Thoughts From the Land of Limbo - Grand Canyon Rafting Trips - Guest

Well, the 7 day Grand Canyon rafting trip is paid, plane reservations are made, and the hotel room reserved. I am in the land of limbo. It is too early to begin packing but I don’t have to stop thinking about the trip. My friends, family, and coworkers have learned to just deal with me. They have given up on attempting to ignore my conversations abut this adventure, so they simply listen to me and kindly nod their heads, probably hoping I shut up.
While in this state, many questions have been stirring in my mind that can fit into the “The Good (sense of wonder), the Bad (silly curiosities), and The Ugly (a few fears).” I thought I would write in reverse order, saving the best for last.

The Ugly:
Snakes, scorpions, helicopters, heights, powerful water-can I face my greatest fears all in one shot?
Does this really have to be a once in a lifetime trip?

The Bad:
Seven days without shaving our legs? Help me here fellow female travelers- I won’t look at yours if you don’t look at mine!
What do you do about battery life for digital cameras with hundreds of photo ops?
What happens if I don’t want to go back to civilization?
What if I can’t fall asleep at night in the canyon because I am too excited?
Am I going to be brave enough to sit towards the front of the J-Rig for Lava Falls?
Ahem-and just where do we go to the bathroom?

The Good:
How immense is Redwall Cavern? For some reason this place mystifies me.
How do the lush gardens at Vasey’s Paradise survive the harsh conditions of the Grand Canyon?
How blue is the water of the Little Colorado?
If you had to take one book to read on this trip, what would it be?
If I could hear Granite Rapids from the rim, how loud will it be in the middle of it?
What will it feel like to stand near the Anasazi Granaries where Native Americans lived over 1,000 years ago? Will they be watching us?
Did I really see photos pf people wearing Togas in the middle of the Grand Canyon?
How will I ever be able to describe this trip in words?

Karen Bennett

Mark Twain said, "A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way."
Stay tuned to Karen's guest blog if you want to know what answers she discovers in her journey.
OR
Experience the anguish and joy of limbo that Karen has discovered on your own 6 or 7 Day Grand Canyon Rafting Trip.

Comments for Thoughts From the Land of Limbo - Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Saturday, April 9, 2011 by Lori:: Hey Karen..you are in for the trip of a lifetime..mine, down the Grand in 1986 changed mine as I ended up working for WRE in 88& 89 as a boatman down in Moab(green river, Westwater and I actually rowed Cataract in a Rogue) something a gal from NE Ohio never thought she'd do!! I have never seen the Grand from the rims! the best way is from the river..you WILL overcome your "ugly's".if you tan easlily, no leg hairs will be visible!!! extra camera batteries! I aahve heard of solar chargers but never seen one...you will sleep in the canyon, the water sounds are soothing and restful..DEFINATELY sit at the FRONT of the J-rig through Lava!!!!..and you'll learn about the "groover" your first day at camp(if they still call it that!! your GOODS will be AWESOME!!! I wouldn't take a book, take a journal(for thoughts and contact info from all the friends you'll make) you may end up with a book of your own! and yes, you will feel the presence of the "Ancient Ones" for the duration of your trip..and after! I often think of going back and rowing again.yet.my older physique has issues with that!! it will be a life time trip.,,and you will remember it for many years after..I guarantee it!..HAVE A BLAST!!!...
Sunday, April 10, 2011 by elaine:: Karen thanks for posting!! I'm certainly glad to learn I'm not the only one worrried about not shaving my legs for 7 days :( i'm also a little concerned about the lack of shower facilities, but as my husband assures me " we will all smell the same". however I am extremely excited about this trip and can not wait till August
Sunday, April 10, 2011 by Charlene:: Trust me when I say that all your worries are unnecessary. I had never white water rafted before and had the time of my life. You won't likely see either scorpions or snakes unless you go looking for them. You won't see a mosquito either which makes sleeping under the stars amazing. It is true that you will likely not sleep well the first night keeping an eye on the Milky Way and getting used to the heat of the rocks but after that you will awake to see the most amazing scenery. I read no books while on the trip. We went to bed when it got dark and were up at the crack of dawn. Despite initial concerns about bringing a good camera we brought our Canon Rebel with extra battery but didn't use it. The waterproof day sacs kept our camera safe. I can honestly say I have not been on a better vacation. The memories will be with you for many years to come!!!
Sunday, April 10, 2011 by Maggie Fraser:: Karen- fear not. I shared all of your concerns back in 2003 when we first hit the rapids. We are returning for our 4th trip with Western River and taking our grown children with us this time- our retirement trip on July 5th.
Let me try and give you my answers to some of your questions.
Do not worry about the critters, by the time we arrive on the beaches they have all disappeared into their respective hiding holes.
The helicopter ride is awesome. One minute you are saying your goodbyes to your fellow river runners - next you are in the helicopter and rising above the canyon rim- don't waste your time panicking, get that camera out for your last view of the river.
The water is powerful there is no disputing it- try riding in the chicken coop at the back until you get the adrenaline going - you will want to sit up front.

As for the details-please bring a razor- sit on a pretty rock after you have made up your bed for the night, grab a beer and some soap and groom!! I will be.
You must take a spare battery for your camera - you will need it.
You probably will take a period of adjustment after the experience and will not want to feel closed in ever again. At the ranch, after our showers, I had to open the cubicle door as I felt a bit claustrophobic.
You will sleep at night. After the adrenaline wears off and you have eaten well you will soon want to retire to your bed and lie and watch the shooting stars. Amazing.
Lava will be your last rapid- depends on your emotions on the day. I sat back so I could take it all in, and not just the force of the water.
Bathrooms- a loo with a view usually. A good system to afford privacy. You will have to go so learn to breathe through your mouth- hee hee.
Vaseys, Redwall, Little Colorado, Granite, Crystal(my scariest rapid)Togas- all memorable.
A very spiritual experience- you will feel- everyone does.
There will be tears as you rise out of the canyon. You will want to come back. You will bore all your friends who will not have a clue what you are on about.

I love a story/poem written by a river runner called Vaughn Short to be found in a collection called Raging River Lonely Trail. The poem is called " .........and Maggie smiled at me". This was read out around the campfire. I think it was aimed at me as I am a smiley person, but there will be so much smiling it could be for anyone.........please enjoy.

Maggie Fraser Scotland.