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
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Presidents' Day Trivia Answers
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!
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!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Presidents' Day Trivia
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
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
Monday, February 13, 2012
100 Years and Still Going Strong
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
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
‘Tis the Season: The Night Before Grand Canyon
‘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
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
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
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