River Journeys Blog

Recovering in Winter Moab

2012-01-10T14:26:00.009-07:00

The Latest Update on Arlo

Hello Everyone,

I can always tell it has been too long between updates when I start getting flooded with phone calls and emails. I can not believe it has been over two months since I left the hospital. In many ways I have forgot or not thought about the last 8 months and have really just focused on the week ahead in the best sort of way.

When things are going well I forget to write or don't think it's as important. It is also harder to write now that I am back to living life instead of living in the basement.

I think I might have put this off for so long because I need to make a ridiculously long thank you list and want to truly do it right. Which is intimidating. I might save that for post tests emails.

Anyway lets move to my timeline since I last wrote. I have to go all the way back to the beginning of November.

One of the great moments that sticks out in my mind is going to dinner at a local restaurant, the Peace Tree. At the end of the meal when the check came instead of a bill it was a piece of paper that read "Dinners on me, We are glad you are back in town and hope you recover quickly." It was really awe inspiring moment and made me feel that I had come home.

In a sadder moment. I also went to the wake of a local rafting legend Smitty on Nov 13th. Smitty was famous for running the local daily for days, or weeks on end. He was everyone's funny uncle that always had great stories and the best dirty jokes. He lived life his way and enjoyed everyday of it. Having stared at my own mortality for that past year and half, I was profoundly moved by his passing. Also the outpouring of support in a way he would have really love made me sad that when I do die I won't be around to share in the party. (though I do not plan that to be here for a long time)

I got sick for the last three weeks of November. Really not fun stuff. Snout, cough, flu like exhausted. It made me wonder if I was going to be sick for the rest of the winter. (Since I am writing months later I can say that I still have minor illness regularly but it is getting better everyday.)

I went to SLC to finish up with some "focal radiation" starting on November 21. This is where they shoot radiation in a very specific spot. In my case it was under my left arm pit which has the swollen lymph. I went up for three days then came home for thanksgiving than went back up on the 28 for 5 more days. The focal radiation was a breeze. Which was a real relief since my last experience with radiation was not pleasant. So hopefully this was my last treatment but it was rather anti climatic. It took about 11 minutes from entering the hospital to leaving the hospital. And that was if I had to wait. Most of the time I showed up a little early and was out before my scheduled time. Wish everything was so efficient.

Thanksgiving was great. For the most part. It was so long ago, so I am putting a rosy tint on it. Now that think about it…it was hard. I was still sick and my appetite had not come back yet which really sucks at thanksgiving. It was great to see my family. But I could not spend a ton of time with them and spent most of it on the couch trying to recover.

The first week of December I flew to Reno for a rafting conference. I usually really enjoy the meetings and tradeshow and talking with fellow river company owners. This time it was a real struggle. I walked a lot more than I had in…6 months? I was basically only tokenly there.

I also struggled with eating up until Mid December. I also started to get my energy back around then.(that probably is not coincidence) On Dec 12 I was able to play a little pick up soccer. I have been playing soccer weekly since.

The past two months have been a non stop reminder of what home is. Just a ton of fun events and gatherings with friends. From dressing up at the martini party, to play poker with the boys it has been everything and more I dreamed of while I was stuck in the hospital room.

Christmas was great even though my presents did not arrive on time and my house was sprayed with skunks. Which meant we had to move the festivities elsewhere. Kind of a bummer since, after the year I had I was looking forward to playing host to my family. A great part of Christmas is many friends come back to town to visit. So I was able to see old friends like Bart, Erin, Kalen, Cecily and Kellen.

I also was able to get out to Canyonlands National Park with my mom and friends. Which was, as always, wonderfully beautiful. With my energy coming back I have been able to get out a lot more. It also helps that the weather has been crazy nice with highs in the low 60's for the past 4 weeks or so.

Just to rub it in. here is my fun activities I have done in the past month or so. Sea Kayaking on the Colorado River with only a couple of Ice burgs, Full Moon hike to delicate arch, all day trip to Canyonlands national park, hike twice a week up moonflower canyon with Lulu, on new years day we went for a picnic/shooting guns day, at least once a week throwing disc golf, Bowling for Zachs' Bday and we are still playing soccer outside.

So lastly I will come back to talking about cancer. My final tests were moved to February. If the tests are too close to the final radiation than there could be false positives. Which means I will not know results until then.

