Six buddies on a river kayak trip,
Embarking from Hoover Dam with a skip.
Paddling down the mighty Colorado,
Excited for the adventures that lay below.
Stopping at Sauna Cave, their first break,
Hot springs for soaking, sore muscles to shake.
Relaxing and rejuvenating, their spirits renewed,
Ready to face whatever the river threw.
The gale force winds howl, but they brave the storm,
Their determination strong, their bodies warm,
With every paddle, they push ahead,
Braving the elements, no time for dread.
At last, they find a place to rest,
A fire lit to warm their chilled flesh.
Their laughter echoes, their stories flow,
Feeling rejuvenated, they are all set to go.
Onward they paddle, through the turbulent flow,
The river a force, their spirits aglow,
Twelve miles later, they reach Willow Beach,
Proud of the feat, final landing within reach.
Core memories made to last a lifetime,
Of six buddies on a river kayak climb,
Through the Black Canyon to Willow Beach,
The journey a testament to friendship’s reach.
– poem from edited ChatGPT text
Allen and Ian kayaking below the Hoover DamStarting the kayaking trip down the Colorado RiverStarting the kayaking trip down the Colorado RiverGroup selfie just after launching from below the Hoover DamOn the sandbar across from the sauna caveSoaking in Goldstrike Hot SpringsIn Goldstrike CanyonOutlet of Goldstrike Canyon with kayaks on the sandbarOutlet of Goldstrike Canyon with kayaks on the sandbarOn the beach at Arizona Hot SpringsPaddling into Arizona Hot SpringsPaddling into Arizona Hot SpringsSlot canyon with sliver of skyWading in Arizona Hot SpringsSlot canyon with sliver of skySoaking in Arizona Hot SpringsSoaking in Arizona Hot SpringsBrittlebush in bloom, against red slot canyon wallHeading out from Arizona Hot SpringsCloudscape over the Black CanyonDanny and Allen getting ready to leave Arizona Hot SpringsPaddling against gale force windsPaddling against gale force windsPaddling against gale force windsDanny, Allen, and Ian paddling inAllen putting on warm layersAllen started a fire to warm us upHuddled by the fireTwig fireDavid in his kayakPaddling with DavidDavid paddling the Black CanyonKayaking in the Black CanyonTaking a break before the home stretchExiting the Black CanyonReady for the final stretchArriving at Willow BeachStanding on Willow Beach at last
Colossians 3:
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.