Grand Canyon Float #2 – The Beginning of a Grand Adventure

The first time I remember on a river when I was nine.  Halfway through my first lesson I’d talked my instructor out of her hot-rod kayak and set out in search of the toughest beginner whitewater in sight.  My dad loves to tell that story.

Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to kayak competitively, embark on massive expeditions to every corner of the world, and enjoy lots of quality time on rivers with good people.

This month, I find myself rowing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking through the Grand Canyon with an unlikely group of folks.  Sarah and Eric McNair-Landry are polar explorers, Joe Riis is a wildlife photographer, Eric Boomer is an exploratory kayaker and photographer.  With us is an incredible hodgepodge of artists, craftsmen, drifters, and friends.

Few adventures could bring together such a cool and eclectic group of people, united under one goal.  Fortunately for me, drifting 281 miles through one of the most beautiful and remote places in our country on the Colorado River is one of those adventures.  It’s like coming home.

For 21 days we’ll be a nomadic tribe working together to keep moving downstream.  And it’ll probably be the most relaxing expedition any of us have ever embarked upon.

Today is the end of day five—the scenery has been fantastic, the whitewater exciting and the beach games even better.  And it’s all just begun.