Day one was spent creeping up stream to our camp site stopping along the way when we found shade or points of interest. The water being released is from the bottom of the dam so it is shockingly cold in contrast to the 100+ air temp. A little splash on the shirt or dipping your hat in the water will take your breath away, then It's comfortable for the few minutes it takes to dry out.

The camp site was very nice. It was at little cove sheltered from the main current giving us a calm area to launch and retrieve the boats and keep ourselves cool in . The water level changed several feet a few times a day and night depending on the water flow. After beaching the fleet of 11 kayaks it was surprising to see 20-30 feet of beach between the boats and water. A little while later finding one of them trying to drift off by it self as the tide came back.

The ironic part is, surviving the heat also created some events that were a large part of the fun.

Day two. We didn't achieve the goal of getting within sight of the dam . There was a 100% water release the day the attempt was made (great fun). After hours of picking our way up stream along the edges where the current isn't as strong or often reversed. 5 of us found a cool grotto that the sun couldn't get into. It had dripping water, ferns and roots hanging down from above. We lingered at lunch in the cool shade hoping the water would subside. After we decided our resting place was becoming submerged and watching the river gain speed, we headed back down river. This time down the center (what a rush) the water was mostly calm but moving at maybe more than 10 mph. The only way keep the boat straight was to paddle a little to make the boat go faster than the water. In addition there was a strong head wind. The sensation of watching the canyon fly by at speeds my boat has only seen on top of my truck was incredible. In addition I was having a casual conversation with the fellow next to me because we weren't working very hard or feeling very threatened. We even demonstrated to each other turning our boats around 360 degrees at speed. It's very unnerving going sideways or backwards at 10+ mph in a kayak. The trip back to the campsite took less time than it took to write this note. I was a little disappointed when the time came to get out of the current but If I missed the opportunity I would soon be back at the car or the next dam instead of the campsite.

Gliding to a stop at the camp site I was surprised to see those who chose not to go upstream setting in waste deep water on lawn chairs under a dining canopy erected in the water. Someone had rigged a table attached to a small inflatable life ring with a string attached. On it was cool melon,cheese and crackers. They just pushed and pulled it around for us to take what we wanted.Cold drinks were stored in net dive bags,tethered and floating in the water TOOO COOL, even though the air temp was well over 100 Deg. The party lasted through potluck dinner until late when everyone slipped off to bed.

After everyone decided that we had enough hot fun we would leave a day early. The trip back to the cars was uneventful. Sat. there was 0 release of water and a little head wind so we had to work to go down stream. I was a little disappointed because I wanted to ride the current again.

It was suggested that there would be a Thanksgiving trip back to the same place. I'd like to go.

Most of the crew meet for lunch at a local hotel buffet for lunch and good-byes I think everyone had a memorable experience in spite of or because of the challenges.

Well that was my exciting little weekend

    Carl Smith

View map of Lake Mead/Hoover Dam area.

Pictures by Paula Chavez Click on image to see larger picture
CKF Camp	$20 Tent No Wind	$20 Tent With Wind	$20 Tent Just look at it!
CKF Camp From Up Top	Clack Canyon From Up Top	Cobra Tub	White Pelicans
3 Guys Under Camp Shade	Barb & Jim & Ducklings	Carl Helps G In Cave	Grotto Kayakers Wave
Chef's Len & Mark	Chef Len	Chef Len's Final Touches	Barbara's Dinner