Kayaking in the Black Canyon

Kayaking in the Black Canyon

June 11, 2016

The weekend prior had a scorching high of about 109 degrees. But on this day, the weather was on point. What a great day to kayak!

It was an excellent day to kayak with Blazin Paddles.

I love this!

I invited my stepson, Trevor, and our family friend, David, to join me in this adventure. Ever since I showed Blazin Paddles’ Facebook pictures to Trevor, he was all gung-ho about going. He was even more excited that Blazin Paddles’ headquarters was close to a Roberto’s Taco Shop. We made a pit stop there, where he and David each chowed down a breakfast burrito before heading out to the tour.

This was our sweet ride to the launch area at Willow Beach.

From Boulder Highway, en route to our destination, we could already see a hint of the water. 

We reached the launch area at Willow Beach Marina after a 40-minute shuttle ride from Blazin Paddles’ Henderson office. Ryan Borup, the owner of Blazin Paddles, explained that we were on the Arizona side of the Colorado River a few miles downstream from Hoover Dam.

While Ryan prepped the kayaks, we had time to walk around the marina, use the facilities, and visit the sundry shop for last-minute essentials. There were a few families already picnicking nearby and just kicking back.

Our kayaking playground for the day

This duck was already having a grand time in the crisp and clear water.

The water was so inviting! It was clear and so was the sky that framed it. From a distance, we could see only a handful of adventurers and a family of ducks that already beat us to the water.

Getting ready to launch, we approached the bright colored kayaks already lined up on the shore.  Each was already equipped with a paddle, a life jacket, and...a water gun! A sure sign of more fun things to expect.

Also on the front of each kayak was a water gun strapped onto the bungee cords.

Ryan, assisted by companion guide Jackie, instructed us to put on our life jackets. Safety first! He followed that up with quick tips on how to get in and out of the kayak without tipping over. Then he demonstrated how to properly hold the paddle and effectively maneuver the vessel.

Excited to launch. Let's do this!

I quickly loaded my snacks inside the rear storage compartment of my chosen kayak. Then I tucked away my iPhone, protected inside a ziplock bag, in the small hatch in front of the cockpit.  Before long, we were off.

I chatted with Ryan as we leisurely paddled to our first destination. He grew up in Alaska where his father was stationed while in the military service. That explains his love of the outdoors and how he was somehow led to this business.

Meanwhile, Trevor behind me asked, “Um, is there a better way to paddle? I seem to be all over the place.” 

“That could mean your one arm is stronger than the other,” Ryan replied as he gave him advice on how to make adjustments.

Later, when I lagged behind, I chuckled as I watched him zig-zagging ahead of me.

After a few adjustments, Trevor got the hang of it and was kayaking like a pro.

Along with three other guys in our group, we went for a short uphill hike to explore the location. We had to take pictures of the gorgeous view of the Black Canyon from up there. 

Gorgeous view of our kayaking location.

Our group walking past a fire pit as we made a short uphill hike.

Our group photo with Black Canyon as our backdrop

Ryan is very knowledgeable about the history of the area. Throughout the tour, he showed us some interesting sites and told us fascinating facts. He emphasized that the water here remains 55 degrees year-round. During our second stop, we bravely took a hasty dip in the freezing water. It was refreshing but I could feel my hands going numb.

It was in this spot that I noticed an old-fashioned wooden cart suspended on cables. I also saw a make shift trail that ribboned along the canyon edge. On the opposite canyon wall, there was an outpost with ladder accessibility.

Apparently, these intriguing structures were part of an old gauging station. There were several used during the construction of Hoover Dam. Back then, a gauger would walk along the trail to get on the cart. Then using the cables, he would pull himself to the measuring station and monitor water levels. As part of the tour, Ryan showed us remnants of a river gauger’s house nearby. It’s incredible to see these remains from the 1930’s.

