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August-September 2012 Oar Trip Features Geologist and Natural Science Artist
Our final oar trip of 2012 (August/September) will have along a couple of special guests from Seattle, Washington: geologist Bruce Nelson and natural science illustrator and artist Veronique Robigou.
Bruce is a professor in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington and has been exploring the Grand Canyon since he was a kid when his father was a summer park ranger. He has provided geological commentary as  the boats travel down river on previous Canyoneers trips and led hikes into tributary canyons to see special geological features. While his research specialty is volcanology and early earth history (we will find amazing examples of both in the Canyon), he teaches undergraduate and graduate students, and adapts his comments to all levels of interest. He has designed and led exploration seminars in Hawaii, Oman, the Canary Islands, and Australia. In his view, being in the field makes for the greatest geological classroom and exploring the Grand Canyon is one of the best places on earth to answer questions about our planet's history.
Now booking 2012 oar trips with the Sandra, including the August/September trip.
 Véronique is a marine geologist and a natural science illustrator. During her research career in Oceanography at the University of Washington she participated in many deep-sea research expeditions and submersible dives to map the seafloor. She has explored the interaction between underwater volcanoes and hydrothermal ecosystems deprived of sunlight.
Passionate about science education for all, she has created and directed programs for K-12 teachers, undergraduate, and graduate students to help them communicate science to lay audiences.
She has contributed to the Hall of Planet Earth exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History in New York and collaborated with the Seattle Aquarium. She was featured in the PBS, NOVA show "Volcanoes of the Deep Sea" and has hosted HDTV broadcasts from the seafloor at the University of Washington.
Véronique currently tells science stories by blending arts and sciences. At Ocean et Terra Studio she combines natural science illustrations, fine art, and writing to bring the thrill of scientific research and exploration to the general public.
In the Grand Canyon, she will team up with Bruce to explore the natural environment along the river, and encourages participants to bring their sketchbooks.
Now booking 2012 oar trips with the Sandra, including the August/September trip.
See video about the history of the Sandra here.
Running Lava Falls Rapid – June 25th, 2011 In the Historic Cataract Boat the "Sandra"
The water that is released from the Glen Canyon Dam is ice cold. The temperature hovers around 48 degrees. Even on the hottest day at the bottom of the Grand Canyon getting splashed by it will take your breath away. It's so cold that it's been known to cause hypothermia, heart attacks and even death.
The day we approached Lava Falls rapid it was hot. As we rounded the corner I could hear the roar of the falls. It sounded like a locomotive headed at us. We headed to the scouting point on the left bank. The guides and passengers scrambled up the rocks for a better view. A plan was devised. We would plan to enter left, but not too far left as rocks and a hole lurked.
 The real concern, however, was the massive ledge hole in the middle of the run. If your boat or raft enters this hole no good will come of it. Simply flipping your boat and sending you on a swim in the icy waters are the least of your worries. A phenomenon known as "window shading" can occur. A boat can be turned sideways and then be repeatedly flipped over and over again as the hydraulics of the water can rip and shred the rubber from the frame.
Did I mention we would be riding down in a fully restored 15 ft. wooden cataract boat? The "Sandra" built in 1947 by Norm Nevills would be piloted by Greg Reiff, grandson of the pioneer boat builder. The "Sandra" is 5 ft. wide at its stern and has been restored to its original condition.
So, we climbed into the boat. Greg Paulin was in the fisheye position in the front of the boat. Greg Reiff was piloting in the middle and I would be in the queen seat leaning into the waves to help balance the boat and bailing water as needed.
As we pulled away from shore Greg Reiff turned to me and we shared a joke and a smile. Then, he pivoted around, sat down, and began to row. We headed into what seemed like the eye of a hurricane. The water was big. The river is running at 24,000 CFS [cubic feet per second]. Greg maneuvered the "Sandra" and hit his line perfectly. We ran between the two holes. The boat was hit from the left by a large wave, we pushed through. Then, the second wave hit, also, from the left. The "Sandra" met it head on and strained past it. Greg Reiff worked to pivot the boat in the direction of the third wave. This, the biggest of the 3 waves would come from the right. We leaned and the "Sandra" never flinched.
We came through Lava safely. We were excited, relieved and even a bit giddy. Greg pulled the boat into an eddy on the left side so we could bail and check the progress of our fellow boatsmen. It was at this point I noticed I was knee deep in water and completely soaked from head to toe.
They say the water of the Colorado is frigid. It can take your breath away. Mmmm…I hadn't noticed.
-- Jenny Crownhart, Flagstaff, Arizona
Now booking 2012 oar trips with the Sandra.
See video about the history of the Sandra here.
