Feedback from Anne Eychaner
Passenger on a 13-day Full Canyon Oar Trip in September 2014
Why did you pick our company?
I browsed thru all the companies listed by the park service at http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/river-concessioners.htm. I knew I wanted to travel in late September. I knew I wanted to take an oar trip – not a motor or paddle trip. I knew I wanted to travel the whole canyon. I looked at all the companies’ websites and GCW had the easiest to use website that offered exactly what I was looking for at a price that fit my budget.
Was your reservation agent courteous and informative?
Yes
Was there any additional info you wish you had known before your trip? (transportation, packing, on-river) Or any additional comments about the office or reservation process?
In hindsight, I wish the packing list had suggested a clothing line and a headlamp with red light mode, as I would have found both of those items very useful. The camera I brought was not waterproof. I had it double-bagged in Ziplocs and in my day bag most of the time. I also wish I had brought a smaller dry bag just for my camera that I would have attached separately from the GCW-provided day bag, to allow myself faster / easier access to my camera.
Were the river guides friendly, helpful and concerned about your needs?
Yes!
Were the river guides knowledgeable and willing to share their knowledge of the Canyon?
Yes!
If you could have the guides improve in any area, what would it be?
None!
What was your favorite meal?
Did you feel the food on your trip was nutritional and presented in a pleasing manner?
Absolutely. I was delighted with how much fresh produce we had the entire trip and how many vegetables were in dishes that I wouldn’t normally expect to find them in. Delicious!
Would you recommend this trip to a friend?
Absolutely, without a doubt.
If you could change anything about the trip, what would that be?
Not a single thing! I got tired of having to pee ALL THE TIME as I did my best to drink a gallon of water a day. By night 12 I was tired of sand on / in my sleeping bag, but those are not things that can be changed. 🙂
Additional Comments? We would love to hear about your trip; highlights, stories, meaningful or unexpected aspects – please be descriptive!
This trip was perfection. It was everything I wanted it to be: adventure, red walls, water, condors, Big Horn sheep, friends old and new, the Milky Way, shooting stars, hikes, stories, jokes, and laughter. I would do it again in a heartbeat. This trip made me want to spend more time in the canyon. This place is good for my soul. We had a great group of folks on this trip. The guides all love this river, the canyon, their jobs, and working with each other. They made it. I wouldn’t dream of returning with a different company and am proud to be a river rat.
I want to be sure and share that due to a kayaking accident a few years ago I had some anxiety about the whitewater, about getting tossed off the boat into the cold water, and about the boat getting flipped. Day 1 we rode with with Joe and Day 2 with Matt. They both helped me relax and to feel comfortable and in general took good care of me, despite how silly my anxiety must have seemed to them. Never once in 13 days did I feel unsafe, or like I was in any danger. From my experience, I just want to assure any other folks who may have some anxiety about the water to power through and not miss out on this amazing experience. You will not regret it.
Anne at the beginning of her 13-day oar trip!
