Hi Rafters,

We are putting together our river trip down Lodore Canyon of the Green River in Dinosaur National Park.  I'll be posting here information about all the details of the trip.  I hope that doing so helps others as they get into the wonderful family activity of rafting.

One important issue on river trips is hygiene, particularly hand washing so that everyone remains healthy.  Here is a great thread on Mountain Buzz that explains the importance of hand washing.  It also gives ideas on the best hand washing stations.

I'll post more about the great hikes Lodore has to offer, including some of the amazing Indian pictographs.

We are planning our menu for this trip.  There will be 3 boats containing 3 different families. Like all trips, there are many ways to plan meals.  Sometimes it's easiest for everyone to "do their own things", and doing so does insure that you and your family are eating the type (and amount) of food that you enjoy.  River trips meals are much different than those of back-packing trips, as you can bring big coolers thereby allowing you to have as elaborate meals as you'd like.  Fresh produce, steaks, lobster and the like are easily cooked and served on the river.

A quick post about what the first night looks like:  Night #1 Grill Night!!! (in fire-pan) Antipasto as an appetizer, ribeye steaks from North Park Meat Co., grilled asparagus, seared scollops (from Tony's Market) and  creamy risotto, with Bajan Rum Cake for desert.  French toast and sausage for the next morning's breakfast.   Yum yum!  Night #2...who knows but it better be good Bryan!  (I'll post what his selection later).  Night #3, who knows but it better be good Chris!  And night #4...Lobster Night with coconut rice!  A quick breakfast for the last morning as we have to get on the river early.  We will serve bagels, lox and cream cheese.

I'll be posting more about specific meals later on this blog.  For now, I'll share what works for us.  Once you get to know the people you are rafting with, you'll find your comfort level on whether you share meals or not.  Sharing meals can be fun and it also gives you a break when it's not your night/breakfast to serve.  We like to eat lunch on the boat, or on the shore, so each lunch is taken care of by each boat.  So all we have to coordinate is Dinner/Breakfast.  This year on the San Juan, we came up with a plan that each boat takes care of a Dinner, and then the following breakfast.  That way, when it's not your meal, you don't even have to unload anything other than your plate etc.  The team that serves the meal, also cleans up, so you truly have a night and morning off when you're not up.

Although it's some work when it's your turn, it's fun to cook for the group.

I'll post more soon.

Happy Floating!

Bill Strong of Denver