A whitewater rafting blog for anyone interested in California whitewater rafting, Idaho river rafting, rafting in the Grand Canyon, as well as rafting throughout the U.S. West, national parks vacations, multi-sport vacations, adventure travel, and all things related to the world's waterways.
Archive for the 'Grand Canyon Dory Boat Trips' Category
IF YOU THINK HIKING NINE MILES IN OR OUT OF THE GRAND CANYON IS AS EASY AS WALKING TO THE STORE, AND IF YOU SORTA-KINDA GET IN SHAPE IN BETWEEN GOING TO THE MOVIES AND MAKING DINNER, YOU’LL BE JUST FINE, THINK AGAIN. VETERAN O.A.R.S. GUIDE, JEFFE ARONSON OFFERS INSIGHT INTO WHAT IT TAKES TO HIKE THE LEGENDARY BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL.
Trust me. More than a few folks have limped their way to and from the boats, missing hikes to waterfalls and swimming holes because they’re too beat up, eating ibuprofen like candy.
Jeffe Aronson rows dories in the Grand Canyon. His love of rivers, and evocative descriptions of wild places and the constant tension and nearness of death, has gripped travelers and readers alike for the duration of Jeffe's 36 years as a river guide and story teller. Jeffe is currently seeking an agent for his book, River God—a riveting collection of adventure narratives that reveals nature at her wildest and most beautiful, or as Jeffe says, "River God takes readers places they yearn to glimpse, but dare not go."
The water has indeed risen. 75,000 cfs. Scuttlebutt has it going higher. I make a mental note to scout an uphill escape route as we float. Who knows? The dam just might blow. (I cross my fingers, actually preferring this option, but keep my mouth shut.) Six hundred vertical-foot tsunami. Should take a few hours to make it a hundred miles downstream, plenty of time to scramble to the perfect viewpoint and crack a beer.
Suzanne joins me at Phantom’s boat beach and we observe as the nervous clients pack. She watched a thirty-seven foot motor rig flip end-over-end against the wall in Crystal last week. Crystal is ten miles downstream. That’s a bit over an hour at current speeds.
Jeffe Aronson rows dories in the Grand Canyon. His love of rivers, and evocative descriptions of wild places and the constant tension and nearness of death, has gripped travelers and readers alike for the duration of Jeffe's 36 years as a river guide and story teller. Jeffe is currently seeking an agent for his book, River God—a riveting collection of adventure narratives that reveals nature at her wildest and most beautiful, or as Jeffe says, "River God takes readers places they yearn to glimpse, but dare not go."
It was early March of 2003 and a blizzard had roared out of the north the previous night, so it took a moment to kick the snow off my boots before stepping inside the boathouse. There I found myself staring up at a dozen diminutive rowboats that were unlike any kind of watercraft I had encountered.
Kevin Fedarko spent 13 years as a staff writer at Time Magazine and a senior editor at Outside before turning to freelance work in 2003. Since then, his stories have taken him to northern Alaska, the Horn of Africa, and across the Himalayas from Nepal to Afghanistan. When not on assignment or rowing a baggage boat in the Grand Canyon, Kevin can be found at his home in northern New Mexico.
Scotty Stevens is no newbie to whitewater rafting. With over 200 trips through the Grand Canyon and 28 years of guiding behind him, Stevens has become a modern day rafting icon. He readily shares his humor as well as his opinions with those willing to lend an ear. He's super easy to get along with and enjoys each rafting experience as for him it's all about the people.
Although he's a minimalist and appreciates solitude, he's not one to be constantly dirty and will bathe in the river regardless of the weather. Stevens also enjoys gardening, horseback riding and building things whether it be his deck or an extension of his house. Although many situations on the river inspire Scotty, he explains that "when the crew is really a team, and the folks see it, the energy is so good it's contagious."
Life offers us certain magical treasures that cannot be duplicated. Eating a fresh, warm, buttery croissant in a Parisian café. Sharing your first glimpse into Yosemite Valley with someone special. Sharing a pennant victory on home soil with your baseball-loving kids. Experiencing a whitewater river trip in a sleek, classic dory.
Smooth, solid, surreal…As stylish as it is burly, a dory is to the river what an Italian sports car is to mean, urban streets and rowdy rural routes. No other boat is as capable, safe or elegant on the wild waters that O.A.R.S. explores. Beyond their stout, thoughtful design dories hold a soulful connection to the river and a heritage of western exploration. Combined, the qualities of the vessel make for an unmatched and unforgettable journey.
Dories are made for rock and roll. They’re also finely tuned to provide classic amenities. Hardwood-hulled but ultra-buoyant, they slice walls of wave, buck through rapids and land large drops with ease (and more than enough splash).
Don George, the Adventure Collection’s Web Editor in Chief, is a highly respected and pioneering travel journalist. He was most recently the Global Travel Editor for Lonely Planet Publications. Prior to that, Don was Travel Editor at the San Francisco Examiner & Chronicle and then edited Salon.com’s travel site, Wanderlust. An interview with GC Dory Guide, Jeffe Aronson, is currently featured on Don George’s award-winning blog – “Don’s Place.” Well done Jeffe!
Here is the complete interview…
Well Guided: Conversations with Top AC Guides
Mar 30, 2009
Many thanks to Pamela Newberry for these incredible images from her recent O.A.R.S. Grand Canyon Dories trip! We’d all love to hear about your experience hiking out of the Canyon from Phantom Ranch on the Bright Angel Trail. Was it the most difficult hike of your life? Was it relatively easy but l-o-n-g? Did you have enough water and snacks? Could you refill your water bottles on the trail? What was your hiking guide like? What was your experience like staying at Phantom Ranch? Inquiring minds want to know…
Here is a short video clip of Bruce Keller guiding his dory One Eyed Jack and guests, Dave and Betsy, through a fun little rapid on the Colorado River. This clip was taken on an O.A.R.S. Dories trip in October 2008.
Longtime whitewater rafting and dory guide, Bruce Keller, sure knows how to show folks a good time in 36 Mile Rapid on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon! This ‘bow riding’ video was taken on an October 2008 O.A.R.S. Dories trip from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek.
Waterblogged in your inbox
Blog Feed
Bloglines
Waterblogged in your inbox