Keen observers will notice tonic...because what is a kayaking expedition without G&Ts?
I'd be lying if I told you I didn't feel a little smug loading up the gear in front of the kayak day-trippers bused in from Vegas.
Inflatable kayaks - a necessity when traveling cross-country in a van.
The river wasted no time offering incredible scenes. Calm water and dramatic canyon walls made for an epic paddle.
The plan for the first day was to cover 2-3 miles upstream then start looking for camping spots. That would leave 7-8 miles the next day to get to the turnaround point just below the dam. The final day would be the full 10 miles will the current.
Not too far from the marina is a little hole in the rock called Emerald Cove, a popular destination for day trippers. When the sun is right, the light makes it glow bright green. We were too late.
A short paddle upriver from Emerald Cove, Matt and I found a nice beach to pitch tents and start cocktail hour...
...and throw a line in. The only thing I caught was a bunch of seaweed.
Apparently, Lake Mead is large enough to have essentially zero current. This allows all the sediment carried through the Grand Canyon to settle at the bottom. By the time it flows through Hoover Dam, it's crystal clear!
Another day of beautiful paddling!
At several points along the canyon, there a hot springs a short hike from the river. This one required clamoring up a super sketchy ladder.
Plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs on the shore or go for a swim in a hot spring.
This is mid-way through dam release. The original water line was about 40 yards from where it is now. And it's not done yet!
This is me having to move my tent farther up the beach for approximately the fifth time.