Colorado River Discovery Tour

We took a raft ride down the Colorado River from the base of the Glen Canyon Dam.  In fact, to get to our launch point the bus rides through the old construction tunnel, which is two miles long, through the Mesa.  We popped out at the base of the dam, where CRD keeps its powered rafts.

It's a very comfortable ride.  The raft had actual padded benches, but you could sit on the pontoons if you preferred.  A big Honda engine powered the raft when power was needed.  Going down stream it was used to steer the raft periodically.  Going back to the launch point our guide used the engine full time.

Our trip began at 8 AM so we escaped the heat of the day here where temperatures are expected to climb past 100 degrees.  Fortunately, the river water we rode upon comes from the bottom of Lake Powell.  So it's cold.  About 45 degrees.  That gave us natural air conditioning from the rocks of the canyon walls as they start to bake in the summer sun.

Earlier in our travel blog I lectured about people who throw coins into strange places in hopes of winning good fortune.  As we exited our bus to walk down the ramp to the dock we were all handed hard hats to protect us from coins people feel compelled to through down from hundreds of feet above.  The coins become rocket like projectiles as they gain speed and can penetrate skin.

 Morning is always best for spotting wild life.  Here is a small herd of mountain goats out for breakfast.

In the lower right of this picture you can see a blue raft tied up at the dock.  That's where we launched and returned.  It gives you a great look at the dam and the bridge above.  Most of what I shot today is video so you'll have to wait to see it.

Incidentally, if you are ever in this region and are contemplating a raft trip I highly recommend this one from Colorado River Discovery.  The half day version is probably good for most people but there is a full day version.  The company operated efficiently.  Everything was clean.  They were on time.  Friendly.  In their prep paperwork they tell you not to bring a camera bag.  You cannot bring any carrying bag which is opaque.  You can bring along a carry on that is clear.  They sell them at the tour company desk but you can probably find one at home for less money.  The reason is because we get to go the the base of the dam.  It's a security precaution.

Next tour stop today is the Slot Canyon.