First-time paddlers try whitewater

Northeast Wisconsin Paddlers’ (NEWP) annual student whitewater outing on the Red River took place this past Saturday. Each year this event gives students from NEWP-led kayaking classes in Appleton, Green Bay and Fond Du Lac the opportunity to practice skills they learned during indoor pool classes. For some it was […]

Grand Canyon — Day 12: Homeward Bound

Wednesday, September 12 Last night I was up as late as I ever have been on this trip — until 9:30! It was our final night on the river so everyone was in a joyous mood, which raised our music-making and revelry to a new level. Despite the jollification, I’m […]

Grand Canyon — Day 11: A Sense of Accomplishment

Tuesday, September 11 Today is one of our longest days on the Colorado River — 29.5 miles of mostly flat water — giving us time to talk, laugh and think about how much we’re going to miss this Grand Canyon experience. During this hot, slow section some paddlers choose to […]

Grand Canyon — Day 10: Lava Falls

Monday, September 10 This morning the mood is different. There’s the usual friendly banter over coffee and breakfast. But as we pack the rafts and kayaks the tone is quieter, more subdued. Each of us is thinking about the giant rapid waiting for us. Before we launch from our campsite […]

Grand Canyon – Day 9: Havasu Creek

Sunday, September 9 It’s day 9 of our Team River Runner Grand Canyon kayak trip. Today is a new day and it’s time to get moving. This morning after a tasty breakfast of fried tortilla shells cooked with eggs inside (which I’m told are called “migos”) we are on the […]

Grand Canyon – Day 8: Matkat Canyon

Saturday, September 8 Day 8 in the Grand Canyon. Last night we camped at one of the most spacious campsites in the canyon with easy access to the river and fantastic views. Tonight is a different story. More about that in a minute. First, I’ll describe our day. After another […]

Grand Canyon – Day 7: Bedrock and Deer Creek

Friday, September 7 Our Team River Runner group guiding five blind kayakers through the Grand Canyon paddles 18 miles from mile 119.5 to 137.5. It’s another hot day — 96⁰F — but the water is cold. Flowing from the bottom of Glen Canyon Dam at 52⁰F, the water is said […]