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Passenger Comments from August 7, 2011 All the Grand Geology Special River Trip
"Best river trip ever! Enjoyed it all, from Lees Ferry to Pearce Ferry. Thanks!" -- Bill Armstrong
"We had very high expectations for this trip, and with your skill and experience, you have exceeded every one of them! Great trip!" -- Joe and Patti Venuti
"Jake, Rachael, Carolyn, and Wayne gave me a wonderful experience that framed the river, the Canyon, and the people in the dynamic of history and life on this planet. They made the trip a lifetime experience." -- Bob Willcox
"Thanks for a spectacular trip, the river, the Canyon of course, but your experience, knowledge, and your caring nature have made it a real pleasure. I have enjoyed the stories and the laughs. I am beginning to understand your passion for the Canyon. I hope to see you soon, as I expect to return." -- Sharie
"Trip of a lifetime! Canyoneers and Wayne [Ranney] made it so. Your love and respect for the river and the Canyon has been transferred to me--thank you! Jake, Carolyn, and Rachael did spectacular work attending to detail while supporting and teaching us all. I loved this trip--I will be back. Big thanks!" -- Ruth Fitch
"I have had such a terrific time. Thanks for making the experience so special--stories and anecdotes were so vivid and transporting. I have Georgie [Clark White] flipping back a 'can 'o' Coors in my mind, and Powell's unpaid crew members' disgruntlement. Colton's talk of working to reintroduce/accommodate the Humpback chub, and Brian's incredible voice and presence were serendipitous convergences. Jake is a great reader of prose. Rachael is full of enthusiasm, information and patience, and Carolyn, thanks for answering all my questions. Hope to see you again." -- Robin Fitch
"What an outstanding trip from start to finish! I felt relaxed, entertained, educated, challenged, exhausted, and exuberant. Jake, Carolyn, and Rachael were an amazing team. They worked literally from dawn to dusk, caring for us, watching out for our well-being and were great cooks and story tellers. This was one of my best vacations ever, and will recommend it to everyone." -- Dan Otchy
"It was a Grand trip. What a wonderful mix of scenery, natural history, delicious food, geo fiction, breaking of inhibitions, story telling, velvet ants, bighorn sheep, shooting stars, moonlit valleys, bucket heads, and snacks. I've learned the layer mnemonics and may even be able to explain the Canyon's formation to a gullible listener. Thanks Jake, Carolyn, Rachael, and Wayne for a truly awesome, unforgettable experience." -- Jon
"Thank you for guiding us through the raw beauty of the Canyon. Thanks for being such adept boatmen that we passengers could hurtle through the rapids with as much confident glee as if they were a Disney ride (only much much more fun of course). And thanks for showing us magical side canyons and telling stories that made the Canyon's history come alive. Thanks for hot coffee in the morning and most excellent dinners at night--and always, thanks for all the snacks!!" -- Jennifer Fewell
 "Carolyn, Jake, and Rachael, you are the A Team! I have never seen a team work so hard at anything. Thank you for making every aspect enjoyable, safe, and exciting. The rapids were great and all three of you are seriously excellent boatmen, but Jake you were an awesome leader and decision maker. Thanks for the great food, the wonderful camping and the excellent stories! If you remember me it will undoubtedly be for the shoes--than you for the duct tape! I feel the trip has really made me come alive again in many ways, and you guys were a big enabler of that renewal. Wishing you all the best, thanks, David"
"Thank you for a great trip down the river. It was special. Wayne Ranney developed the picture of geology to living color. The crew was great, each special in their own way. You have a great system for doing the river. Thanks for making the natural a spiritual experience." -- Tom Strand
"In Hebrew there's a word, dayenu, which means 'it would have been enough'. So,
If we only had great (!!) meals and snacks, Dayenu
If we only had the boat that hugged the waves like a caterpiller, Dayenu
If we only had the Georgie story, or the groover stories, or the Powell readings, Dayenu
If we only had three highly experienced, nice, fun, interesting, friendly, and sincere guides, Dayenu
But we had it all, and the beauty of the Canyon and the camaraderie of our tripmates.
So all in all a time to remember. Thank you." -- Margie Green
 "The food and selected campsites were wonderful. Amazing how you can do it so efficiently. I truly appreciated all of the special considerations as have not been my usual nimble self. The education by Wayne Ranney was invaluable! Very very impressive. I totally understand the passion and love of the canyon and all those who are dedicated to learning more and the repeat experience. Thank you all very much! It has been the highlight of my travels." -- Ann Bullwinkel
Now booking 2012 Geology Specials! June 10 (7 days) and September 12 (10 days) -- more information
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