September 23-30, 2006
Click Here to view a
printable version
 Canoeing the Green River in Utah is an exquisite gift to
your senses. The light on the canyon walls reflects
every color of red and purple imaginable, while the silty green of the river blends with the golden willows,
tamarisks, and sand along the banks. The echoes inside
the canyon walls, the coyote’s call, and the canyon
wren’s song can fill the air, breaking the otherwise
hushed sounds. And then there’s the mud world class, spa
quality, silky smooth mud!
Canoeing is an easy and beautiful way to experience the
canyon. The gentle current on this flat water river
guides us along our route. You do not need prior
experience for this trip (this is a popular Elderhostel
destination), just an adventurous spirit, and perhaps a
longing to be immersed in this incredible canyon
country.
We’ll be on river time paddling, floating, exploring,
relaxing. There are beautiful places to stop and hike
along the way, where petroglyphs from the Fremont
culture
 (900-1275 A.D.) are chipped into the canyon
wall. Bow Knot Bend is a section where the river makes a
180 degree turn over 7.5 miles. We can hike a quarter
mile up to the top of the bend for a spectacular view of
the river’s course and the surrounding area.
The various canyon layers are distinct, and provide a
geological map of time. You’ll see the relatively recent
Jurassic layers of Navajo Sandstone, Kayenta formations,
and Wingate cliffs with petroglyphs, all the way down to
the White Rim Sandstone layer, formed by coastal winds
of the flooding and receding sea . We’ll also learn
about some common plants and their uses by the Indian
culture. The sand and mud of the Canyonlands create
great tracking. Kit fox, Ringtail cats, lizards,
coyotes, jackrabbits, mule deer, beavers, herons, and
ravens all can leave their marks in this area.
A typical day will find you awakened by the sound of
native flute (we’ll bring some along for you to try) and
the smell of coffee, as the sun touches the highest
points on the canyon walls. We’ll take turns pitching in
to help prepare meals. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll
pack up and paddle downstream, stopping occasionally for
hikes, a swim, lunch, or simply to float
together—perhaps reading a poem aloud. We’ll plan to
make camp well before dark, enjoying the late afternoon
light, setting up tents, cooking dinner, sitting around
a fire (we bring fire pans so as not to damage the
delicate desert terrain).
The details…
What to bring: When you register, you’ll receive
a detailed packing list, so you’ll be sure to have what
you need. You bring only your personal gear, sleeping
bag, and sleeping pad. You are welcome to bring your own
tent either as a solo or to share. Otherwise, tents are
provided at double or triple occupancy.
How much experience, how in
shape do I need to be: Though many women
use their trip as motivation to get in better shape
before they go, no experience or particular level of
fitness is necessary for this trip. It is a flatwater
river with a gentle current. The most challenging
aspects of this trip are the optional hikes up the side
canyons, lifting gear in and out of the canoes (though
we ask you to know your limits and not lift what is too
heavy), and, of course, the mud. Occasionally, the wind
picks up making paddling a bit more difficult, but most
of the time, we enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of time
to be absorbed by our surroundings.
Can I sign up on my own: All women are welcome. Most
women sign up on their own, others register with
friends, mothers, adult daughters, partners, sisters.
Weather: Fall in the canyons is typically
pleasant and variable. Days are warm (around 70 or 80
degrees), and nights are crisp and cool (likely in the
40’s). A perfect time to be in the desert!
Meals: Food matters! We bring hearty and
delicious primarily vegetarian fare. Many women are
surprised by the amount of fresh vegetables and the
mouth-watering menus prepared outdoors.
What does my trip fee cover: Your trip fee of
$1295 includes all equipment, permits, shuttles to and
from the river, 2 night’s lodging in a hotel in Moab,
all meals on the river, and guides.
Schedule: Arrive in Moab, Utah by late afternoon
on Saturday, September 24. We’ll meet and stay at a
local hotel (included in the price of the trip). We’ll
have dinner together Saturday night and then talk about
desert river travel, hand out waterproof packs, and give
you time to pack your personal gear. Then on Sunday,
after breakfast on your own, we’ll be shuttled to our
put-in point. After that, we’ll be on river time until
mid-day Friday (September 30), when we get picked up at
the base of the canyon and are shuttled back to our
hotel in Moab by late afternoon (about a 2 hour drive).
You’ll have a little time to wash up, then we’ll meet
for dinner and celebrate our time together. Plan on
driving or flying out any time on Saturday, October 1.
Group size: Minimum of 6, maximum of 14
Transportation: Many women choose to drive. If
you are flying, the nearest major airport is Grand
Junction, Colorado, and there are shuttle services or
one-way car rentals available to Moab. Closer to the
trip, we’ll give you a list of the other participants so
you can share a shuttle or car rental if you like. Come
early if you can, or stay after the trip to explore Moab
and the incredible Arches National Park just outside of
town.
Payment information: Your deposit is not
refundable. If you must cancel, please do so in writing.
If you cancel 90 days prior to the trip or more, the
balance of your trip fee is refundable; 60 to 89 days,
the balance of your trip fee is transferable to any
other WILD Institute trip through the end of the
following year; 0-59 days, the trip fee is not
refundable or transferable. We strongly recommend that
you purchase travel insurance so that you can recover
your losses should you need to cancel or be evacuated
from a trip. The WILD Institute reserves the right to
alter trip plans due to severe weather, water/snow
conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
How do I sign up: A deposit of $350 holds your
spot, and payment in full is due by July 30, 2005. Mail
deposit and registration form to :
The WILD Institute
P.O. Box 353
Loretto, MN 55357
Click Here to view
and print registration for
(This document requires
Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view.)
*Our canoe trips follow the American Canoe Association
standards for instruction and safety*
Back to top
|
