Quote

We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls.
Mother Teresa

Cataract Canyon

300 million years of geology, thousands of years of prehistory and history, 2,000 foot high canyon walls and miles of sky in which to unplug and recharge on 112 miles of river.

In anticipation for the 4 day, 3 night rafting trip with 17 people in Cataract Canyon I got out the cold weather gear that I normally don't need in Phoenix- ski gloves, long underwear, coats, hats and a really warm sleeping bag.

We left Phoenix on Wed and drove up to Utah. The weather report predicted cold and wind and we were supposed to camp at put in in Moab. Fortunately our driver and tour guide extraordinaire was from Blanding and we were graciously welcomed into his parent's house for the night.

As we drove to Moab in the morning it started to snow. Our best stop in Moab was for gloves at a river outfitter. They were expensive, but worth it.

The weather only looked threatening while the rafts were loaded. The ranger inspecting our group's goodies was very impressed with the first aid kit and was easily distracted when he asked about the where abouts of our non-existent fire extinguisher.

Once underway it started to rain and hail almost immediately. Circumstances being what they were we went 6 miles instead of 20 and it made the other days longer but still fun as the weather while cold got progressively better and we had a nice sunny day for the rapids the last day.

Our boatman was a professional violin player who kept us people side up through the rapids and giggled like a school girl every time he steered us into the waves to get us wet. He played the fiddle on two of the nights with two guitarists and a drummer. As we motored after the rapids on the last day he played the fiddle at the front of the flotilla as we enjoyed the canyon.

It was a great adventure at 11,700 cfs with some truly wonderful friends whose kindness and freehearted spirits made 100% weather, 100% awesome. The canyon was stunning and the memories will be treasured, but the hall pass has been surrendered and it was nice to return home to the kids and my husband who was very pleasing.