“Where the eagle glides descending, there’s an ancient river bending..” ~ Neil Young, “Thrasher”
Day One — Mineral Bottom to Lower Fort Bottom, 10 miles
I have dubbed her “Saint BJ.” Not only does she loan me dry bags, but she comes over to help me pack,, and then color codes them with orange and green ribbon according to storage hatch!
This is all of it. All my “stuff” stuffed into two large IKEA bags, filling the Winnie.
Loaded up and ready to go — 3 “sit on top” Scupper Pros, one enclosed touring kayak, one wooden kayak hand crafted by Kathy, and one wooden canoe hand crafted by John.
Steep, 4WD road down to Mineral Bottom. I get to ride “shotgun” down the switchbacks.
This drive would not be so bad in the Tracker, but I wouldn’t want to be driving the passenger van towing the boats!
Nine days worth of “stuff” to support six people on the river.
I am surprised that we enter canyon walls so soon after launch.
Lunch stop. The first of many days of “nuts and beef jerky.”
Early on, we enter into the Canyonlands National Park boundary for the remainder of our journey.
Floating on the river is about the only place to escape the unseasonable heat.
Alan and Julene from the Salt Lake area are avid kayakers, just having finished a trip across Leigh Lake in the Tetons.
First camp at Lower Fort Bottom, the “Groover” must be unloaded and positioned.
John demonstrates proper use of the “Groover,” or port-a-potty, nicknamed for the imprints it leaves on your bum.
Kathy, John’s former Admin now friend, knows how to accessorize with a fuchsia tent and tee shirt to match!
There is always a “kitchen” set up at camp, located in the best opportunity for earliest chance of shade.
Day Two: Lower Fort Bottom to Anderson Bottom, 9 miles
Early morning wake-up calls are necessary to get on the river early to avoid higher afternoon winds.
At least the early mornings make for nice light in the river.
I took almost 500 photos on this trip. There was spectacular scenery in all directions.
BJ pauses to enjoy the view of “Butte of the Cross.” From here, it appears to be one formation, but it is actually two spaced far apart.
Anderson Bottom, our camp for our one “layover day.”
Anderson Bottom is a difficult take-out due to the steep bank, so we must make a “daisy chain” to unload the boats. But the shade of the cottonwood tree is worth it.
After doing laundry in the river, I am happy to find this makeshift clothes dryer.
Anderson Bottom has beautiful buttes all around.
Hiking up an old road chiseled in the rock long ago for cattle transport.
“Just one more bend?”
John and BJ in lower right for perspective.
L to R: John and BJ, Julene and Alan, and Kathy
The opening to the small slot canyon is only 300 yards down, so some choose to leave their gear at “Locker Rock.”
Walking the Wash
Opening to impenetrable slot canyon, unless you are Spiderman.
BJ and John survey nearby campground Bonita Bend as potential for BJ’s return “girls trip” next week.
We move down to “the balcony,” a small shelf overlooking the river for some cooler shade.
Day Three: Layover Day at Anderson Bottom
My rental kayak is the really skinny one with the charts on the deck. The narrow shape is really evident here. It made for challenging gear loading.
To be continued…Next up, Days 4-6
Wow, what a birth day present. Thanks for allowing us to vicariously accompany you on this adventure. We are presently over come with envy and anticipating the next message. Great pictures, we can understand how you took 500 pictures.
Is it your birthday, Allen? Or Deede’s? Happy Birthday!! Mine is Friday!
The fifth was my 73’d. On Friday we travel 400 miles to celebrate my aunt’s 90th that day. So we shall be at the St Lawrence Seaway Friday and will wish you a happy day right now!
Allen
Happy Belated Birthday, Allen! Another Libra! Please give your Aunt wonderful birthday wishes from me. I always love hearing about people with whom I share that special day. (Like John Lennon!) Have a great trip to the St Lawrence.
Early happy birthday, Suzanne!
Thank you, Frederika! You are only a couple of hours early. I usually stay up till midnight to “see it in,” but we have an early morning hike tomorrow, so I may have to wait until the sun comes up to celebrate. 😉
This looks like a wonderful trip, the scenery is stunning. I especially like the boat and reflection photos.
I hope you had a lot of sunscreen, sounds like it was a scorcher.
Thanks, Lisa — Yes, SPF 55! I don’t typically use sun screen much, but made an exception on this trip as the sun was relentless. Wish they made it in a special “cooling gel.” haha!
Yay! You’re back! Write more soon, we want to see more of the fabulous trip. Beautiful photos.
Yes, happy to be back in my rolling bed! Hope you get a good report today! Let us know, please…
Absolutely stunning surrounds. Must be tough to pack into that skinny kayak.
Thanks, Gaelyn — Yes, packing challenges were a daily frustration for me, as I always seemed to be “last” no matter how early I started! I am bummed to hear you and Bill came so close and I didn’t get to meet you, but I have high hopes for UT this fall!
Oh wow!!!! Now that looks like a fun trip. Is this s rental outfit? Would love some information on who they are. I took a kayak class years ago but have not done any since…………..that looks like a great alternative to the white water trips thru Grand Canyon and the scenery sure is pretty!
Hi, Ami — The trip was with friends who have done this trip many times, but we did use an outfitter, Tex’s Riverways in Moab. I rented my kayak from them, and they also provided the permit, along with transportation to the put-in and from the take-out. They were a top notch operation, and I would recommend them, but they do not put the trip itinerary together.
Really cool pics! I’m curious how your meals are for you….do they fill you up? Please share some that you like. Are you sleeping on a pad or directly on the ground? I am afraid that would do me in!! Quite an awesome experience!
Hi, Karen! Hope you are well. I will do a little recap at the end telling what worked and what didn’t. Food is certainly going to have the staring role. 😉 I will add your question about the sleeping pad as well. Thanks for the questions. Watch for my “reflections” post coming soon!
Your pictures remind me of Lake Powell. They are beautiful and am looking forward to more of your story!
Thanks, Mindy. Lake Powell is a place I have long wanted to spend some time. I need to do some research, as I hear there are good places to kayak and camp. Though I would also love to do a houseboat trip one day…
A houseboat trip on Lake Powell is on our “to do” list too. We have boated and took a raft trip from below the dam to Lee’s Ferry
Karen — I hope you do one soon, so I can live and learn vicariously!
Sorry it was so hot but, oh, my!! Suzanne, this looked like such an amazing trip. I can’t believe you only took 500 photos! What beautiful scenery:) I love the reflection photo and the kayaks all tied up togethere at the tree. But all the photos are amazing:) I can’t wait til you publish the next part. What fun!!
Glad to hear you are back with Red Rock friends:)
Thanks, Pam — Thanks for the nice compliment. And yes, it is good to be back with “my tribe.” Wish you and John were closer, but I am going to be taking good notes as you venture along 395!
Great pictures, choosing the ones to post must have been difficult. Seeing tthings from the perspective of the river can give you a greater appreciation of the sights….if thats possible.
Thanks, Dave. Yes, the selection process is challenging, but I also know to others, they can all start to look alike, so that makes choosing a bit easier. And I am grateful for the river perspective, something I would not likely have seen otherwise. Hope all is well there!
What an amazing river adventure! Beautiful photos
Thank you, Karen, for both comments!
Wonderful trip! I use the Ikea bags for camping stuff too, didn’t realize they are so popular!!
Thanks, Jane — John and BJ gave me my IKEA bags when we took the Black Canyon of the Colorado trip last March. I simply don’t know how I would have done all the loading and unloading without them! (And BTW, I found the PB2 at Walmart of all places!) Thanks for the comment.