Grand Canyon Whitewater River Trip

Clear Creek Waterfall

Last May, I volunteered on an electrofishing survey with Arizona Game and Fish on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. I hiked in on the Bright Angel Trail and was picked up at Pipe Creek and my trip ended 12 days later at Diamond Creek. The Grand Canyon has always held a special place in my heart as a hiker and backpacker, but seeing it from the river was a wildly intense experience for me.  I was devastated when I left the river last May, not knowing when I would be able to return. I enjoy the Grand Canyon on foot but I had tasted the river life and wanted more.

I was persistent in trying to get a job as a swamper, or boatman’s assistant, for this season. In January I was hired by Arizona River Runners and its sister company, Grand Canyon Whitewater and have six trips scheduled this summer. After months of wondering and anticipation, on May 12th the day finally came for the launch of my first working river trip!  It was such an incredible experience, the crew and guests were fantastic. I truly enjoy teaching people about the desert and the Grand Canyon. I was fortunate to learn from such an experienced and patient crew about the minutiae that goes into making such an intricate trip work.

It was also my first time seeing the entire length of the river, and I can’t wait to go back for more! In fact, I’m packing right now to head out again soon. Instead of the usual blog post, I have tried to describe my trip through the captions on the pictures and videos on my Picasa account. Click the link below to go to the album.

Grand Canyon Whitewater River trip 5-12 to 5-25

In Wildlife Rehabilitation Fundraiser news, I will be taking a hiatus from volunteering at the rehab for a couple of months because of my new job on the river. I’ll definitely miss seeing faces like this baby Harris Hawk.

Baby Harris Hawk