I did it! I just made a deposit on an adventure vacation for me and my 7 year old son. Well, he’ll be 8 when we go but still…
AHHHH
I can’t believe I did it.
This is a first.
I’m scared, nervous, excited, and proud of myself for booking it.
The trip isn’t until August of next year but this, THIS, is what I’m talking about when I say I’m making travel a priority.
I’ve spend the last few month searching for trips, saving money and taking the necessary steps to actually make this trip happen.
It’s a lot of work!
I mean it’s not work-work but it is time consuming. And isn’t it so easy to say you are going to do something and then really never actually take the action steps required to make it happen? I’m trying hard NOT to be that person. I want to look back on my life knowing I sucked the marrow out of it. I have to MAKE it happen and not let me fear or laziness stop me.
Time just passes so fast!
Well, sometimes it does anyway. Now we have to patiently wait 8 months before embarking on our Green River Rafting adventure! Here’s what we’ll be doing…
- Scenic ride from Vernal, Utah to Dinosaur National Monument
- Raft through the towering Gates of Lodore
- Challenge some of the river’s most exciting and famous rapids like Upper and Lower Disaster Falls
- Hike up Winnie’s Grotto to beautiful oases and side canyons
- Sit back and soak in the remote splendor of Lodore – its soaring red rock cliffs sprinkled with deep green junipers and piñon pines
- Feast on delicious meals, relax on sandy beaches
- Charge rapids like Harp Falls, Triplet Falls, and Hells Half Mile
- Hike to Rippling Brook — the perfect place for a cooling shower
- View petroglyphs at the confluence with the Yampa River
- We pick up speed as we enter Split Mountain Canyon and the river’s gradient becomes considerably steeper. Four or five major rapids deliver plenty of whitewater excitement during our last day on the river
- Shuttle from Split Mountain to Vernal
I’ve booked thru O.A.R.S. and so far, my experience has been great! My representative is super nice and attentive. I’ll be sure to post reviews and our experiences after the trip too.
Aaack! I’m so excited! Has anyone taken a trip like this before?
Update 8/21/2013: We did it! Click here to see the photos and here for a recap video!
Thanks to oars.com for the photo!
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Jen R
December 18, 2012My parents did something almost identical to that in Utah this summer. They loved it! My mom got an otter box for her camera/phone so she could take pics. They had a blast!
christina
December 18, 2012I think its so awesome that you are doing it with your son... I hope to do things like this with my kids when they are old enough!
Aimee
December 18, 2012That is going to be incredible! I am so excited for you and Ryan. We have been traveling to Mozambique with our son since he was two. It's amazing how adaptable children are in new situations. I am looking forward to doing more activities the older he gets. I have never been so active in my life. We haven't done anything quite this trip you're planning, but I would like to think we are working up to it. Isn't it awesome to have something like this to look forward to?! So so exciting!!!
Patty
December 19, 2012How exciting! I'm sure you will both have a great time! The trip sounds amazing :)
Lisa
December 19, 2012WOW that sounds fantastic!! Ryan will remember it all , I took Mallory on her first trip at age 8 also we went to California, first plane ride etc. She still talks about it. Thats a great age and just the 2 of you will be perfect!!! So excited for you! And hes so active hes going to love every minute of it too!
Tracy aka Tiny Tank
December 19, 2012Hi Roni, OARS is a great operation! You will have the best time. Years ago I rafted down the colorado river in the grand canyon with OARS! THE BEST. I am looking forward to taking my Ryan and my husband there one day!! To raft it!! When I read your email I thought OH I hope she's taking him rafting. AND YOU ARE! Exciting! You might be able to find some YOUTube videos abou the trip or rafting. My Ryan loves to look at them. Great news
cherylann
January 13, 2013Did an O.A.R.S. trip through the Grand Canyon a while back. Great company to go with. Have FUN!
NatMcC
January 14, 2013That trip sounds AWESOME!!!! As a kid my family did not do much vacations because we couldn't afford it...NOW that's all the Mr. and I do!!! I want to do trips like these with our kids once those come along. Good for you!! And the memories you and he will share!!! PRICELESS!
cheryl
July 4, 2013I went with O.A.R.S. on a trip through the Grand Canyon. They take care of everything-but expect guests to help out a little (at least my guides did). Rafting is fun. Make sure they let you "steer" for awhile.