Silence that is Deafening ~ Arizona River Runners

When is the last time that you sat quietly? Perhaps last Sunday or during a moment of tragedy for our country? Silence is difficult to come by in our busy lives. We are hurrying here and there. We are hustling to get everything done. Our "to do" list is never ending.

As you float on the calm water stretches of the Colorado River you will have time to quiet everything. In the presence of the Grand Canyon you can be still and gaze upon magnificence. Perhaps you’ll see a flower in bloom. Its life is short but present for you to see. Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of a Big Horn sheep scrambling easily over the tortuous rocks. You may be lucky enough to watch a Bald Eagle in flight; its majesty and power on display. You never know what you may see or hear rafting through the Grand Canyon.

Consider yourself a teensy speck compared to the vastness around you. The walls of the Grand Canyon rise majestically and climb to the sky. Lose yourself in the clouds as they take control of the sky and race to the horizon.

You can feel, taste and hear the silence. It is powerful. It is deafening. It is waiting quietly for you.

Are you ready to lose yourself on a Grand Canyon raft trip? Arizona River Runners would love to help. Call 1-800-477-7238 for a calm, quiet, life changing river rafting adventure.

Rafting through the Grand Canyon Takes Teamwork ~ Arizona River Runners Style!

There's a whole team of people that make it possible for you to go rafting in the Grand Canyon with Arizona River Runners. First, you call the office and talk to Shirley or Pam, Judy or Dick. Sometimes I'm in there but that's only when they are desperate. So, the office people help you make your reservation and they help you get prepared for your rafting trip. "Getting prepared" entails different things for most everybody. Some people need more guidance than others. Some people are real greenhorns as opposed to the veteran rafters that are returning for more of the good stuff.

When you actually get to the launch of the river trip you meet more of the team.....your guides and their helpers (swampers). Now you're looking at the first string....the A team. You and your crew.

But, other team members have worked in symphony to get everybody to this point. There are people that work in the warehouse and keep it stocked, clean and organized so that others can pack the rafts. Somebody de-rigs and/or unpacks the rafts. Others on the ARR team do mechanical stuff....they work on the motors or frames and the rest of the equipment to keep it running smoothly.

Drivers on the Arizona River Runners team keep us moving. ARR has two 18-wheeler rigs that transport rafts, crew members and equipment from the end of the trip back to the warehouse and then, when it's time, everything goes back to the launch site at Lee's Ferry.

Each of these ARR people and there jobs are integral parts of Arizona River Runners rafting trips . Add YOU to the team and we have a trip of a lifetime just waiting to happen. We couldn't do it without you.

The ARR team is experienced and waiting. Waiting for you.

So call us now and book your trip of a lifetime! Come be a part of a great team, you won't regret it!

Arizona River Runners 1-800-477-7238 or info@raftarizona.com

Starry Starry Nights in the Grand Canyon with Arizona River Runners

Camping under the stars is one of my favorite parts of a Grand Canyon Raft trip with Arizona River Runners. It's not one of those things that you put in the brochure but, for me, it is...well...stellar.

There you are, riverside, on the beach, prone on your cot. The sunlight has receded completely leaving even the tallest canyon walls in darkness. There is total darkness which means stars appear everywhere. You don't get a display like this in the city, or any place that has ambient light. In the sky above the Grand Canyon, darkness is your friend. The Milky Way is a blur of illuminations. It stretches across the sky with authority and grandeur. You'll see satellites as they speed around the earth. Shooting stars will streak across the darkness. They are brilliant for a short time. Their glory is ephemeral, and lucky are you to be gazing in the right place at the right time. You may view the well defined spiraling of another galaxy. Constellations appear for you to recognize.

The night skies are truly awesome in the Grand Canyon. The darkness brings a heavenly display every single night. It is a joy to behold.

Call Arizona River Runners for your "stellar" rafting trip through the Grand Canyon, 1-800-477-7238!

Arizona River Runners ~ Grand Canyon Rafting Myth Busters!

Seems lots of people have some preconceived ideas about rafting in the Grand Canyon. I have to make reservations a year in advance. I have to hike into the Grand Canyon to get on the raft. I have to hike out of the Grand Canyon. I have to be super strong and agile. I need a bunch of special equipment…Arizona River Runners will bust these myths one at a time.

Q. Do I have to make reservations a year in advance?

A. Typically...no. If you have a bunch of people that want to go together, and you only have one time slot that works for your group, you should reserve your space as far in advance as possible. But if you are 1, 2, 3, or 4 people and you are somewhat flexible with your timing, you do not have to reserve a year ahead to get a spot. There are lots of openings throughout the entire season. The earlier you call Arizona River Runners about your trip reservation, the more choices you will have. As the year progresses, the schedule fills in and there are fewer openings for you to choose from. Some people have been known to jump on at the very last minute because they are filling a late cancellation. You never know what is available until you call.