I think I should be nervous or maybe scared of the results or not knowing. But I am really not worried about it. Well "worried" is not the right word. I not thinking about it. I am worried about it cause I really do not want to die. Especially after the last two months I just had (not to mention the previous 31 years). But I am not letting it affect my life. Either I still have cancer or I don't there is really nothing I can do to change that at this point, so need fretting over it. I do know the day I go in for the test will be the scariest most nerve-racking I have ever had.

It will not be just the PET scan I have to do but a variety of tests. Heart and Lungs. I already lost 18% of my lung capacity from the first set of Chemo done a year ago. So I am hoping to have better results this time. This 18% I will never get back. I don't know if that really matters.(I am not Lance Armstrong) I just use it as an excuse when my hiking partner is kicking my ass up the delicate arch trail or when I'm slacking in soccer.

All right enough thinking about that. I will send an email out very quickly after the results to let everyone know what is going on. I might send one before, when I get the exact date of the tests also. I think a lot people would like to know.

I do have to send at least one (two) thank you's in this email. I am not sure I have mentioned this in previous posts but we(as in the arlo team) raised $105000 for my medical expenses! The number kind of blows me away. We only really pushed fund raising for about a month and a half. There are SO many wonderful people. I don't really know where to start. So I wont and will thank everyone in a follow up email. But I do want to thank my family both near and far. Not just for fund raising but I received wonderful care packages and cards from them all the time. It really was extraordinaire. Also all the people that worked so hard to get the Cancer Free Arlo event off. Many worked on it like a full time job. I can not say thank you enough. But I will try.

Alright that is really what is going on with me and my recovery. I am getting my energy back though my motivation is still seriously lacking. It is hard to be at work. I just don't care as much as I did before. I hope that changes because I love my job. Maybe when I get out on the boat I will remember why I love this Job.

There is one thing I'm a little bummed about. That's my hair growing back. I loved not shaving. And it is growing back so fast and thick. Crazy. I think I look good with a shave head but it is a pain to shave your head all the time. I don't know how Bruce Willis does it. He must pay someone.

Thank you everyone. Love you. Arlo.

Click to go to previous blog posts of Arlo's Cancer Journey.

Blog:

Trip Photos:

Love on the River

2011-02-15T09:58:00.002-07:00

It's mid-February, and we're loving the warm sunshine that has driven away the cold over the last few days. We're also loving that so far, the snow-pack water levels are at 120% of normal, which means that the whitewater rafting this year is going to be GREAT! Cataract Canyon and the Yampa River are going to have really fun rapids during the late May and early June trips.

There have been a lot of requests this year for kayaking trips through Labyrinth Canyon on the Green River. These requests, and the fact that I'm a romantic, reminded me of one of my favorite stories of "Love on the River". This story begins with two people, from different sides of the country, who decided to take a kayaking trip on the Green River. One of these people was Kevin Davis, who has been rafting with Sheri Griffith Expeditions for many years. The other guest was Alida Collewyn. Alida and Kevin both signed up for our Labyrinth Canyon Sea Kayaking trip in September of 2009. They both attended our orientation at our office in Moab, Utah, where they met for the first time.

In Kevin's words: "We met at orientation and then just sort of clicked on the trip. The beauty of Labyrinth Canyon, the fun of the kayaking and riverside camping craziness with Lor and Annie made for a great five day long first date. At the Mineral Bottom take-out, Alida agreed to have dinner with me...we just statyed connected, and we plan to return to the river and SGE every year until we die."

"We have such wonderful times and memories of our trips with you guys and we look forward to our return in September."

I was so excited for both Kevin and Alida when I found out that they had hooked up during their Labyrinth Canyon Trip and that they were celebrating their 1 year anniversary with a Cataract Canyon trip last year. We love it when our guests come back, expecially when they are celbrating their own "Love on the River". Here's a shout-out to Kevin and Alida, who are celebrating this Valentine's Day in Peru, and who will be spending some time in Moab and Canyonlands National Park this September when they come visit us again.

