Fulfilling a Birthday Wish
“I want to raft the Grand Canyon.” That was my mom’s response when I asked what she wanted for her 70th birthday. So that’s what we did!
I booked through Western River and opted for their 3-day/2-night Grand Canyon tour. We were picked up by bus early in the morning from our accommodation in Las Vegas and taken to a small airport with a dirt landing strip in the middle of nowhere. From there, we took a short flight to the edge of the canyon, where several helicopters awaited our group.
Soaring into the Depths
This was my first time in a helicopter, and I was lucky enough to get the front seat. The transition from solid earth to open sky was nothing short of magical. As we gained altitude, the vastness of the Grand Canyon unfolded before my eyes. A mix of exhilaration and nervousness coursed through me. As the helicopter glided over the canyon, my initial nerves transformed into pure awe.
The highlight, as well as the scariest part of the journey, was undoubtedly the moment we descended into the canyon itself. The vast expanse that had seemed so immense from above now enveloped us as we got closer to the Colorado River snaking through the rugged terrain. As we approached the bottom, we could make out a small landing area and the two pontoon boats that awaited us.
Rafting through the Grand Canyon
Rafting through the Grand Canyon is a thrilling adventure. Our guides shared historical stories and pointed out various plant species. It really was an awe-inspiring adventure where you feel the raw power and beauty of nature. We were surrounded by towering canyon walls that have witnessed millions of years of geological history.
On day one, we stopped off for lunch and hiked up to a waterfall in the cliffside, which was really cool. On day two, we did some cliff jumping into the river. The current was swift, so we were instructed exactly where to jump. It was a lot of fun!
Camping by the River
In the evenings, we set up camp along the river. Each of us had a small tent, sleeping bag, and a waterproof bag containing our basic needs. As we settled in for the evening, our amazing guides prepared our dinner. Afterwards, they built a campfire and played guitar. Listening to the water’s rhythm mixing with the strumming of the guitar, while taking in the sheer majesty of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, was a truly amazing moment.
A Bucket List Experience
Rafting the Grand Canyon really is a very special bucket list experience. If you ever get the chance, do it and enjoy!
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