Q. Do I have to hike in to get on the raft trip?

A. The majority of Arizona River Runners' trips do not involve hiking in or out. Most rafting trips launch at Lee's Ferry where you simply climb onto the boat and head downstream - no hiking. A few of our trips include hiking in or out of the canyon. Those that take these rafting trips will be accompanied by a hiking escort to ensure your safety.

Q. Do I have to be super strong and agile to enjoy rafting through the Grand Canyon?

A. You do not have to be the ultimate specimen of fitness to enjoy a Grand Canyon Raft trip. It can be challenging at times, but it does not require you to be unusually strong or agile. Everyday people go on these trips and have the time of their life...."a trip of a lifetime" is a common description. Even if you have specific medical, physical or dietary needs, ARR can easily deal with many of these things to keep you at your best and allow you to experience white water rafting in the Grand Canyon.

Q. Do I need a bunch of special equipment?

A. Nope! You bring your personal gear and Arizona River Runners provides all your camping and river gear: sleeping bag, pillow, sheet, tarp, tent, cot, paco pad, chair, travel mug, plate, utensils, life jacket, dry bags, all that stuff! Food and drinks are provided as well.

So... there are just a few myths busted! It's really easy to go on a Colorado River trip. Call Arizona River Runners (1-800-477-7238) and ask all the questions you want or need to about our family rafting trips. Don't hang up until you have it all figured out! Dates and rates for the 2011 season are on our website at www.raftarizona.com. Don’t hesitate, check out our Grand Canyon rafting adventures now!

Rafting The Grand Canyon in Comfort ~ Arizona River Runners Style

Riding the waves on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon is certainly exhilarating. It's active, exciting and it's Mother Nature's display of raw power and beauty. Certainly it is wet. It is wet from all directions. Sometimes the skies open and drench you. Sometimes the river lures you down and crushes you with huge torrents of water. The water is playful, cold and powerful. The sun can graciously warm you up or mercilessly bake you and burn you. The clouds can protect you or reveal the warmth of the sun you crave. Every one of your senses will be on high alert during your time in the wilderness rafting through the Grand Canyon.

Arizona River Runners can provide a trip of a lifetime within this superb display of nature. We have the expertise, the guides and all the equipment you'll need, not only to survive, but to relish your part in the river dance.

Our rafts have cushioned seats. The duffel pile makes a great seat back and supports your back. The rafts are custom built with plenty of storage (so you can eat like a king) and provide lots of comfy options for you to sit. The boxes are cushioned so that you can think about other things besides your tush on your whitewater rafting trip!

When you get to camp everybody can enjoy a chair. On motor trips, you'll be able to sleep on a cot. Oar rigs have less stowage space. They still enjoy chairs and inflatable paco pads for sleeping. The toilet setup is very comfy....probably looks just like your seat at home but has a much better view.

We've got roomy tents for everybody that wants one. They are easy to assemble even for non-campers. Cold drinks are available 24/7 and chocolate-y, nutty, granola-y, yummy snacks abound. Meals include fresh fruits and veggies eaten with real utensils, on plates that won't fold in your hands. There's ice available in the evenings, and we have a "happy hour" with appetizers!

Do keep in mind, that this is a wilderness experience, but Arizona River Runners takes your comfort to heart. You are, after all, in a truly awesome environment. You don't need to be distracted by "boo boos" that can be avoided.

The Grand Canyon is the star. ARR will minimize the uncomfortable distractions so you can be awed by the main attraction.

To book your Arizona rafting vacation call 1-800-477-7238 for 2011 rates and dates!

Are You Fit For a Grand Canyon Raft Trip with Arizona River Runners?

Just how fit do you need to be, to enjoy a Grand Canyon raft trip? Good question? Ask yourself....can I get up out of bed (a cot)? Can I make my way across uneven surfaces? Can I sit for long periods of time? Can I walk or hike when the urge strikes? Can I walk in soft sand? These are the kinds of things that you MUST be able to do in order to enjoy whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon.

You do NOT have to hike miles in the blazing sun, or survive on dehydrated food. You do NOT have to be an elite athlete or have highly developed survival skills. You do NOT have to be able to start a fire with flint stone either.

With Arizona River Runners, a Colorado River trip is easier than you expect. Getting on and off the rafts, I think, can be a challenge. It's do-able for everyone, it's just that some achieve this feat with more grace (and dignity) than others. Hiking is available and greatly encouraged. ARR guides will explain what to expect on a hike. They will encourage you to participate and they will help you along the way.

There are awesome sights to see that are off the river corridor. Some spots are a short scramble from the raft, and other hiking destinations are more of a trek. Some might be "challenging" for you but those are the ones that test your mettle, and those are also the ones that you will brag about when you get home.

Rafting through the Grand Canyon is a wilderness experience. It is not a week at The Ritz. You will be camping on the shores of the Colorado River. This takes some effort on your part. You must carry your stuff to your campsite and set up your home-sweet-home each night. In the morning, you will pack up your campsite and carry it all back to the raft.

