On June 15-21, 2022, a group of 28 Aramco retirees and friends embarked on a week-long whitewater rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. The trip was organized through Grand Canyon Whitewater out of Flagstaff, AZ, and it included 7 days and 6 nights on the beautiful Colorado River in northern Arizona.
The group of rafters included Don and Beth Padgett, Harry and Colleen Day, Chris and Deirdre Heine, Mark Brown, Mel and Marti Knotts, Jim and Mindy Aceto, Dave and Laurie Galley, Mike and Trish Harrison, Mike Omer, Chuck and Sarah Freeney, Jim and Cora Findley, Jim and Vicki Sgarlat, Gary Lindquist, Bob Dachille (Gary’s son-in-law), John and Lynn Denker, and David and Cindy French.
The journey began at Lee’s Ferry in Marble Canyon, and it concluded near the Bar 10 ranch approximately 187 miles downstream. In that stretch, there were numerous rapids in the Class IV to V range. And while air temperatures were sometimes near 100 degrees, the water temperature was generally in the 46-47 degree range, which was refreshing at times. The Grand Canyon is home to many species of plant and animal life, and there were several sightings of Bighorn Sheep and protected species of birds and fish. The group was fortunate to have four outstanding geologists to provide color commentary on the amazing rock formations in the canyon.
As is always the case, it is special to get together with fellow Aramcons who share a sense of adventure, and this was no exception. Special thanks to the amazing crew from Grand Canyon Whitewater for an incredible trip!