The Sun is Still Shining in Moab

2011-01-18T12:04:00.007-07:00

It may be winter in Moab, but the sun has peeked through the clouds and has managed to melt most of the snow here at Sheri Griffith Expeditions. This time of year we keep warm by reading, re-writing, editing and re-reading all of our whitewater rafting trip information to make sure that everything is accurate and typo-free. There is something about reading through a day to day itinerary of a Cataract Canyon rafting trip that helps warm a person up, even when the temps outside are around freezing. We read about the warm water, the big sandy beaches, the hike to the top of the Doll's House in Canyonlands National Park and we can't help but remember the warmth of the sun as it warms us as we float gently along in Meander Canyon on the Colorado River and dries us after we crash through the Big Drops.

Of course, reading about our trips gives us a bit of cabin fever, and we want to get out and play. This morning I found a good way to remind myself that it really is winter in Moab:

But, that said, I also found a way to remind myself that the Sun is Still Shining in Moab:

Christmas-time in Moab

2010-12-14T09:54:00.011-07:00

Sheri Griffith Expeditions last rafting trip of the season ended on November 7th, but things really haven't slowed much here at the office. During the first week of December, Brenda, Nicole, Annie and Sarah all worked on a float for the annual Chirstmas Light Parade here in Moab, Utah. They decorated one of the rafts and used tent poles and lights to simulate waves. On parade night, Christian drove the truck, while gudies Brenda, Annie, Jen, Sarah, Silas, and Kristl's kids rode/danced/paddled their way down Main Street in Moab.

The next week Arlo, Jose and Brenda all went to Salt Lake during the for the America Outdoors Association's yearly conference. They learned some new things, shared ideas and socialized with lots of other river enthusiasts.

On December 10th, the Griffith Crew met at BJ and Lee Griffith's home for our annual Christmas Party. The food was great (as always) with a yummy turkey, John's "Christmas Potatoes", Brenda's Apple Salad, Jose's Roasted Veggies and Nicole and Marshal's hors d'oeuvres. There were other goodies including Apple-Pomegranate Crisp and a Pineapple Upside Down Cake. We appreciate all the effort that Lee puts into our yearly Christmas Party. Her home is always beautiful and welcoming.

Kristl and John brought their baby Xander all dressed up as "Santa". The little guy is three months old now!

After dinner we all exchanged "White Elephant" gifts. It's funny how some years, the gifts are all definitely white elephant, and other years, the gifts tend toward the not-so-white elephant. This year we had a good mix of both ends of the spectrum with gifts of thermostats and dress-up costumes as well as great books and home-made jams and jellies. Everyone had a great time opening and stealing gifts.

Over the next few weeks we'll be getting ready for the 2011 rafting season as we continue to take reservations for groups and individuals who are making their summer vacation plans. We'll also be working to improve our website and online reservations system to make it even more user friendly. We'll also be taking some R&R ourselves as we all take a break from the office and spend some time with our families.

2010-04-09T10:37:00.000-06:00

Top 5 Reasons to Choose: Sheri Griffith Expeditions

Your Safety: Our number one priority has always been the safety of our guests since 1971. We call it soft adventure, because it is soft on risk yet high on adventure.
Easy: All our trips are all inclusive: we include tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads for all our guests. We take care of all the details and make your vacation easy. All you need is your clothes.
Fun: Our fun loving professional guides are the best in the business with an average of 10 years of experience. This is not just their summer job, it's their life. Our guides not only live in Moab, but work and play on the river year round.
High Quality: We provide the highest quality equipment, guides, and food on all of our river expeditions. We take pride in adding a "Touch of Class" to all aspects of our trips.
Valuable: Small groups without paying hundreds of dollars more. Each trip offers an adventure that provides exhilaration and a sense of wonder in the great outdoors.

2010-03-22T11:22:00.001-06:00

New Trips: Lots of new trips have been added this winter.

6 day Highlights of Cataract Canyon on June 14
5 day Expeditions in Luxury Trip on June 27
2 day Fisher Towers Family Trip on June 12 & 26, July 10
5 day Yampa River on May 16
5 day Sea Kayaking through Labyrinth Canyon on July 20
2 day Westwater Canyon on April7, July 18 & 15

Visit Us in New York and Boston

2010-02-04T15:19:00.001-07:00

Come Visit Sheri Griffith Expeditions in Boston and New York!

