San Juan Float Trip
Unfortunately, the weather was cold and wet and we had an EARLY start for the boat day. But, cancelling was not an option - so we wrapped ourselves in trash bags and hoped for the sun to come out. The river was high and running rather quickly and we were split into 4 different boats with guides. I was in the last boat and this boat pictured below was just in front of us. There was a bend in the river and it went up against a canyon wall, or cliff. I remember watching the whole scene - it seemed like slow motion. I saw the guide working the motor and trying to make the turn but the water took him to the wall. Then suddenly there was a SMACK, and I could hear the motor of the boat just die. The water was quite quick, and I saw the look on the guide's face - looking over to our guide - it went from uh-oh, to "I can't fix this!!!" - it was just a look. The boat was being pressed up against the wall and suddenly it was starting to tip the boat and the kids were screaming and didn't know what to do. The boat then capsized - and suddenly there was a lot of people floating down the river. Our guide quickly got our boat downstream from the incident and we started scooping up people from the boat - Shad, Tina, all those teens, the guide - and it was scary. At first the kids were in shock, then it was "that was cool!" and then after 5 minutes, the boat got quiet and tears started to come. It really was scary for who were involved. But, everyone was safe and miraculously, nothing was lost from the boat. Everything had stayed attached - including the lunch cooler (it was huge!).
Here is the guide riding the capsized boat down the river to a more shallow spot, where all the men got out and helped him flip it back over. That wasn't an easy feat either.
Our first pit-stop. We were able to walk up to Indian ruins in the cliffs and we also ate lunch - that miraculously didn't get ruined.
It was a long trip. Cole said his favorite part was when it ended. ha ha. I loved seeing the Indian dwellings all along the river - and despite the cold, wet start - the sun did come out and warm us up after lunch.
Canyoneering
We got all geared up and excited for rappelling and then a "short 1 mile canyon hike." Here are pix from the rappelling:
Hunter
Danny got uncertain of himself - he couldn't figure out how to put his feet in front of him, so daddy went to help him finish. (Cole is below Danny)
Skyler also rappelled! He didn't control his rope - they just let him down and I was next to him. At that brink of the edge Skyler decided it was scarier and was no longer so confident. I wrapped my arm around him, setting him on my knee, and we finished out the rappel. He's 3!! I thought this was going to be the hard part - nope, 1 mile hike proved to be a bigger adventure. (and no pics of Cole, not sure why, but he did it!)
waiting at the bottom of the cliff for everyone to rappel
The canyoneering adventure was intense! Here we are at the start - and some are trying to avoid getting wet.
In the end - it was unavoidable. It was much deeper water...
Notice Skyler on Shayne's shoulders - I'm keeping the camera dry.
Towards the end of the slot canyon - there was another rappelling part - but the guide just held the rope for each person as they climbed down this shorter wall. I was worried because I wouldn't be able to help Skyler. We roped him in and as he started to go, he started to get worried and wanted to quit. But then he decided to turn around and walk face first - and it was fine! He said, "that was easier." Funny boy!
Here is the guide standing at the top in the freezing water and helping everyone down. I learned something later about that water that still gives me nightmares - seriously, why do guys have to pee in water?!?!?! It did NOT cross my mind.
The pics don't do justice to the amount of water and the hiking we had to do. Skyler was a trooper - walking most of the time. There were spots where we definitely had to carry him and I'm still in awe when I think back to that adventure. It was one of the funnest things we did - but still, one of the most challenging days. That's the stuff that makes memories last.
4 Wheeling and Jeeping
The last adventure was driving Razors and jeeps. We all switched around at every pit stop so there was a lot of rotations. At first, I thought the day was going to be a bummer - there had been a lot of rain in May and it was still very wet where the guides were taking us. So, the first two stops ended up not working. They did not disappoint - we saw more ruins, and vistas, and lots of mud too.
The mud.
And Shayne started it. Everyone was going carefully through the mud until Shayne got behind the wheel... the kids loved it.
Grandpa had to get muddy too....
At one point, I was driving a jeep and we were going to do a big climb. The guide had a little pep talk with all the drivers and reaffirmed that the vehicles can handle it - but to be sure we didn't turn out of the line (probably a cliff). I was worried about driving! I had Cole, Danny, and Skyler in the jeep with me and the jeeps were MUCH bumpier than the Razors. As we were working our way up, the best thing that Skyler said was, "Mommy, You're breaking my neck!!!" It really was bumpy! On the way down, I got to drive a Razor and those things are awesome.
Back at the homestead - we had some time to share our favorite "highs and lows" from the week and Cole had everyone in stitches. I'm glad that everyone loves him for being himself - he doesn't know how to pretend to be anything else.
More random pics that I didn't fit into my little synopsis so far:
There was biking, there was food, and there was more FOOD! And there were goodbyes since James would be leaving in less than 2 weeks for his mission to Korea, and Chyanna to Mongolia in Sept.
Sheldon and Cheryl - these days went too fast. Yet somehow, I don't know how we fit everything into 1 week - so much in little time! Thank you for letting us celebrate the two of you all together. We loved all of it and we especially love YOU!!!
