spring is a beautiful time to be in the canyon. The wildflowers will be starting to bloom, wildlife is coming out to enjoy the sun, and the crowds tend to be a bit smaller, which is always a plus.

Some things to keep in mind though about rafting this early in the season:

1) Northern Arizona is just coming out of winter and heading into spring, and our weather can be very unpredictable even within the span of just one day.

2) The river water is coming from the bottom of Lake Powell and even as far down river as Diamond Creek only has a chance to warm up to a brisk 45-55 degrees.

3) Our springs are characteristically windy and chilly, especially in the wee hours of the morning when the one day trip begins. Average morning temperatures are around 40-50 degrees.

So dress in warm layers and don’t forget that two piece waterproof rain suit, it is going to be your best friend out there! If you’re prepared, spring can be a wonderful time to be in the canyon, but it probably wouldn’t hurt to bring a four-leaf clover just in case. You never know when old Jack Frost is going to send his next winter storm, and if the road to Diamond Creek is clear the one day trip will run even if there is snow on the ground!
Break free of the winter blues, try something new, and come join us in 2012!

“May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face;”

and may the “Luck of the Irish” be with you this rafting season!

-By Vanessa Therrien