This spring, Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trips are more affordable than ever. A basketful of discounts are available on April and May departures on the full canyon motorized rafting trips.
What do we mean by full canyon? These trips start at Lee’s Ferry and take out at one of three locations; Whitmore Wash, river mile 188, Diamond Creek, river mile 225, and Pearce Ferry, river mile 279, and Rivers & Oceans will be there every step of the way to help make your local traveling logistics hassle free!
These motorized trips are great for families with children as young as eight yet also provide exciting rapids like Crystal and Lava Falls and gorgeous side canyons such as Elves Chasm and Havasu for the thrill seeker.
These trips normally average $2400-$3000 per person, and with discounts of 10%-30% off these trips are booking fast; so hop on these discounts before they disappear!
By Vanessa Therrien
Friday, March 30, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Great Spring Special!!
Still looking for a whitewater rafting trip this spring? Well it's not too late.
Join us for the April 19-April 21 3 day motorized adventure from Whimore Wash to Lake mead!
This all inclusive trip departs and returns to Las Vegas, Nevada. We recommend arriving the night before and getting a good rest in the "City of Lights" before your busiest, fun filled 3 day vacation ever!
Your first day you will fly by scenic charter plane to the authentic, family owned Bar 10 Ranch where you will enjoy skeet shooting, horseback riding and western entertainment with some of the nicest folks you will ever meet. Spend this night in a covered wagon or in their dormatory style lodge.
On day two, after a hearty cowboy breakfast, you will board a helicopter for the thrilling 10 minute ride into the canyon where your river guides and motorized rafts are waiting for you. Spend the next two days rafting exciting class II and II rapids and hiking beautiful side canyons as well as spending a night under the stars without any city lights to cloud the view.
On day three after a few more rapids and floating along on some scenic flat water sections you'll transfer to a jet boat and get whisked away to Lake Mead where an air-conditioned bus is waiting to take you back to Las Vegas.
For $1200 per person you will receive all of this plus a free t-shirt, duffel bag, souvenir water bottle, and river guidebook. And as an additional special, in honor of "National Park Week" (April 21-29) the National Park Service is waiving all entrance fees!
Give Rivers & Oceans a call to book this once in a lifetime trip today! See you on the river!
By Vanessa Therrien
Join us for the April 19-April 21 3 day motorized adventure from Whimore Wash to Lake mead!
This all inclusive trip departs and returns to Las Vegas, Nevada. We recommend arriving the night before and getting a good rest in the "City of Lights" before your busiest, fun filled 3 day vacation ever!
Your first day you will fly by scenic charter plane to the authentic, family owned Bar 10 Ranch where you will enjoy skeet shooting, horseback riding and western entertainment with some of the nicest folks you will ever meet. Spend this night in a covered wagon or in their dormatory style lodge.
On day two, after a hearty cowboy breakfast, you will board a helicopter for the thrilling 10 minute ride into the canyon where your river guides and motorized rafts are waiting for you. Spend the next two days rafting exciting class II and II rapids and hiking beautiful side canyons as well as spending a night under the stars without any city lights to cloud the view.
On day three after a few more rapids and floating along on some scenic flat water sections you'll transfer to a jet boat and get whisked away to Lake Mead where an air-conditioned bus is waiting to take you back to Las Vegas.
For $1200 per person you will receive all of this plus a free t-shirt, duffel bag, souvenir water bottle, and river guidebook. And as an additional special, in honor of "National Park Week" (April 21-29) the National Park Service is waiving all entrance fees!
Give Rivers & Oceans a call to book this once in a lifetime trip today! See you on the river!
By Vanessa Therrien
Thursday, March 1, 2012
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
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
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
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