Rafting-San Juan River-May, 2012

This year we were able to go on a river trip down the San Juan River starting in Bluff, UT and finishing at Lake Powell. We met up with the McPherson's, Douglas and Kartchner family. Boats were rented in flagstaff for a great rate and due to Dave's careful planning everything went well without a hitch. 

We loved the warm weather, warm water to float in and great campsites with plenty of sand for the kids to dig around in. In the afternoons we would just hang out in the water or float the currents to keep cool.   This was a five day trip with lots of sun and plenty of junk food supplied by Jon and Camie 

Just lounging around in camp these two sweeties are good buddies and loved rafting.

One evening while hanging out in camp we watched a herd of sheep on the opposite side of the river working their way down the canyon on slick rock shelves. It was fun for the kids to try and count them all. Throughout the rest of the trip we continued to see sheep grazing on the banks of the river and then climb into the cliffs as we approached.

Everything went so well with the kids on this trip, the adults were definitely outnumbered but everyone had a great time.

 

Government rapid was pretty rocky this time around, everyone got stuck on one rock or another and it made it a little more ominous to see a wooden dory stuck on a rock towards the end that had been there for over a week, the owners had to abandon it.

We ended up staying up late every night and would sleep in in the mornings.  We hiked the Haunaker trail with the kids and they all did really well.  Cadin and I went the furthest and if we would have had more water we would have made it completely on top of the canyon.  Jase found some cool rocks on the hike down with fossils in them as he searched with Dave on the way down.  Parker was the smallest hiker and he kept right up with the older boys and didn't complain once, just happy to be along.  The San Juan is such a great trip for the hiking alone.  The last day is always a long push, but on this trip the water was clear and the sand bars were easily seen which made for less frustration and a quicker exit.  When we got to the take out it was 100 degrees and the wind was blowing pretty hard, everyone looked pretty travel weary and ready for a shower.  I love having family we can not only enjoy hanging out with during the holidays but also have fun adventures with.