From: cory@cory.intel.com (Cory Cox)
Subject: Re: Soliciting experiences w/ Grand Canyon Rafting outfitters
Reply-To: cory@cory.intel.com (Cory Cox)
Organization: Intel Corporation
Date: Thu, 5 Nov 1992 22:21:06 GMT

In article <1992Nov2.215625.16652@netcom.com>, kent@netcom.com (Kent
Crispin) writes:
> Some friends and I are planning a rafting trip down The Canyon next year.
> We have been collecting information about the various companies that
> offer trips down the river.  Here's the list of companies that we have
> information from:
> 
> Arizona Raft Adventures, Flagstaff AZ
	
	I went on a trip 2 years ago with AzRA.  It was a 6 day non-motorized
	trip that covered 89 miles from Lee's Ferry to Phantom Ranch.  At
	Phantom Ranch, we hiked out and other people hiked in for the 8 day
	lower half.  Quite a few people were doing both sides making 14 day 
	trip.  We didn't quite have that much time.  I have nothing but
	good things to say about AzRA.  The guides were very interesting 
	people who seemed very content with life.  

> How about some of the following issues:
> 
> 1)  How much space did they allow for personal gear?  Could I carry
> a small guitar?  Would it be a waterlogged mass of splinters at the
> end of the trip?  

	We had 2 "black bags" which are rubber dry sacks.  Each was a bit
	bigger than a day pack.  One was your sleeping unit, the other
	was yours to pack.  A guitar would not fit, but I'm sure that
	if you called the outfitter, they could arrange for you to take the
	guitar.  They would likely welcome the music.

> 2) How much did were the guides able to tell you about the natural and
> human history of the area?

	The AzRA guides were very knowledgeable about the natural history
	of the canyon.  There were frequent side hikes which were a major
	highlight of the trip.

> 3) How about the food?  Could they accomodate someone with a food
> allergy, or a strict vegetarian?

	The food was fantastic.  I went on a trip in Idaho this year and the
	food was not nearly as good.  AzRA took a hand coffee grinder and we
	had fantastic coffee in the morning.  There are some good surprises
	that I won't tell you about.

> 4) What was the general human-generated noise level at the camps?  Was
> there constant shouting and laughter, or was it quiet?  Did people stay
> up late partying, or did they stay up late discussing the meaning of life?
> Or was everyone asleep by 8pm?

	There was not a lot of loud partying on my trip.  Each trip has a 
	different character so be prepared for anything.  There was some
	alcohol around.  Cans of beer are referred to as "sandwiches" on
	the river.

> 5) How well do you think the guides could handle an emergency?  What
> would they do if someone developed appendicitis, for example?

	The guides seemed very competent and I'm sure they are quite experienced
	in various first aid techniques.  There was air evacuation available for
	real emergencies.

> 6) Suppose you wanted to spend an hour somewhere sketching something.
> Was the schedule flexible enough to accomodate you?
	
	We generally got to camp early and had several hours free to hike
	or do whatever we wanted.

	Overall I had a fantastic experience with AzRA.  I look forward
	to doing the lower half soon.  

	I also strongly recommend Arta for trips in the northwest.  I took
	their trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon this year, fantastic.

============================================================================
  | ________ |          | Cory Cox (cory@cory.intel.com)
  |_\/\/\/\/_|          | Intel Software Focus Group
     \/\/\/             | Hillsboro, Oregon
      \/\/ Sir Hoopalot |  --Will program for food
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