What remains of a 1930's river gauger's house

One highlight of our tour was when we all backed into Emerald Cave one at a time and created a sardine-like formation inside. We gazed in amazement at the emerald green water in front of us.

Inside Emerald Cave

When the sunlight hits the water, it reflects back hues of emerald green.

"Awesome!" David gave it a big thumbs up.

Then we were led to a jump-off point. It was fun to watch the boys take a leap from the 30-foot cliff. Sadly, my attempt to take videos of their jump failed. But you can visit Blazin Paddles’ Facebook page or their website (fully functional by July 1, 2016) to see more photos and videos.

On our way back, it was so relaxing to just paddle away. I liked it best when there weren’t any boats or jet skis speeding by. It was nice to enjoy our surroundings with peace and quiet. Both Ryan and Jackie said that they typically spot bighorn sheep around here. But they camouflage so well that sometimes you don’t easily see them.

During the home stretch, we hit some wind. That sure tested my endurance. I felt like I grew some muscles because I powered through it. Though snacks were provided during the tour, I was ready for my packed sandwiches by the time we got back. We all agreed it was a great time and that we want to return and do it all over again!

Jackie and Ryan from Blazin Paddles took us on a fun kayaking adventure we won't forget

Ryan Borup of Blazin Paddles Kayak Tours

Helpful Info

Cost:

Half Day Tour: $135/person (3 hours water time); snacks and water included

Full Day Tour: $185/person (7 hours water time); includes lunch and trip to hot springs

*They also have a Twilight Tour that launches around 5:00 p.m. and includes a campfire activity.

What to Wear: 
Swimsuits, water tees and shorts, hat, water shoes or closed toe shoes (You will get wet.)

Don’t forget to put on sunscreen.

What to Bring: 
Some snacks and water will be provided. You are welcome to bring additional snacks and drinks.

Getting There: 
Although locals can meet at their Henderson Office, they do pick-up/drop off on the Strip. 

Other Tips: 
Make sure you are physically fit to join the kayaking tour. Though not necessary, it may be helpful to watch a video on how to kayak properly. Then you're all set!

Planting Trees in a Wildlife Refuge

Corn Creek Field

In answer to Katie Couric’s tweet on Earth Day, I sent her a picture of volunteers planting trees. I was surprised when she replied “Awesome! Thank you for sharing – and planting!” Little did she know that there was so much more behind that photo I sent her on Twitter.

Tweeting with Katie Couric about Earth Day

In celebration of Earth Week, I participated in a nature planting project in Corn Creek Field hosted by the Desert National Wildlife Refuge (DWNR). It was my colleague Sheryl Capil who found this volunteer event. She invited everyone in our department and I gladly committed to join her.

Since volunteers were encouraged to bring their families, Sheryl brought her boys along. I paired up with her second son Colin while she teamed up with her eldest son Noah. We pulled weeds and dug holes with a shovel to plant native trees.  Also there to join us were our other colleagues Julia Fay and Toni Dean. Toni also brought along her son Aidan. 

The boys in front of the Visitors Center at Desert National Wildlife Refuge

Corn Creek, the hub of DWNR, is located a few miles past the I-95 North turn-off leading to Mount Charleston. I can't believe I've never heard of this protected area before. If it weren't for this volunteer opportunity, I wouldn’t have discovered this lovely place. Did you know that the DNWR covers 1.6 million acres? It’s home to more than 600 desert bighorn sheep and it's the largest refuge outside of Alaska.

At the end of our tree-planting session, we all spent time in the Visitors Center. They had several educational and interactive items on display. I couldn’t tell whether it was the kids or the grown-ups who had more fun here. 

Fun inside the Visitors Center

Lots of cool stuff to see in here

We also enjoyed walking around the Coyote Trail and found all sorts of desert plants and animals including a lizard (camouflaging on a rock), an owl (sleeping on a tree), and even a 5-foot snake (that was harmlessly slithering by).  

