Solo Grand Canyon Packraft/backpack Trip - Launch Tomorrow!

[Howard70]

Expo Water Colleagues:

At Lee's Ferry & just realized we have cell coverage. So here's an update:

Completed equipment check this afternoon & all permits in hand so will launch tomorrow after the orientation. Winter season so only one party launches per day, no comercial trips, and no motors. Watched 4 kayaks leave today so I might find some company down river.

Our trip originally with three of us, but injuries took out my two companions so trip is now a solo. Changed plans to make it easier on an old guy alone. Will run 80 river miles to Hance Rapids & leave river there. Pack up everything, including boat, & backpack out via Tonto & Grand View trails to meet wife at South Rim.

Several lay over days for additional hiking in side canyons. 13 days total, 10 river & 3 trail. Definitely excited this all came together. Promise a trip report if I make it out.....

Howard

 

[Cummins_expo]

Sounds like an amazing trip. Be safe and we look forward to the trip report

 

[plainjaneFJC]

Sounds like an awesome opportunity! Your going to pack it out solo? Be careful.

 

[kerry]

Solo winter trip in a packraft? Gutsy move. I read a trip report years ago in the newsletter of the International Long River Canoe Club of a couple who did the Canyon in winter in an Old Town Tripper canoe. Took them a long time given the challenges they faced. Hope all goes well.

 

[kerry]

By my calculations, your 13 days are up. Hope you had a great trip and stayed warm and relatively dry.

 

[Howard70]

Hello Kerry:

Trip was great although I shortened it by exiting to the north quite a ways before Hance Rapids - hope to post details soon, we're still on the road. Did stay warm, but packrafts are only considered dry in comparison to submarines!

Howard