Kayaking Adventures: From Marble Canyon to the Neon Lights of Las Vegas

Kayaking Down the Colorado River

This blog entry is covering two days and is a tale of 2 journeys. The first being an amazing kayak trip on the Colorado River and the other the drive from Lees Ferry to Las Vegas.

We had booked the kayaks from Lees Ferry in the Marble Canyon which involved a boat taxi taking us and our double kayak up the river so we could then paddle back down via Horseshoe bend. This was an amazing four and a half hours and we covered around 10 miles. The scenery was unbelievably majestic, with massive cliffs either side of us with occasional sand coves where we could pull and have a break. Throughout the time of the river there were spells with other kayakers and times when motor boats went by but also periods when we were on our own with no one else in sight.

At the bend we could make out people at the top who come to look down on the river so being there floating along was amazing. As well as the scenery there was plenty of wild life, the highlights being a blue heron and wild horses neither of which were bothered as we got close up for a good look. The idea of travelling upstream by boat is to make it easier coming back and on some days you can simply float back down as the river is roughly flowing at 3 mph. We had head winds against us so did have to paddle and have blisters to proof it (guess who did most of the paddling).

A great day out and really well organised, definitely a highlight of the trip so far and a day we will remember.

The Scenic Drive to Las Vegas

The following morning we set off back to full civilisation, well Las Vegas anyway. The journey also had great scenery changes that keeps your eyes glued to the road for rolling mountains and deep canyons. The winding roads twist and turn, offering stunning vistas at every corner. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the devastation from previous forest fires brings a sobering contrast to the beauty of the landscape. the journey went well and despite the chaos of the roads near the airport we delivered the car back safely. When we mentioned the blown away wiper the chap said oh, that happens quite a bit and we haven't been charged for it.

Reflections on Route 66 and Arrival in Las Vegas

The change from kayaking to Las Vegas is pretty mind blowing. As we took out first walk on the strip, my initial thoughts were very much this is terrible and I would quite happily jump to the next part of our trip. But we have a day out tomorrow and we can see what we make of Vegas on a second night.

Route 66 has been amazing, we are skipping a bit so we can also drive Highway 1 but we will see the end of 66 at Santa Monica pier. We feel feel the route has given us an insight into a great cross section of America. Great scenery, lovely people and a wide mix of food and lodgings. It has also provided us with a feeling for the rest of the journey and suggested that this year will be a fantastic experience for us which are going to enjoy together.