Grand Canyon Float #2 – The Beginning of a Grand Adventure
The first time I remember on a river when I was nine. Halfway through my first lesson I’d talked my instructor out of her hot-rod kayak and set out in search of the toughest beginner whitewater in sight. My dad loves to tell that story.
Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to kayak competitively, embark on massive expeditions to every corner of the world, and enjoy lots of quality time on rivers with good people.
This month, I find myself rowing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking through the Grand Canyon with an unlikely group of folks. Sarah and Eric McNair-Landry are polar explorers, Joe Riis is a wildlife photographer, Eric Boomer is an exploratory kayaker and photographer. With us is an incredible hodgepodge of artists, craftsmen, drifters, and friends.
Few adventures could bring together such a cool and eclectic group of people, united under one goal. Fortunately for me, drifting 281 miles through one of the most beautiful and remote places in our country on the Colorado River is one of those adventures. It’s like coming home.
For 21 days we’ll be a nomadic tribe working together to keep moving downstream. And it’ll probably be the most relaxing expedition any of us have ever embarked upon.
Today is the end of day five—the scenery has been fantastic, the whitewater exciting and the beach games even better. And it’s all just begun.
Go Further
Animals
- These 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animalsThese 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animals
- These photos are works of art—and the artists are bugsThese photos are works of art—and the artists are bugs
- The epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfishThe epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfish
- Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75
Environment
- Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.
- This year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning signThis year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning sign
- The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?
- The most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater weldersThe most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater welders
- The harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to surviveThe harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to survive
History & Culture
- Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’
- A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.
- Meet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural iconMeet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural icon
- Inside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysicsInside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysics
Science
- LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?
- NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.
- Humans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying themHumans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying them
- Why engineers are concerned about aging infrastructureWhy engineers are concerned about aging infrastructure
Travel
- 2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip
- Play and stay in the mountains of eastern Nevada
- Paid Content
Play and stay in the mountains of eastern Nevada