September 13-14, 2024
Colorado River, Ruby-Horsethief Canyon
A few months back while canyoneering in Escalante, Utah, our friend Lin mentioned that he had been a rafting guide years ago. I told him that if he ever wanted to do a rafting trip to let us know and we would jump at the opportunity. A few weeks later, he reached out talking about a family trip with his family and invited Laura, myself and Hazel along.
Lin had done this particular float trip a few times and suggested an itinerary that he thought would work well for our group. Laura made it a point to obtain the river and camping permits while Lin would supply the raft and experience.
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| The group getting ready to launch |
Laura, Hazel and I loaded up the Jeep and drove to the rafting put in at Loma, CO on Saturday morning. Hazel and I hung out while Laura drove to our river exit at Westwater, UT and was picked up by Lin's family, the Saxey's. Becky, Brant, Danielle and Matthew, along with Lin's nephew, Jacob. We all met back at the Loma river put in and loaded up two rafts with all of our camping, cooking and rafting gear. Sometime around 2:30 we were off and floating! While the river was flowing very slowly, the scenery was amazing. We had plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and good company. Water fights with water guns were had, wild swims in the river when anyone got too hot and great conversations.
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| Laura and Hazel enjoying the kayak |
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| The Saxeys on the blue boat and Jacob, Justin, Lin and Avery on the yellow boat |
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| Justin and Hazel took a few swims in the Colorado River |
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| Hazel had so much fun playing and swimming that she wore herself out before we reached camp |
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| The scenery floating down the canyons was amazing |
With much paddling, we reached our camp for the first night, Blackrocks 1 at 6:45 pm. Everyone set up camp and tents and Laura and I cooked the group tacos for dinner. The group was hungry and the tacos and fixings were a hit.
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| Setting up camp at Blackrocks 1 |
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| Our camp on the banks of the Colorado River |
The following morning was full of relaxing and looking out over the river, just enjoying being out and away. Laura and my tacos were outdone by the Saxey's who brought pancakes with homemade jams and butters along with orange juice. I made coffee in the Jetboil to round out the most amazing breakfast.
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Hazel playing in the river before breakfast
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| Hazel enjoying breakfast on the riverbank |
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Hazel made friends with Dani and they explored the area while we took the tent down
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After relaxing a bit and letting our breakfast settle, we once again boarded the boats and headed down river. The only stop we made was at narrower stretch of river through some more black rocks to do some exploring and cliff diving. After an hour or so of goofing off we again headed down river to our exit point at Westwater. Laura and I ran the others back to pick up cars and while we were bummed to have had such a short weekend on the water, we were happy to have had the new experience. Hazel liked it so much that we will be planning another river trip, although over perhaps 3 or 4 days in the next year!
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| Hazel with her squirt gun |
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| Laura and Hazel on the kayak |
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| The river crew at blackrocks |
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| Lin paddling while Laura and Hazel play |
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| Avery and Hazel plotting to squirt someone when they get within range |
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| The cliff jumping rocks |
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| The cliff jumpers floating down the river after jumping |
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| Hazel and Avery playing in the mud |
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| Hazel peering through a hole in the rock that looks like a giant eyeball |
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| Hazel and Avery playing at the river's edge where we stopped for lunch |
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| Jacob entertaining himself |
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| Back on the river, Hazel got a kick out of playing with Lin |
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| Meanwhile, the Saxeys took a nap while Becky paddled |
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| Although the children didn't speak too much, Hazel followed Avery around and played next to him every chance she got. She was happy to have another young person along. |
