Saturday, July 19, 2008

TUESDAY - Rafting on the Colorado

We rose at 5 am to catch the early rafting trip down the Colorado River, beginning at the foot of the Glen Canyon dam and going 14 miles downstream


The canyon was beautiful, with cliffs as high as a thousand feet looming above the river. The canyon is a home to a diverse array of wildlife, including golden eagles, condors, coyotes, and beavers.



We stopped along the way at a beautiful red sandy beach. Some people hiked a short trail to view some pictographs, while others contemplated the idea of swimming in the icy waters of the Colorado River

Rachael was the first to brave the frigid waters when she volunteered to wade in to search for some eye glasses that one of the other passengers had dropped. (She was successful!)
Pretty soon, several of the other J2A youth were also making a big spash
Emoli

Keir
Rachael
Emma
Seb
Koley

Wendy and Robyn


Murray and Josh

Click on this image to read details about the canyon and the cruise

GROUP LEADER’S REPORT

HALEY: "We had an early morning and woke up to go on a rafting trip in Glen Canyon. Some of us decided to go swimming in the 48°F water and some were lucky enough to be thrown in. It was freezing. The rest of our day we had a picnic in a park and then drove to flagstaff to stay the night. We are becoming closer as a group and have never worked together better. We are definitely growing."


Don't forget to post your comments! Just click on the Post a Comment link (below) to send your thoughts to the youth.

3 comments:

Murray said...

"Wow - what a neat group of young people! Good for you for taking this journey together with the support of your friends, families and the 3 fantastic 'godparents' who will journey with you over the next few days! Have a fantastic adventure, spiritually and personally! Sending you love, prayers and blessings from Jakarta, Indonesia - sincerely, Jane Fuller, Anna Lois LeDrew Fuller and Bill LeDrew (members of First United from afar, who thank all of you for including us in your 'prayers' over the years while living and working outside of Canada!)"

Jane Fuller

Margaux said...

This is cool. We are all able to vicariously experience this fantastic journey without encroaching on this adventure/quest that these amazing J2A youths are courageously undertaking. Alexandre is especially enjoying seeing how the pilgrimage is unfolding, amazed by the grandness of the rocks and the canyon. We are all somewhat (actually - very) envious as so few people let alone adolescents get to partake in such a unique journey as it also comes with so much more than your usual trip, including fun, travel, bonding (over dishes, chores, especially shopping , etc.) and it comes with a spiritual dimension.

We look forward to reading on as you populate the blog and then hearing about the trip first-hand upon your return.

Hugs and kisses, especially to Sebastien (sorry for embarrassing you Sebastien but it is our role to love you!)

Margaux, Peter and Alexandre

Beth Henthorn said...

Wow! what an adventure you guys are having. Some of those cliffs look truly frightening. This is coming from a climber too...in my youth (Emoli's Mom). It feels like Charlotte and I are sharing in your adventure with your pictures and stories. Stay safe and may God protect you and enrich your lives with joy! Love from Beth and Charlotte...