ITINERARY
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Arrival
Arrive at Cliff Dwellers Lodge in Marble Canyon, Arizona, by late afternoon today. Those who are using our Vision Air shuttle should arrive in Las Vegas no later than 2:00pm in order to make connections to your shuttle flight. Those who are driving should plan to arrive at Cliff Dwellers by 5:00pm.
Gather for a brief orientation by your Toto Tours escort and your river guides, followed by dinner. You’ll have time this evening to visit the Lodge’s canteen and purchase sodas, wine and beer, plus any additional personal items you may still need.
(All meals included for the duration of the tour)
Thursday – Monday, July 3 – 7, 2008
Rafting the Mighty Colorado River through the Grand Canyon
After breakfast this morning at Cliff Dwellers, transfer by vans to Lee’s Ferry. There we are issued life jackets (which must be worn at all times aboard the raft) and introduced to our crew. After loading our gear and receiving a safety briefing, we get underway. A typical day on the river goes like this:
You awaken early with the aroma of camp stove coffee in the air. Pack your personal gear and take it to the shore near your raft. An active vacation in the wilderness stimulates the appetite, and our creative cooks will amaze you with the quantity and variety of food at each meal. After a hot breakfast, dishes are cleaned and a “duffle line” (like a fire brigade) forms to load the equipment and our personal gear on the rafts.
There are typically several stops at absolutely incredible places for hiking, exploring, and swimming each day. Lunches are “picnic” style. As the sun disappears over the rim in the late afternoon, we pull over to a sandy beach to make camp for the night.
Everyone helps with a few routine tasks as soon as we pull in. Another “duffle line” unloads the gear; we put the “kitchen” together, draw a few buckets of water for cooking and cleanup, and then take personal gear to a sleeping spot for the night.
The crew sets up toilet facilities (you will never sit on a “throne” with more spectacular views!) and prepares dinner while you arrange your gear, socialize, explore and/or perform your personal ablutions. You will find it easier to take an afternoon bath in the river rather than in the morning. The temperature of the Colorado River is in the low fifties year ‘round, and it is much easier to tolerate the numbing plunge while the Canyon walls are still radiating heat at the end of the day.
After post-dinner cleanup, engage in beach games, seek out a quiet spot to meditate, write in a journal or just watch the magical transformation of the Canyon’s hues at sunset. The number of stars visible in the clear desert sky will astound you! Campfires are not allowed in the Canyon, but that never stops a group of Toto Tourists from gathering after dark to talk about the day’s adventures, tell stories and further cement new friendships.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Farewell Activities
Today we experience the plunge through Lava Falls. A few miles down river we make camp one last time, near the landing pad where a chopper arrives in the morning to lift us out of the Canyon.
It is traditional on this final evening to show our gratitude to the crew, who have brought us safely over many miles, and who have become like family along the way. Unusual accomplishments, daring feats or remarkable faux pas of the tour participants are sometimes highlighted in an award ceremony or a “roast.” Given the level of creativity inherent in a group of gay men, these events always amaze and delight. We will present a collective tip to the crew at this time.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Departure
Early this morning fly by helicopter to the Bar 10 Ranch, several miles back from the Canyon rim. If you drove to Cliff Dwellers Lodge, we fly you back there. Otherwise we fly you back to Las Vegas and shuttle you to the main airport. (These flights are included)
IMPORTANT: Do not make any plane reservations departing the Las Vegas McCarron Airport earlier than 3:00pm today. Vision Air tries to have you back to the airport by 1:00pm, but delays can happen. Reserving any ongoing flight scheduled to depart before 3:00pm is at your own risk.
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