Sheri Griffith Expeditions is going to be attending two tradeshows on the East coast in February. We will at the Boston Global Travel Show from February 19-21 at The Seaport World Trade Center (200 Seaport Blvd. Boston, MA.) Or join us at The New York Times Travel Show the following week, February 26-28, at the Jacob K. Javits Center (270 West 43rd Street.) Stop by the booth to enter a drawing for a FREE 2 person Expeditions in Luxury: 5 day Cataract Canyon trip this summer.

If you would like to get a complementary pass give us a call: 800-332-2439.

River Guides in Winter

2010-01-28T16:28:00.014-07:00

What do river guides do in the winter? The guides in Moab go Ice Sea Kayaking on the Colorado River. Earlier in January, Brenda and Nicole talked fellow guides Arlo, Marshall, Josh, Christian, Ari and Kenny into joining them for a day float with Ice Burgs on the Colorado.
Moab River Guides	Nicole & Ari
Christian Dean Ice Kayaking	Colorado River-
Ice Kayaking group floating	Ice and Canyon
Taylor (Lor) and Jon went to Europe and Northern Africa for some traveling this fall and winter. They traveled to England, Amsterdam, Rome, Athens, Spain and Morocco. They really liked Morocco and even ended up as extras in the new Sex and the City Movie. Lor is currently traveling in Pakistan.
Lor in Morocco	Jon Fuller in Marrakech

Come Run the Dolores River with us!

2009-12-18T09:14:00.003-07:00

NEW Dolores River Dates: For the first time in years we are shooting for a Dolores River trip in May. There has been a lot of interest in this trip, so we are beginning to take reservations for a 5 Day/ 4 Night Dolores River trip for May 16, 2010. We already have enough people signed up to confirm the trip. This trip is going to fill quickly, so book fast!

The Dolores is a classic western river: unspoiled with a majestic desert backdrop. The contrast of colors in Dolores Canyon is stunning: the deep green of the Ponderosa Pines growing beneath sheer sandstone cliffs of burnt orange hue. Pinion pine, juniper and Douglas Fir also populate the canyon.

The whitewater in the beginning of this section is mild-mannered with mellow Class II rapids. Downstream, the rapids get decidedly more rowdy, climaxing with the quarter-mile long Snaggletooth rapid-a steep, boulder-strewn cascade rated at Class IV. We might be optimistic about the snowfall this winter, but it's worth it if we can run this beautiful river again. If there is not enough water for the trip to run, you can either transfer to our 5 day Yampa River trip during that same time period or we will refund your money.

It's In!!!

2009-11-20T10:19:00.003-07:00

2010 Brochure is in!

Our new 2010 Brochure is ready for downloading! The 2010 Sheri Griffith Expeditions catalog is online now. There are several great new trips including the Canyonlands Hiking Adventure for 7 days. This one of a kind river journey follows part of John Wesley Powell's historic 1869 exploration down the Green and Colorado Rivers. The expedition combines the serenity and amazing hiking in Stillwater Canyon in Canyonlands National Park with the excitement of Cataract Canyonto make one amazing vacation.

Canyonlands Hiking Adventure: Adults: $1575 April 25 Sept. 19

First snow of the season in Moab!

2009-10-28T11:19:00.003-06:00

On October 28, Moab had its first big snow of the season. This is much earlier than normal for our town, so hopefully this is a sign of lots of snow to come!

If the snow keeps up and you want the biggest whitewater around, plan for a high water (high adventure) trip in late May and early June. The two trips most likely to have high water are the Untammed Yampa River 4 day trips and theSights of Cataract Canyon 5 day trips. Both of these trips fill fast!

Gates of Lodore in Outside Magazine.

2009-10-22T10:51:00.002-06:00

Sheri Griffith Expeditions has been featured in Outside Magazine again!

Outside highlighted our trip in Dinosaur National Monument through the Gates of Lodore on the Green River. Since this trip always sells out quickly our guests must already know how great this section of river is! Click to read the Outside article.

BEST: MAY-JULY: PEAK RUNOFF In 1869, when John Wesley Powell first viewed the frothy entrance to what is now known as the Gates of Lodore, he freaked out, calling it "a dark portal to a region of doom." His assessment could not be more misleading. Sure, there are serious rapids (Class III or IV, depending on the water level), but outfitters allow seven-year-olds
to raft it.

