At Last, "On the water, not for Work"
The BrandenBurdetts take to the San Juan River
The week prior to our trip down the San Juan River was spent shopping for food, packing camping gear, and building a frame for our little raft, Corbicula. Here Paloma watches her Papa cut the aluminum frame.
Arriving in Montezuma Creek, UT mid-day Friday afternoon, we unpacked the stuff from our car and stuffed it in the boat. River mile 93.0
We stopped a few miles downstream to wander around and adjust the frame and oars... yep, we all fit on that boat!
Paloma found the sand and cobble beach, and that interface with the water fascinating and FUN!
Further downstream a few wild horses crossed our path. River mile 91.4
That evening we camped in a beautiful spot with sand beaches and a cottonwood canopy. We went for a short hike, relaxed in the sand....wrestled in the sand, had dinner, told stories, and jumped like frogs in the sand; all around a very small campfire, a "baby fire" laughed Paloma. River mile 89.8
The next morning was cool, fall was in the air, mist rose from the San Juan River and we all awoke when Paloma started to thrash about and kick us in our heads.
Notice that Paloma is becoming the same color as the dirt...
Later that day we stopped for lunch and took a rest.
...At least some of us wanted to rest: the rest wanted to wrestle!
That little girl of mine is quick on her feet!
The weather was warm so we all went for a swim in the turbid waters of the San Juan River. Paloma liked the crisp feel of the water. She would give a squeal when I submersed her - I did too!
We explored ancient Anasazi ruins. We found pottery, tools, and also wandered seeming aimlessly through the desert. River mile 80.7
"Papa, what is this?"
"Paloma, what is this?"
Down the river we go, mile by mile, (river mile 78...77....76...... Oh I am getting tired....).
OH!! Thanks Paloma!!!
