Yampa Big Joe Camp

Waking up in a forest of cottonwood trees, before sunrise to the call for fresh coffee is a treat. It's a river thing. The call to action, wrap up your gear, eat breakfast, rig boats, safety talk and launch. There are four oar boats and three paddle rafts. There is enough food for 23 happy river rats and all the support required to leave no trace. Everything packed in gets packed out.

The first boat with Bryson as guide was a lively hoot of conversation. For the class 3 rapid Tyler Grant asks me to join his boat, also a small ten footer. I got 22 miles of paddling in and starting to feel pretty strong on this fifth day.

Big Joe camp ground is a bit further from shore than normal so the gear setup and haul from the boats is substantial. All in all it's a big day. Delicious dinner is served by the trainee crew of second year guides after camping etiquette review and tying the best land anchor called the three wrap two pull.Read more