There is a physically challenging element to all of this, but there is always help available from your fellow rafters and your crew. Your time in the midst of the beauty of the Grand Canyon won't be strenuous but it will be demanding. It will also be captivating, mesmerizing, humbling, astounding, hilarious and soulful.

You do NOT need to be the perfect specimen of health and fitness to enjoy a Grand Canyon rafting trip. You DO need the desire to appreciate the splendor of the great outdoors at its finest. Be sure to let Arizona River Runners know about your medical conditions that may affect your participation on the river. There's lots that we can do to safeguard you and make your time in the Grand Canyon......GRAND!

Call us at 1-800-477-7238 for your Grand Canyon rafting adventure! We promise a spectacular time!

All Inclusive Family Rafting Trips with Arizona River Runners

What exactly does an all inclusive Grand Canyon Rafting trip mean to you!? When you travel with Arizona River Runners, all inclusive means just that. You get to the starting place and we will take care of you and return you to wherever you started. All you bring is yourself and your personal gear. We provide everything else!

Rafting through the Grand Canyon requires many things. Equipment, people, trucks and trailers. There are permits and licenses, boats and boat equipment, food, cooking supplies, camping gear, medical/first aid supplies, kitchen setup, the toilet (can't forget that), potable water, chairs, cots, tents, sleeping bags, sheets, pillows, life jackets, cushions and ropes. Not to mention the crew. There's a truck driver you never see and on the river you'll become good friends with a guide or two and their helpers.

Let us not neglect to mention the drinks, snacks, ice, books, games and gadgets to gaze at the stars. Arizona River Runners brings all those things and more. You can rest assured that you will be taken care of the entire time you spend with us.

You have choices as to where you want to start your Grand Canyon adventure. You have choices as to how long you'd like to spend on your river trip. You have choices as to when you'd like to enjoy this whole experience. You have choices as to what clothes and suntan lotion you should bring. You have choices as who you travel with; make it a family rafting trip, a solo trip, or go with a group of friends!

Basically, Arizona River Runners takes care of most everything. It's a very long list that has been fine-tuned through time (since 1970). We will get you there and back again - all in one piece and with a big smile on your face.

You bring yourself and your personal belongings. That's it. All inclusive. We make it easy, you make it fun.

For your all inclusive Colorado River trip, call Arizona River Runners at 1-800-477-7238. We make your whitewater rafting trip come alive!

Arizona River Runners End of the Year Party

So, we had an end-o-the-season, Arizona River Runners company party last weekend. Kind of a low key affair. Dinner and drinks....some photos (some vintage and some current)......announcements and acknowledgements and, as always, some great music--- just us jammin' in the music room upstairs.

I love this party. For me, it's sort of like Parents' Night at the University. First of all, I am old enough to be most everybody's mom, and secondly I love and adore these people that work for us. They are incredible human beings. Great characters, each and every one of them. Strong, beautiful, funny, smart, adventurous, caring, and talented. Most of them have great plans for the off season. I can now live vicariously through them.

We, at Arizona River Runners are like family. We are a gaggle, a herd, a pride and a batch. We connect, and that makes us a great company. May I be so bold as to say that I believe we....our office people, our warehouse people, our drivers and our guides.... are tops, and that is good for us, and good for you too.

We'll be back on the water, starting in April next year with renewed enthusiasm (and new jokes). We hope to see you there too. We'd like to share the wonders, the beauty, and the adventure of rafting through the Grand Canyon with you. Call us for your Arizona rafting vacation, 1-800-477--47238

Arizona River Runners ~ The Virtues of Rafting

I first met my husband on an Arizona River Runners Grand Canyon rafting trip. So, it goes without saying that he is an outdoorsy person. I must be too, because there I was, solo (and single) embarking on this major adventure.

Through years of marriage and raising kids, we have enjoyed lots of camping, hiking and rafting. Spending time out of doors, in our minds, is one of the greatest growth opportunities. For youngsters and older folks alike, time spent with Mother Nature is time well spent. Rafting the Colorado River falls into this category.

Any time we could take our family on a river trip, we went for it. We could see our two daughters grow right before our very eyes as we experienced nature. There were lots of laughs. We played games, told stories and listened to tales. There were practical jokes and ambush attacks. We gazed at the starry, night skies and tracked the moon's path across the heavens.

Their were hardships too. Bugs, bats, sunburn, cold, rainy days. Sand gets into your sleeping bag. Sand gets into your food---ew! Critters steal your snacks, and scorpions and snakes live there. You drop your toothbrush in the sand. It's raining on my sleeping bag. These are Mother Nature's lessons. We all worked our way through anything and everything, the best we could. But we were having fun - we were actually having a blast.

The kids thrived on this. Grand Canyon rafting trips are a great way to stretch and grow for all of us at any age. It's a great place to broaden your horizons and learn new skills without a written handbook.

When conditions are good, all is good. When conditions are bad, all is still good. Rafting a river is good stuff for the whole family.

We invite your family to join ours rafting through the Grand Canyon, and experience Mother Nature like never before! Call Arizona River Runners for your whitewater rafting adventure! 1-800-477-7238