We discovered even more while walking around here

Educational information found along the way

A beautiful desert bloom

It was a gorgeous day for being outdoors. Not only did we do our share in celebrating Earth Week but we also learned so much in the process. Perhaps most fulfilling was being one with nature. It made us all grateful that we are surrounded by so much beauty in the desert. It's up to us to preserve all this and give back to Mother Earth. 

It was a gorgeous day to explore this area.

Yes, this is in Las Vegas. You should check it out!

Note:  This event happened back in April 19, 2014 in Corn Creek Field inside Nevada's Desert National Wildlife Refuge.

Learn more about Desert National Wildlife Refuge:

http://www.fws.gov/refuge/desert/

A Different High

Hot Air Ballooning - Part 2
October 2012

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Vegas

"We're going to have 3 hot air balloons go up tomorrow morning," Jason Abbott, the Marketing Director of Vegas Balloon Rides, told me on the phone. "If you're interested in taking pictures of the crew in action, tomorrow would be a good time to do it." 

"I'll be there!" I assured him, "Thank you!" I couldn't sleep just thinking about it. This video tells the story of what I witnessed. 

Watching all of this unfold makes me even more eager to experience a hot air balloon ride! And yes, even if I am deathly afraid of heights. Maybe soon I'll be telling the story of how I "walked with the wind." Stay tuned!

See Part 1 of my story here.

Up, Up, And...Um, Not Yet

Hot Air Balloon Rides - Part 1
October 2012

It was still pitch black outside.  Meeting time was at 6:00 a.m. but I was early.  So I waited patiently inside Starbucks with my tall latte. Soon, Jason Abbott walked in and he immediately spotted me.  "Bring it here!" he said and gave me a bear hug. "I feel like I've known you forever!"

For weeks, we've been exchanging texts and e-mails to schedule this meeting.  I was thrilled to chat with him, the pilots, and the crew. I was excited to watch a hot air balloon take flight.  This is going to be awesome!

The Vegas Balloon Rides van and trailer

Jason, the Director of Marketing for Vegas Balloon Rides, walked me to the parking lot where the van and trailer were parked. I met one of the pilots, Sheldon, who approached us showing current and forecasted wind conditions on his iPad.  He and the crew members were unsure of how the wind was going to behave that morning.

As the sun peeked in the horizon, a crew member released a regular birthday balloon.  Everyone watched the balloon toss and tumble upwards and then dart into the west.

A regular balloon is released to gauge wind speed and conditions.

Pilot Sheldon (center) with crew members Ryan and Randy (to his right)
closely watch the balloon's flight pattern.

The balloon's movement showed irregular wind motion.  "We'll have to wait it out a little bit," Sheldon declared and the other pilots agreed. They explained that it's important to have the right wind conditions for a safe hot air balloon flight...and landing. That's why they call it "Walking With The Wind."

From left: Pilot Jason, Marketing Director Jason Abbott,
and Pilot Sheldon of Vegas Balloon Rides

I was then introduced to another pilot, also named Jason. "Man, that's a great movie!" he pointed at Jason Abbott's shirt which was printed with "The Dude Abides" and Jeff Bridges' face. "The Big Lebowski!" he cried.  Jason, the pilot, has 20 years of experience hot air ballooning...and in many different places.  When asked about his most memorable flights, he mentioned flying with celebrities Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz. Or even with the late Libyan leader Khaddafy and his armed bodyguards in Africa.

He also recounted, "There was this guy who surprised his girlfriend with a balloon ride.  At first, she was so freaked out that she didn't want to go.  I had to talk her into it.  She ended up having a great time while her boyfriend was 'paralyzed' and almost didn't get to propose to her."  He laughed and remembered another former passenger, "Another guy who was going to propose tied the engagement ring with fishing lines."

Later, crew members Randy and Ryan joined our mini huddle.  "The Big Lebowski," Ryan recognized  what was on Jason Abbott's shirt.  "That's a good movie!" he said while getting ready to release another balloon. Across the parking lot, a flag was visibly waving in the wind.  He explained, "Ideally, that flag should be limp on the flagpole indicating winds are calm and suitable for a flight."

