Bram
Recycles dryer sheets
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2006
- Messages
- 227
A bit over a year ago I had posted about possibility of doing this adventure, asking for opinions, because I had misgivings. Many posters were very encouraging to go for it. Well, last week DH/I, son/dil & 3 grands (13,12 & 12yrs) joined 15 strangers & 5 crew & completed an 8 day motorized raft thru Grand Canyon with Arizona Raft Adventures, AZRA.
It was a fabulous trip, beautiful scenery, exciting, full of laughs & fun, scrumptious food, and outstanding, knowledgeable kind, guides & staff. Yes, it was hot, but not insufferable b/c one could dip your sarong in the river & cool off easily. I am very fair, sunburn easily but with SPF clothes & keeping covered, as well as sunscreen, no problem.
The challenges were the sand, sand, & more sand. It is very VERY fine sand that is not compacted, gets into everything & difficult to walk in. I thought my age related balance issues were only minor. The sand exaggerates & compounds issues & I staggered around more than I ever expected. DH & I opted not to go on any of the extended side Canyon hikes, but did do short jaunts as guides suggested.
Trekking to the "grooves" (toilets) during the night was also a challenge for this older lady. Men have it soooo much easier on this score! LOL
My grandkids had an absolute ball with the other young ones who ranged in age 10-18. They were able ride some rapids on their own out of the boat & swim in the river off the boat. It was great to see there energy burst out, running, playing, singing.
I highly recommend this trip, if you've ever considered it. I could've more easily handled the physicality 5-10 yrs ago, so don't wait! AzRA is outstanding!
It was a fabulous trip, beautiful scenery, exciting, full of laughs & fun, scrumptious food, and outstanding, knowledgeable kind, guides & staff. Yes, it was hot, but not insufferable b/c one could dip your sarong in the river & cool off easily. I am very fair, sunburn easily but with SPF clothes & keeping covered, as well as sunscreen, no problem.
The challenges were the sand, sand, & more sand. It is very VERY fine sand that is not compacted, gets into everything & difficult to walk in. I thought my age related balance issues were only minor. The sand exaggerates & compounds issues & I staggered around more than I ever expected. DH & I opted not to go on any of the extended side Canyon hikes, but did do short jaunts as guides suggested.
Trekking to the "grooves" (toilets) during the night was also a challenge for this older lady. Men have it soooo much easier on this score! LOL
My grandkids had an absolute ball with the other young ones who ranged in age 10-18. They were able ride some rapids on their own out of the boat & swim in the river off the boat. It was great to see there energy burst out, running, playing, singing.
I highly recommend this trip, if you've ever considered it. I could've more easily handled the physicality 5-10 yrs ago, so don't wait! AzRA is outstanding!
