Black Canyon Kayaking
Posted by Max Dunn Thu, 18 Oct 2007 15:30:00 GMT
As we were flying to Las Vegas to go kayaking on the Colorado River, Suzanne and I were thinking about how many times we have taken a trip by ourselves without the kids. The answer was three times – and every one of them was because J.R and Eileen invited us to go someplace, with the implicit understanding that the kids were not invited!
While we love going places with our kids, we really appreciate that they invite us on these trips so that we get to spend some time with adults, to reconnect with each other and to have some fun. And this trip was definitely a great time!
After flying to Arizona, J.R. and Eileen picked us up at the Las Vegas airport and then we drove to Boulder City to spend the night. The next morning, we drove down to Willow Beach to pack the kayaks and launch. The trip was put on by Jen of Aqua Adventures and she did a great job. There were 13 of us total, and we enjoyed everyone’s company. (Later, I was informed that unlike power boaters, ALL kayakers are nice people. ;-) )
The first day, we paddled upstream about 7 miles to the campsite. Although it was quite crowded with a pack of Boy Scouts, there was a fantastic hot springs a short walk up the canyon. The next day, we paddled about 4 miles to the bottom of the Hoover Dam, and then explored a steam cave, hot shower (natural) and some more hot springs before paddling back down to camp. The last day, we took a leisurely paddle back to Willow Beach. Afterwards, we rewarded ourselves with a long shower and massage at a spa, and then a nice dinner at RM Seafood at Mandalay Bay.
Suzanne and I used a tandem kayak – we like it because we can’t get too far apart (unlike biking where I am usually racing ahead!). However, we were informed that the dual kayak is also called the “divorce” kayak since couples usually argue a lot in them. But Suzanne and didn’t have any problems and really enjoyed paddling together.
Kayaking is a very peaceful and fun way to be out on the water. The paddling was great, the scenery was great, the people were great, being with J.R. and Eileen was great, and even camping and using the outhouse wasn’t too bad.
No doubt about it – a really great trip!
