Rafting the Colorado

We hired a raft from Canyon Adventures in Moab, strapped it to the roof and headed on up route 128 which winds along just east of the Colorado River. We had beautiful views of Arches and the surrounding canyons as we floated down the river. All-in-all the trip was very tame (a welcome surprise for me as I had visions of Emmett falling out and me somehow getting to shore where I’d sprint along the bank before diving in and scooping him up further along the river). We hit a total of 4 rapids (up to a class 2) – just enough bounce for the kids (except Aidan who of course was wishing it was turbulent enough to throw someone overboard) to make the day fun and relaxing for all. Ben and Aidan took turns paddling up front with me while James and Captain Steve handled the steering at the rear. Maybe next time we hit the Colorado, with the kids a bit older, we’ll be ready for some proper white-water rafting (and hopefully I won’t be too old by then to enjoy it). We headed back to camp for a cold beer and a quick swim in the pool before heading off to the BarM Chuckwagon just 5 minutes along the road from us. The ‘old west-themed’ evening included a gunfight, an enormous dinner (BBQ chicken and beef, baked pinto beans, biscuits, baked potato, spice cake and apple sauce all served on a tin plate which was all washed down with a delicious Polygamy Porter), as well as live music and entertainment by the BarM crew. A good value and fun for all. Tomorrow we’ll do a quick morning hike up to Landscape Arch before hitting the trail for Salt Lake City.