rafting the "daily", or fisher towers

at some point in drinking beers with Becky, I volunteered to go on the water with her on her Friday trip. it took a second to change gears, and think rafting again... but I was excited to row, and check out this upper section of the Colorado.

in Utah, you need a guide license to take customers, so I was only able to row the lunch boat. I was super stoked about that, but I am sure the other guides were a bit bummed I took such a coveted spot in the trip. oh well. ha.

the scenery on the Colorado around fisher towers was amazing. the group, men with varying levels of autism, was also a lot of fun and a little chaotic. they were all over the place, and at times hilarious, but seemed to be having such a good time supported by a great group of staff. it reminded me of etc trips, where the boating is the least interesting aspect of the day, and I was happy to see Becky's program serving awesome people.

the boating, however, was flat as could be (compounded by a really low water year), hot and long. such a worthwhile trip for the group, but pretty brutally boring for the guides.

hiking negro bill

after the tour of the office, Becky and I decided to try and be active... and went for a hike. Moab is set in such a stunning area surrounded by big red slick rocks, with canyons cut deep into the rocks. the hike into negro bill canyon was a nice flat-ish hike along a stream weaving through the canyons. 2.25 miles out, we reached a dead end at a huge rock arch. it was a hot and humid day, and we hiked in the middle of the afternoon.... but there were plenty little shaded areas along the creek to cool off. after so much driving, it was awesome to get out and WALK!

after a little siesta, we went over to the guide house, and chilled with Becky's staff, and had a delicious BBQ. it was the last night for one of her guides, so it was a nice little send off.

'splore office and Lucy

the next morning, after a leisurely breakfast, Becky took me over to her guide house and warehouse to show me around. very different from the etc river camp, but she had already brought little personal touches such as a trip board. ;)

beck was also eager to show off her project motorcycle, Lucy. becky bought Lucy in rough condition, and has been tinkering around, and has gotten her to run. she starts, and beck drives her up and down the hill (slowly!). needs a "few" parts before she is road legal... but sure a fun project!

visiting Becky in Moab

after a wonderful day and night of relaxation, I hit the road again, and drove from flagstaff up to Moab Utah to visit my rafting friend Becky. she took a new job this year managing the rafting program for a company called 'splore, and was just about at the end of her first long low-water season.

we spent the night I arrived catching up over some beers in town. 2 of her guides joined us, and we managed to gab until almost 1am. it was great to have time with Becky to hear about her challenges, successes, and plans for future seasons. this job really seems to be a great position for her. not easy at all, but one in which she can really grow.