Summary
Life lessons from a summer rafting trip.
Hello!
I’ve been off the grid for a bit.
I spent a chunk of June on the road, including a full week rafting and camping on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.
This intense experience taught me a lot about things I thought I knew, but re-discovered in new ways.
Our guide, Josh Blackford with Hatch Expeditions, was incredible in his skill, demeanor, and leadership.
Here are a few nuggets of wisdom from the trip — I hope that they may serve you as they are serving me as we head into the heat of summer.
Be fun, have safe.
This was a twist on what you expect: Have fun, be safe.
How often are we encouraged to BE fun?
In my world, not so often.
Safe? Cautious? Sure, all the time.
But actually embodying fun?
Put a little grin on my face each time.
Gonna keep trying on that one!
Keep those legs active.
The boat we were on had two side seating areas with an inflated pontoon side piece that bobbed with the rapids.
We were told not to just let our legs hang out on top or the wedge them in the gap. Instead, we had to keep them active and engaged on the pontoon.
This meant sitting in a modified wall-sit for most of the trip. For hours at a time!
By the end of the first day my inner quads were trembling.
By the end of the second day I was doing squats to bring the glutes in to help.
By the end of the trip my legs were starting to feel super strong and capable.
It got me to thinking about engagement, and where we get floppy by default.
Where can we raise our activity level during a choppy ride?
Where can we recruit support to help us out?
Because we CAN be strong and capable.
FFS, wash your hands.
Threats of nasty disease is everywhere, but especially in shared spaces with people traveling in from far and wide.
Our guide was adamant — before any contact with food — wash your hands.
And not just a quick rinse in the river — a soapy two rounds of your ABCs or Happy Birthday!
He was often humorous in those reminders, but we needed them.
I’m a fan of a good FFS.
This one was well done.
And Finally…You can do so much more than you think.
If you have been following along, you know that I had a major surgery late last year.
Going on a week-long river trip this summer was not exactly a given even just a few weeks ago!
Even beyond the river itself, the routine was tough getting to and from the boat and throughout camp. Lots of sand, hills, and hauling of gear.
Not to mention the side hikes.
This hike pictured below was attainable only with a LOT of help from family, new friends, and the guides.
But what a moment, standing in this glorious place, Havasu Creek, after scrambling through the cliffs and rocks with mended bones.
To each of you, we can all do so much more than we think we can. Trust the process and celebrate your wins, big and small!