Beginning in western Colorado's Dinosaur National Monument, this 44-mile section of the Green courses through three spectacular gorges as it winds into Utah (Sheri Griffith Expeditions offers four-day trips from $790; www.griffithexp.com). First up are the 2,000-foot walls of Lodore Canyon. Then the swirling waters of Whirlpool Canyon, where David Brower and the Sierra Club famously prevented the construction of a dam, before the river tilts again for a rapids-strewn ride through Split Mountain Canyon. Along the way, there are plenty of distractions: bighorn sheep, petroglyphs, pictographs, a billion (literally) years of geological history, and, of course, ButtPlug Falls. (It's not what you think.)

New Yampa 5 Day Date

2009-10-13T09:05:00.003-06:00

Sheri Griffith Expeditions is bringing back a guide favorite by adding a spring5 day/4 night Yampa River trip to our schedule! For the first time in many years we will be able to see some one of our favorite canyons with a depth that is only afforded with extra time.

This trip will give you an extra day to hike and explore much more on the river corridor than normal. Explore something different each day: hike up side canyons to see 1000 year old Native American artwork or to the waterfalls up Jones' Hole or to the hermit Pat Lynch's hideout in Echo Park. Traverse deceptively named rapids such as Moonshine, Five Springs, Warm Springs and TeePee, and enjoy star filled skies every night.

Keep May 16, 2010 open for your trip through Dinosaur National Monument on the wild and beautiful Yampa River.

End of Season Yard Sale

2009-10-06T11:13:00.001-06:00

Sheri Griffith Expeditions is having an end of the season yard sale. Sale includes boats for as low as $50. Coolers, paco pads, kitchen items and more. Sale starts Friday Oct 9th at 3 pm to 6pm and Saturday from 9am-noon. 2231 South Highway 191. call 259-8229 for questions.

New Whitewater Rafting Dates

2009-09-28T14:31:00.001-06:00

2010 Dates are HERE!

It's never too early to start looking ahead to next year for an exciting river rafting vacation. If you act fast we will give you this year's price for next year's trip! We have already started taking reservations for next year on some of our most popular trips.
Sign up early before the trip you want fills up!

Click to view our 2010 dates and rates.

Remember if you reserve your spot before October 31st you will receive this year's price. This is a savings of over 5%. If you are a repeat guest you still receive your 10% off. This could be a savings of over 15%!
For more information call 800-332-2439 or email us at info@griffithexp.com

The Green River: "An All American Adventure"

2009-04-30T18:02:00.002-06:00

The Green River was selected by National Geographic Adventure magazine as one of the 50 best American Adventures. Sheri Griffith Expeditions runs 3 different wonderful stretches of the Green River: Majestic Canyons of the Green River, Gates of Lodore in Dinosaur National Monument, andLabyrinth Canyon by Seas Kayaks. Each one of these trips offers a different experience and atmosphere.

The Majestic Canyons of the Green River is the Perfect Family river trip with big sandy beaches, 5000 foot cliffs and moderate whitewater. The Green River through Desolation and Gray Canyons is the only river canyons registered as a National Historic Landmark. The Fremont Indians farmed, hunted and lived here over 700 years ago and left ruins and ancient rock art. The most popular stop is McPherson Cabin where Butch Cassidy, Sundance Kid and "The Wild Bunch," hide out. Time is set aside to explore these homes and legends.

The Gate of Lodore in Dinosaur national Monument is our most requested trip. With stunning 2000 foot red rock walls, an abundance of wildlife, waterfall hikes and exciting rapids everyday. The scenery is a combination of Rocky Mountain trees and plants, then drifting down into the desert canyon country. The always present wildlife includes deer, bighorn sheep, eagles, trout, and hawks around almost every bend. We purposely travel slowly, about 10-15 miles per day, giving us ample time to explore the canyons and take in the Green River and its surrounding wildlife.

Labyrinth Canyon is a flat-water section for the Green River we run in Sea Kayaks.This canyon offers classic red rock canyons and a wealth of fantastic hikes into the depths of Utah's canyon country. . This 60-mile stretch of river without any rapids is perfect for leisure kayaking. No experience is necessary, as touring kayaks are easy to paddle, comfortable to travel in and very stable. There’s time to explore the canyons and ponder the ancient Indian writings and trappers' inscriptions on the canyon walls. Your time is spent playing on and in the river and relaxing on your leisure vacation.

The 2009 Rafting Season has started!

