THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

THROUGH THE

GRAND CANYON

MAY 25 - JUNE 8, 2014

I am thrilled to join legendary Grand Canyon dory guide Ric Bailey and offer a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime charter trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon!Join us for 15 days of swimming in turquoise creeks, hiking through sinuous canyons, lounging under warm aquamarine waterfalls, sipping cold beverages on pristine river beaches, dining in sandstone amphitheaters, and splashing through exhilarating rapids.

Instead of rafts we will ride in dories, hard-sided boats that are revered as the ultimate way to experience the Grand Canyon.  

The dates of the trip, May 25 through June 8, are the absolute ideal time to be in the Grand Canyon. It gives us the best chances of great weather (not too hot, not too cold, and not monsoon season). It is optimal for river flow levels and timed with the wildflowers, cactus blossoms, and baby bighorn sheep.

Standard commercial trips offer mediocre hamburgers-and-bean-burritos fare. Not this trip. On our trip you will enjoy three gourmet meals each day featuring choice organic, humane, and seasonal ingredients.

Our trip co-leader Ric Bailey has rafted the Grand Canyon 40-something times.  He is a master rower and guide.  You simply cannot find a better person to ensure you have a safe and fun time in the canyon.  He knows the best camps and hikes.  He knows every rapid at every water level.  And he is a poet who makes a mean margarita.

This will be the ultimate wilderness experience and the trip of a lifetime.  We can’t wait to share it with you!

Kate Blazar Trip co-leader and chef

Kate

THE TRIP• 15 days (14 nights) on the river• Launch on river May 25, 2014 and take out

June 8, 2014• Fly in and out of Flagstaff, Arizona; shuttle to/

from river provided• $4,185 per person, plus tips for your hard-

working crew

DOZENS OF EXHILARATING

RAPIDS + MILES OF

MIRROR-LIKE POOLS

THE CREWKate will be your pre-trip coordinator, trip co-leader and head chef.  She will assist you with everything, including what to pack and what to wear for optimal comfort, and will ensure every meal accommodates your dietary restrictions and preferences.

Before we launch on the river, Kate and Ric will give a thorough briefing on everything from safety to personal hygiene on the river. We want you to feel safe, comfortable, and confident at all times.

Ric has hand-selected the other dory captains to create the perfect balance of personalities, skills and experience.  Each of these guides will have extensive knowledge of Grand Canyon geology, geography, natural and cultural history, wilderness survival and first aid, and all the best hikes and campsites!

THE TIMING OF THIS TRIP IS IDEAL FOR WORKING INDIVIDUALS, BECAUSE IT ONLY REQUIRES 9 VACATION DAYS!

M T W TH F SA SU

MAY 24Arrive in Flagstaff

MAY 25Launch on river

MAY 26Memorial Day

MAY 27 MAY 28 MAY 29 MAY 30 MAY 31 JUNE 1

JUNE 2 JUNE 3 JUNE 4 JUNE 5 JUNE 6 JUNE 7 JUNE 8River take out, fly home

14 NIGHTS OF THE MOST AMAZING CAMP SIGHTS IN THE WORLD

THE BOATSInstead of rafts we will ride in dories, sculpted hard-sided boats pioneered by conservation legend Martin Litton (creator of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act).  Martin and David Brower (first director of the Sierra Club, founder of Friends of the Earth and League of Conservation Voters) used to take dories down the Grand Canyon together, drawing inspiration and strength from the wilderness as they plotted new campaigns and crafted monumental environmental policies. Decades later Martin Litton mentored and trained another dory rower and environmental leader: Ric Bailey.

Dories are nimble metal or wood boats that are perfectly designed for the Colorado River and optimized for comfort and performance. They offer an exponentially enhanced experience on the water for rower and passenger alike.  While rafts plow through rapids like tanks, dories dance over the waves with elegant precision, creating a far more dynamic, fun experience.  

In addition to the dories, two or three gear rafts will accompany us. Our gear rowers will load and unload your gear for you each day and carefully rig their boats to ensure all gear is secure.

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WARM AQUAMARINE WATERFALLS

AND LUSH DESERT OASES

THE HIKESFrom short strolls to idyllic waterfalls to half-day treks ascending stunning side canyons, your guides will lead you on some of the most spectacular hikes you’ll ever do. Most of the hikes parallel tributary creeks and offer infinite options for swimming, waterfall lounging, and wading. Other hikes traverse cactus-covered terraces and lead to ancient ruins and pictographs.

All hikes are optional and everyone will be encouraged to hike at their own pace.

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ANCIENT CLIFF RUINS AND 2-

BILLION-YEAR-OLD ROCK FORMATIONS

YOUR SAFETYYour safety is our top priority. We will do everything possible to ensure your wellbeing so you can fully enjoy and experience the canyon!

We will have an EMT on the trip with comprehensive first aid and backcountry medical kits. We will also have several Wilderness First Responders and a lifeguard. Should there be an emergency requiring further medical attention, your crew will rapidly arrange a (free) helicopter evacuation.

You’ll be in great hands on the river and through the rapids. Our dory guides are master rowers with extensive Grand Canyon experience.

The Colorado is a pool-and-drop river, meaning there are long flat water stretches (perfect for lounging and photography) punctuated by distinct rapids. Although unlikely, if you end up swimming a rapid your lifejacket will do all the work (no strong swimming skills needed) and your guides will quickly pull you back into a boat. Unlike many other rivers, there are no fallen tree hazards and very few rocks or boulders of concern- just nice big waves!

WHAT’S INCLUDED (AND WHAT ISN’T)

• Three gourmet meals per day included  (breakfast, lunch, appetizers, dinner, and dessert), featuring organic, seasonal ingredients with accommodations for your dietary restrictions   

• Expert dory guides and gear boat rowers• Essential river gear included (boats, kitchen/

dining, high-volume water filters, dry bags, life vests, etc)

• Transportation from Flagstaff to the river and back included, but you are on your own for flying or driving to Flagstaff

• An experienced EMT on the trip and comprehensive first aid equipment (hopefully first aid won't be needed, but having an EMT along = peace of mind!)

• Motel accommodations in Flagstaff the night before the trip are not included, but there are many affordable options and we can assist you with arrangements

• The cost of adult beverages is not included (due to liquor licensing regulations), but fine wine, cold beer, and your favorite liquors and cocktails are easily arranged 

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p stevenson

Every meal will feature different cuisines. Here is a sample menu for a day on the river:

BREAKFAST EGGS BENEDICT WITH YOUR CHOICE OF PROSCIUTTO, SMOKED SALMON, OR BABY PORTOBELLO; FRESH MELON

AND PINEAPPLE

LUNCH SOUTHWEST BURRITO BAR; CHIPS AND SALSA

DINNER AMERICAN GOURMET: SLIDERS (BEEF OR TEMPEH) WITH CHANTERELLES AND CARAMELIZED ONIONS; POMME

FRITES WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER AIOLI; WATERMELON, BASIL, AND CHERRY TOMATO SALAD 

DESSERT DUTCH OVEN APPLE PIE WITH FRESHLY WHIPPED CREAM

225 MILES OF THE MOST BREATHTAKING SCENERY YOU’LL EVER SEE

JOIN US FOR THE ULTIMATE GRAND CANYON EXPERIENCE!To learn more, ask questions, and inquire about reserving your place(s) for this amazing adventure, contact Kate directly at blazarkate@gmail.com or 541.337.6694.