Aug 27
This morning we awoke at 6:40 to the free coffee, and then we ate the absolutely best breakfast of the trip. Pat lined four of us up by the griddle and poured a rectangular grid of egg mix, took orders for cheese/olives/mushroom/tomatoes/peppers in each quarter of the grid, and then folded it over to make an omelet. I ate mine loaded and it was delicious. I can't forget the cinnamon rolls from the Dutch Oven. Unbelievable!
We broke camp for the last time, and hit some rapids. Todd started in the ducky first, and then switched with Matthew.
I switched into the ducky and we hit a looong stretch of flatwater where we just floated at an easy pace as the land became a little less mountainous and the river began to wind a bit more. I saw a goose on the shore and it flew right in front of our 2 rafts. Joanne switched into the ducky and I took this picture showing an area so shallow that Todd and Rob were able to walk around! Matthew got so hot at one point (there were still no clouds in the sky) that he dragged himself in the water behind the raft as we went along.
Kristen did most of the rowing, and right before we reached Split Mountain the wind picked up and we saw some rapids ahead. Joanne got back in the boat and Pat rolled up the ducky. We went through different rapids with names like S.O.B and Schoolboy. There were a lot or rocks, but Pat navigated through them with skill, and we stopped for lunch just as the Park Ranger was packing up and leaving the beach. Matthew cooled off in the water while Jordan passed out fresh pineapple wedges.
Several of us took one last swim in the river before we had a delicious lunch of turkey and roast beef sandwiches. We were a bit subdued because the trip was over! We stood by the shore and Pat took a group picture.
We set off one last time and hit the rapids. Matthew and I were in front and were starting to get a bit wet. On the very last rapid Pat yelled out "Matt and Steve this is for you" and we got absolutely drenched as he nailed us with a huge wave. We were thrilled to death because like all of the other days it was blue sky and hot! We exited the river at the ramp at Dinosaur National Monument (the Park Ranger was departing right before us), saw a few more bighorn sheep. We hopped into the vans and drove back to headquarters and said our goodbyes! I took a shower at Holiday's headquarters, and then we gave a big tip to the guides.
Holiday Expeditions really was extremely organized on the river and the guides were super-friendly and knowledgeable. We both hope to go back and do the Yampa River, hopefully in June (when the river is running a little higher).
Matthew and I decided to get something to eat…….
… and then three hours later, we were pulling into Salt Lake City …..
We checked into our hotel, the Red Lion. It felt good to sleep in a bed again!
