{"id":11006,"date":"2018-07-31T09:00:09","date_gmt":"2018-07-31T13:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=11006"},"modified":"2018-07-26T23:33:36","modified_gmt":"2018-07-27T03:33:36","slug":"dam-kayaking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=11006","title":{"rendered":"Dam Kayaking!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a9 2018 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved<\/i>.<\/p>\n

Seeing Hoover Dam from above is amazing.<\/p>\n

Hoover Dam from road level is inspiring.<\/p>\n

Seeing Hoover Dam from the base…unbelievable.\"\"<\/p>\n

A few years ago, I booked a six mile kayaking trip down the ColoradoRiver.\u00a0 It was an awesome adventure, but left me wanting more.<\/p>\n

Six miles more…a twelve mile trip.\u00a0 Okay, twelve miles is pretty cool, but the best part of that trip is starting the adventure from the base of Hoover Dam.<\/p>\n

Paddling down the Colorado in the desert heat, is not for the faint of heart.\u00a0 Requiring permits to begin the trek, it also requires being awake before the sun has already shown its brilliant face.\u00a0 It might also require dodging a few unsteady partyers making their way home from the club or a late night game of craps, when leaving your hotel.<\/p>\n

In Boulder City, we met with security personnel.\u00a0 After having our identification verified, we headed down the road to the launch site in the security zone.\u00a0 Clearing the security checkpoint,\u00a0 we pulled up alongside one of the earth’s modern day marvels.\u00a0 Gazing up at the “Greatest Dam in the World” it was hard not to be impressed.<\/p>\n

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The sun was peeking over the canyon walls as we pushed our kayaks into the cool, clear waters of the Colorado River.\u00a0 Paddles piercing the mirror-like surface,\u00a0 we began our far-reaching journey.<\/p>\n

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If I were a betting woman, during that first four miles, I would have put money down on the fact that I was in such great shape this would be a piece of cake.\u00a0 As a matter of fact, the first four miles was pure magic.<\/p>\n

“I can do this all day!”<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"The sun rose higher as we glided down river, finally pulling our boats onto the shore for our first rest and excursion.\u00a0 Arizona Hot Springs.\u00a0 Walking past boulders, gushing streams and high bluffs, we made our way inland through the slot canyon, noticing the temperature around us rising.\u00a0 Stepping into the water, it was noticeably warmer.\u00a0 Further upstream, the temperatures rose even higher.\u00a0 Climbing a twenty foot ladder to an overhead cliff, the water temperature was extremely hot, pouring forth from a geothermal spring.\u00a0 Taking a seat, we soaked for a few minutes, our muscles enjoying the torridity.<\/p>\n

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Maybe we had relaxed for too long.\u00a0 Back in the water, it took more effort than when we put in at the dam.\u00a0 What did I say about doing this all day?<\/p>\n

The second four miles…well…there was this twinge in my elbow.\u00a0 Mile five, six, seven…oh my god…how far until lunch?\u00a0 Paddle, paddle, paddle.<\/p>\n

Running my kayak onto the beach, I couldn’t wait to take a seat in the shade and enjoy my lunch.<\/p>\n

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There is no way to describe the beauty around us as we ate our midday meal, sitting on our life jackets.\u00a0 The Black Canyon rises above each bank of the river and at first glance looks monochromatic.\u00a0 The more you study the granite walls, however, you realize how much color and life really surrounds you.\u00a0 The crystal clear water sparkled, reflecting the encompassing beauty in the summer sunshine, finally beckoning us back into the canyon.<\/p>\n

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The last four miles…now my left arm began to hurt.<\/p>\n

“What happens if someone can’t make it out of here?\u00a0 What would you guys do?”<\/em><\/p>\n

My petite, five foot, guide explained that there’s no cell service and she’s too small to pull anyone.\u00a0 She will talk them through it.\u00a0 Finishing is a must.<\/p>\n

Okay, so hopefully I can paddle through my aches and pains, because Dee says she is NOT pulling me.<\/p>\n

The last four miles…wow!<\/p>\n

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Emerald Cave is one of the highlights of paddling through the Black Canyon.\u00a0 The small cave, with an opening barely taller than a kayaker sitting in the boat, has water\u00a0 so green and clear, when the afternoon sun shines its way, it looks like…well…an emerald.<\/p>\n

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Above us a line stretched with a metal cart attached.\u00a0 It was explained that when the dam was being built, someone was assigned to keep track of the water levels in the Colorado.\u00a0 This man, made his way along the canyon walls and pulled himself in the metal cart across the river.<\/p>\n

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As we made our way down the final stretch of our journey, a group of long-horned sheep caught our attention as they languished on the mountainside looking for nourishment.<\/p>\n

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My left arm and my right elbow burned by this time.\u00a0 One, two, three…paddle, paddle, paddle.\u00a0 Almost there…paddle, paddle, paddle.<\/p>\n

Our destination, Willow Creek Marina, finally came into view and I couldn’t have been more elated!\u00a0 \u00a0Excited to be finished, but excited to have experienced a part of nature so truly spectacular.<\/p>\n

Most people go to Las Vegas to gamble, see shows and party.\u00a0 Me, I would rather party with nature.<\/p>\n

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe, Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.<\/p>\n

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Evolution Expeditions<\/strong><\/p>\n