Bob Zache, a longtime Arizona resident, went on his first Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip in May 2011. The 75-year-old adventurer kept a journal of his 10-day oar-powered trip through the heart of the Grand Canyon. He and Grand Canyon Whitewater would like to share this story with you, from the days before his launch all the way through to the sorrowful goodbyes at journey’s end.

Here’s the twelfth and final installment in this series, written by Bob.

“Day Eleven – Saturday, June 4 – At home early enough to go out and water my garden, glass of red wine in hand: tomatoes, blackberries, sugar snap peas, green beans, chard, beets, squash and a bunch more, all of which fared well while I was gone, thanks to my wife. As I stand with hose in hand, I can still feel the rocking of the boat, and this will last for a few more days. And all day Saturday and still on Sunday, my head is still on the river, scenes flashing through my brain like a video loop.

Went through about 100 emails, deleting most, answering a couple from some new old friends, who are also trying to return to their routines. A week later my dreams at night still revolve around the river.  The whole experience has impacted me and I’m going again. Someday.

Adieu.”

Bob did go again, and he didn’t even have to wait for “someday” — he went on a 13-day row trip with GCW early in our 2012 season!

For earlier installments of this series, visit our blog or follow us on Facebook.