After having gone backpacking, and in particular, after the Hilton Creek Lakes trip with friends, the husbands wanted to introduce their wives to the wilderness, far away from anything accessible by car. So, I drummed up interest for this paddle excursion and secured reservations and permits in May, a full six months in advance.
It had been raining most of the week, and the weather forecast is partly cloudy. The rain is supposed to stop when we get to our first night’s camp—but then it didn’t. We picked our tent at Boulder Beach by Lake Mead, and just as we turned in, the rain started. I quickly throw on the rainfly.
After a cozy night, we enjoy breakfast and get ready for orientation. Like my many trips to this beautiful canyon, the guide company has to go over rules. But this time, they’ve added nonsense things, like needing a firepan and a embers blanket, which we had to rent.
Then, we load up into their van and get shuttled down to the launch site. Exactly as I remembered it, the ranger and outfitter are always on a rush to get everyone into the water and off. “Get going, and go over to that sandbar to rearrange your stuff!” OK.
The sauna cave and Goldstrike Hot Springs are the first stops. We snack along the way and arrive at Arizona Hot Springs in the early afternoon. We all take our time soaking in the warm waters of the slot canyon. The upper pool is scalding.
We make dinner, build a fire, talk into the night, and turn in.
Our slumber is interrupted by raindrops, first a little, then more. Obviously, the forecast turns out to be wrong. I’m so happy we have a great tent.
The morning brings clear blue skies. There’s not a cloud in sight. After breakfast around a smoky fire from wet logs, we launch. It’s a long paddling day, but we make great progress.
Everyone, including the novice wives, agrees that this trip is a nice introduction to the wilderness. Leaving the tether of our cars turned out just fine.
Myles at Boulder Beach campgroundWet tent at Boulder Beach campgroundKids having breakfast at Boulder Beach campgroundGetting briefed by Desert AdventuresStaging our kayak launch at the bottom of Hoover DamBringing kayaks down the rampBringing kayaks down the rampLaunched from Hoover Dam, arriving at the Sauna CaveLaunched from Hoover Dam, arriving at the Sauna CaveOutside the Sauna CaveOutside the Sauna CaveAt the mouth of the Sauna CaveMyles at Goldstrike Hot SpringsLooking out from the Sauna CaveSoaking in Goldstrike Hot SpringsSoaking in Goldstrike Hot SpringsSoaking in Goldstrike Hot SpringsSoaking in Goldstrike Hot SpringsBrad and Sarah ready to launch from Gold Strike Hot SpringsSetting up camp at Arizona Hot SpringsSoaking in Arizona Hot SpringsClimbing down the ladder at Arizona Hot SpringsGetting the fire started at our campsiteGathered around the campfireGathered around the campfire, under a starry skyGathered around the campfireKayaks on the beach at Arizona Hot SpringsGetting the fire started in the morningNight picture of kayaks on the beachWet fly after a rainy nightBreakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, black beans, cilantro, and hatch chiliBrad making pourover coffeeGathered around the morning campfireToilet tentOur campsite in the morning with smoke from the campfireLooking downstream from the bluffLooking down at our campsite from the bluffLooking upstream from the bluffBrad and Sarah in their kayakDavid and the girls in the canoeGroup picture before leaving Arizona Hot SpringsLaunching off from Arizona Hot SpringsThe Nowrangis paddling in the Black CanyonBrad and Sarah in their kayakGrant and Daphney in their kayakMax and Aaliyah in their kayakMyles in the front kayak cockpitMyles in the front kayak cockpit, pointing at other kayakersPaddling down the Black CanyonRafting up for a rest near mile marker 57Rafting up for a rest near mile marker 57Lunch break on a sandbarGetting ready to paddle after lunchPaddling down the Black CanyonJayden and Yan paddling their kayakLooking out from Emerald CaveExiting the Black CanyonReed and Aaron in their kayakMyles happy in the kayak, sunglasses at the tip of his noseDavid and the girls paddling the canoeMyles waving his hand, sitting in the front kayak cockpitMyles waving his hand, sitting in the front kayak cockpitArriving at Willow BeachArriving at Willow BeachArriving at Willow BeachGroup picture at Willow Beach
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.