2009-03-31T12:45:00.002-06:00

First Trip on Westwater Canyon in 2009!!

Sheri Griffith Expeditions kicked off the rafting season with a one day Wild Westwater Canyon trip on March 25th. The trip was a charter trip with long time SGE guests the AIM House.

The trip was lead by 11 year guide Taylor, known to most guests simply as “Lor.” Also on the trip were Laura, Lorenzo and Jose. This trip was lots of fun for all. It was especially exciting for Sheri Griffith Expeditions general manager, Papa Jose, who is starting his 27th year of rafting. This was his 1000th day in Westwater Canyon and his 58th birthday!

Congratulations Jose! Thank you, AIM House, for joining us for another wonderful trip. For more photos check out our Facebook Page.

Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

2009-03-18T11:08:00.003-06:00

Serves: 8 to 10

This is one of our all time favorite Dutch Oven desserts. The exciting finish comes at the last moment when the cake is inverted to reveal the impressive topping.

TOPPING
4 Tbs. Butter
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Can pineapple rings
8 cherries (optional)
½ Cup Chopped Nuts (optional)
Whipping Cream (optional)

CAKE BATTER
1 Yellow Cake Mix
1 Cup pineapple juice
3 eggs
1/3 cup water
1/3 Cup oil

STEP ONE:

Prepare Cake Topping: On your stove melt butter in the bottom of a 12" Dutch Oven. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter. As soon as the brown sugar is dissolved place the pineapple rings in a single layer on top of the brown sugar. Make a nice ring around the outside of the Dutch Oven and then place the remainder in the center. (For added flare you can place a cherry in the center of each ring or some chopped nuts on top of the pineapple.)

STEP TWO

Prepare Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl combine cake mix, pineapple juice, water, eggs and oil. Mix well. Spoon cake batter over the top of the pineapple rings. Carefully spread the batter evenly to the edges of the Dutch Oven.

STEP THREE

Bake your Cake: Cover Dutch Oven and bake using 7-10 briquettes underneath and 14-16 briquettes on top of the Dutch Oven for about 45 minutes. You can test to see if your cake is done by inserting a knife or toothpick in a few areas. If it comes out clean, your cake is done! Remember, anytime you open the lid to check on your cake you loose heat, just like your oven at home. You will smell your cake before it is almost done.

Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes or so with the lid cracked. Then, take a rubber scraper or a knife and run around the outer edge of the cake to loosen it from the Dutch Oven. For the next step make sure you have gloves on, the oven will still be hot! This is the fun part! Take a flat serving tray and place it on the top of the Dutch Oven. Carefully place one hand on the lid and the other on the Dutch Oven. Now, on three, flip the oven over so the cake falls onto the tray. Place the tray on a table and tap the oven to make sure the cake did not stick. After that, carefully lift the oven off of the tray.

The cake is best served warm with whipped cream topping!

Airlines are dropping prices!

2009-03-12T13:38:00.005-06:00

Want to go whitewater rafting this summer? Take advantage of the current low airfare prices and get come raft the Colorado River before the ticket prices raise again for the summer.

Here are some sample round trip fairs for this summer to Salt Lake City:

From LA: $175

From Chicago: $195

From Washington DC: $219

From Atlanta: $240

From Seattle: $189

From Dallas: $264

From New York: $230

Choose a rafting trip for your vacation, and you will discover a unique sense of adventure and joy. The River gives you something you won’t find in any other vacation; relaxation, fun and some of the most beautiful views in the world. No other rivers have captured people’s hearts and imaginations like the mighty Colorado River, and her sister streams the Yampa River and Green River.

50% off Cataract Canyon!

2009-03-12T13:36:00.000-06:00

50% off the April 7th 5 day/4 night Sights of Cataract Canyon whitewater rafting trip.

Get a last minute discount on our premier trip, the Sights of Cataract Canyon for 5 days on the Colorado River. This is a great opportunity to see spring flowers, very few people on the river and Canyonlands National Park for an extremely low price. Full payment is required when making the reservation.

Book Now online and enter Promotional Code: april7 or call us 800-332-2439.

Snowpack Update:

2009-02-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

The snowpack as of February1st 2009 for the entire Colorado River basin was at 108% of average! Many resorts including Telluride had a record snow fall in December and there are more storms on the way. 2009 is looking like another wonderful whitewater season!