Jason Abbott pointed out that in Las Vegas, they are able to fly about 300 times out of the 365 days in a year. Thanks to favorable weather conditions almost year round in Sin City. In contrast, chances of cancellations in other cities could be as high as 50%. Vegas is a great place to go hot air ballooning.

An hour had passed and the wind speed hadn't slowed down. Sheldon knew he had to call it off.  With a heavy heart, he faced the would-be passengers and said, "In hot air ballooning, there's a saying that goes...'I'd rather be on the ground saying I wish I was up there' than being up there and saying 'I wish I was down on the ground.'  I'm sorry folks, but we won't be able to go up on the balloon today.  We'll try again tomorrow."

Not one passenger whined. Nope. No one complained. They all understood that this was for their own safety.  The guys from Vegas Balloon Rides are very experienced and highly knowledgeable in this business. And they are genuinely wonderful people! I enjoyed meeting them and watching them in action. I was reassured that I would be in good hands if I chose to experience my first hot air balloon ride with these guys. I can't wait!

The Crew of Vegas Balloon Rides
L-R: Randy, Ryan, Jason (pilot), Doug, Marketing Director Jason Abbott, Dan,
and kneeling, Sheldon (pilot)



Petzo

On our way to work one day, Alan and I caught a glimpse of a prominent billboard. Its main image, a heaping plate of black-tipped crab claws, was difficult to ignore.

That's when Alan said, "The next time we go out to dinner, let's try Joe's Stone Crab." So for my birthday this year, we made our way to the famous restaurant, deep in the heart of Caesars Forum Shops.

We were led to a booth from where we could see much of the inner section of the place. The restaurant, just like its menu, is straightforward. It wasn't ornate nor intimidating. The walls were a pale color accented with dark wooden beams. On the walls hung pictures from circa 1940s, detailing the restaurant's rich history which now spans almost a century. While Louis Armstrong's crooning provided background music, I couldn't help but smile. The waiters in their tuxedos reminded me of characters from The Sopranos.

For our main entree, we opted for the obvious excellent choice: steak and stone crab. We didn't realize that our timing was slightly off. Stone crab season in Florida actually runs from October 15 through May 15. Nevertheless, we savored every bite of the succulent seafood phenom. The stone crabs -- all claws -- were served chilled with the crab shell already cracked for ease of consumption. The best way to enjoy it, we discovered, is to dip it in the killer sauce a.k.a. Joe's signature mustard sauce. Finger lickin' good! Even the filet mignon with its special spices and the sides --creamed corn and lemon-garlic buttered broccoli -- were all magnifico!

The menu included some background history on the humble beginnings of Joe's Stone Crab as well as trivia information about the popular delicacy. I found out that:

1. Stone crabs are captured by trapping.
2. Only one claw is removed and then the crab is returned to the water. In about 12 to 24 months, the crab will grow back its claw into "legal size" again (about four inches from the first joint all the way to the tip). By removing only the one claw, these stone crabs can still defend themselves from predators.
3. It is not allowed to declaw female stone crabs.

To learn more, visit http://www.joesstonecrab.com/
Our dinner experience was wonderful! Service was attentive and yet unobtrusive. But I didn't want to leave without getting the name of the bread we were served with our dinner. So I flagged down a busperson and asked, "Excuse me. The bread that we had earlier -- was that what you call a baguette?"

The friendly gentleman who sounded like Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite quickly responded, "Oh, Petzo."

"Pet...zo?" I repeated hesitantly.

"Yeah, Petzo! You want some more?"

"Oh no, no, thank you. I was just curious," I said feeling a little embarrassed.

But I had a nagging feeling that I didn't get the name right so I asked again when our waiter came back to our table, "Is there a special name for that salty bread you served us earlier?"

He blurted, "Nah, we're not fancy around here. It's just pretzel bread."