Grand Canyon Float #1: Adventurers on Vacation

Photograph by Joe Riis

When I think of classic adventure here at home in the U.S., I think of climbing El Cap and rafting the Grand Canyon. They’re accessible and doable to many, but they are still pure adventure to the core—the kind of experience most all of us are looking for.

Photograph by Joe Riis; From left: Joe Riis, Michael Zarecky, Sarah McNail-Landry, Hillery Lynn, Erik Boomer, Hannah Tay, Luc Strickland, Chris Valiante, Andy Maser, Jeff Jewell, Seth Carson, Maggie Smith, Jenny Nichols, Emilene Ostlind, Eric McNair-Landry

This is the first live post from a group of professional adventurers on vacation—a vacation together down the Grand Canyon for pure fun … and sending live updates and pictures via satellite connection along the way.

Photograph by Joe Riis

Here we are, 16 young folk spending 21 days floating 280 miles though one of the most spectacular canyons around during the best time of the year to be here. We’re an eclectic bunch—a couple pro kayakers, polar explorers, National Geographic photographers and filmmakers, river guides, artists, Wyomin’ outlaws, and SoDak flatlanders. National Geographic connects us, and the river brings us all together looking for a grand time. This is what we do when we are not on assignment and traveling to some far flung place. The adventure has begun; come along for the next three weeks of a Grand raft trip.

 

 

– Grand Canyon Float #1: Adventurers on Vacation

Grand Canyon Float #2 – The Beginning of a Grand Adventure

Canyoneering at Silver Grotto, mile 29.4. Side hikes starting from the river are a main attraction for river runners. Some hikes, like Silver Grotto, involve technical climbing and swimming through pools. Photograph by Andy Maser

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.

Midday rest stop at Redwall Cavern, mile 33.3; Photograph by Andy Maser

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.

– Grand Canyon Float #2 – The Beginning of a Grand Adventure