If you want to catch the high water (high adventure) trips then look at dates in late May and Early June. Our two trips most likely to have high water are the Untamed Yampa River 4 day trips and the Sights of Cataract Canyon 5 day trips. Both of these trips fill quickly so Book NOW!

Are we going to still be able to raft the Yampa River in the Future?

2009-01-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Yampa River is the one of two rivers that Sheri Griffith Expeditions runs that goes completely dry after the snowmelt is gone. This makes the Yampa River one of the most pristine and least rafted stretches of river in the United States. Sadly, though, the ability to raft the Yampa River is in serious danger from a variety of sources including big oil companies needing the water for oil shale extraction and the front range of Colorado needing the water to accommodate its growing population.

Here are a couple of articles about pending dangers to the Yampa River:

Denver and the west.

Shell eyes Yampa River:

http://www.denverpost.com/previous2/home/ci_11389866

Plan today to avoid water crisis tomorrow:

http://www.denverpost.com/commented/ci_11330764

More Colorado River water on tap for county :

http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/dec/26/more-colorado-river-water-tap-county/

The John Wesley Powell Hiking Adventure

2009-01-21T15:11:00.001-07:00

If you're looking for the complete getaway vacation, then 8-days of hiking in Canyonlands National Park is for you. If you really want to ESCAPE it all then combine the hiking John Wesley Powell Expedition with the 5 day Sea Kayak through Labyrinth Canyon for the perfect 13 day trip. These one of a kind river journeys follow part of John Wesley Powell's historic 1869 exploration down the Green and Colorado Rivers. The expedition combines the serenity of Labyrinth Canyon on the Sea Kayak, and the amazing hiking in Stillwater Canyon in Canyonlands National Park with the excitement of Cataract Canyon to make one amazing vacation.

More Days = Time for Longer Hikes.

The highlight of the hiking trips is the "Layover Day". This allows us to hike to the top of the famous Dolls House in the Heart of Canyonlands National Park. This is a very challenging hike with over 1500 feet of vertical gain as you hike from Colorado River to rim of Canyonlands National Park. Once up tops some of the attractions include spectacular views of the La Sal Mountains, Canyonlands and the Colorado River. You will also get a chance to see hidden Native American ruins and petroglyphs.

The Fremont Indians were a semi-nomadic people who inhabited these canyons (500-1275 A.D.). They left petroglyphs on the rock walls that can be spotted today. Denis Julien was a trapper and fur trader who left inscriptions on the rocks in a number of places. All of his inscriptions are dated 1836. How Julien got into the canyons is still a mystery. It is not known if he came by boat or if he walked in from the rim.

The Green River through Stillwater Canyon

Stillwater canyon offers unforgettable hiking to places such as Anderson Bottom and the Dolls house. We will spend most of the days hiking to petroglyphs and ancient ruins during this part of the your. Each night you will camp on beautiful sandy beaches while the guides prepare hearty and delicious meals.

The Colorado River through Cataract Canyon

As featured in Outside Magazine and the Washington Post.

The Green River meets the Colorado River at the "Confluence." Here is where the world famous whitewater starts. Shortly after the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers, a series of steep descents and powerful whitewater known as the Mile-Long Rapid begins. Then comes the Big Drops: Little Niagara and Satan's Gut. In high water, the waves are gigantic. On the last day you meet Lake Powell and your unforgettable river journey transitions to a scenic plane flight over the canyon and river you just explored.

Nicole and Marshall's Wedding

2009-01-21T15:04:00.001-07:00

Nicole and Marshall's Wedding
Two of Sheri Griffith Expeditions top guides were married this fall. Many of you will know 10 year guide, Nicole, from leading trips on the Gate s of Lodore, The Yampa River, and Labyrinth Canyons. Marshall specializes in the 4 day Highlights of Cataract Canyon trips, but has run many other Colorado River trips for us through the years.

They were married at Brown Betty beach, the first rapid in Cataract Canyon on November 8th in front of friends and family. Long time friend and fellow Sheri Griffith Expeditions guide Ari Lowe performed the ceremony. The next day the whole group had a great day running the rapids of Cataract Canyon!

Sheri Griffith Expeditions and our extended family send our best wishes to Nicole and Marshall, two wonderful guides, people and friends.