I hoped whatever lay beneath that gloom would pass before we were beneath it. We noticed the clear, blue sky gradually fill with white, puffy clouds, which turned to gray clouds and then in the distance an ominous, dark sky appeared. The group took their turns rotating between taking the oars, being blissful passengers and manning the ducky (inflatable kayak). This stretch is their chance to take the oars and see what it feels like to maneuver an 18-foot boat fully weighted with five days worth of food, drink and gear for six people. That is why we were here.įor all the rafting newbies, the first day is 20 miles of flatwater before the entrance to Desolation Canyon proper, where the rapids begin. The moment we started down the river, we began to disconnect from the world of convenience, things, schedules and obligations. The morning couldn’t have been more beautiful. We were all in a great mood, even with Mick’s precautions: be careful about where we ate, as several black bears had been sighted in recent weeks clean up our camps so it would be a pristine experience for the next boaters and be ready for a possible thunderstorm sometime around noon - weather reports indicated a 30 percent chance.Īnd with that we pushed off. He commented how everyone he meets is in a good mood on launch day. He recognized me from previous years and we laughed about being seduced by the river enough for an annual visit.
If only nature herself could be trusted to cooperate.Īt the put-in at Sand Wash, the river ranger, Mick, made sure we had all the necessary supplies and gauged our boating experience.
I had run this same stretch of river four times before and they all knew I wasn’t a licensed river guide, but they trusted me. I couldn’t help but ask myself, “Should they trust you?” My stories took hold and were enough to create the trust they needed to know that I could successfully and safely take them downstream for nearly 100 miles and through more than 60 rapids. I’d tantalized their senses with stories of this place and seasoned their willingness to push off onto the river for an extended, multi-day journey where serpentine canyons unveil new views and sensory experiences around every bend. I sleep through the night in my little tent beneath cottonwood trees, towering cliffs and my own private swath of sky full of stars.Ī year earlier, I connected with some people who seemed to share my desire for exploration and adventure. After a few days in Desolation Canyon (aka “Deso”) the passing river’s current fights off insomnia and takes my thoughts and concerns straight to la la land.
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