We loaded up the van, plugged in a book on tape (Magyk) and enjoyed the beautiful scenery all the way in to lovely Vernal, Utah.
After refueling (Cafe Rio!), re-charging our batteries (swim pool), and resting (best ever hotel room) we were ready for the river!
When uncle James caught wind that we were looking to run a river while in Utah he started planning full throttle. Ultimately we decided on the Green River because it is a relatively gentle ride for our young crowd. He found a great place to rent rafts and shuttle us from bottom to top. It was just like the good old days with Bampa and Uncle D- without the gargoyles hanging off the front of the pick-up truck.
We hiked down to the head of the river, Flaming Gorge Dam.
You can imagine all the dam jokes.
Then it was time for the launch.
We were happy to be joined by our fellow Phrogbottom-family.
Jaws stayed back in Vernal with Aunt Charlene and Uncle Rick and played with cousin Sawyer.
Uncle James, Nick, James' girl friend Jeanie and her kids, Uncle Brian and Britain, and Superkid made up one boat.
Allyson, Little Missy, Chris, Pops, Tadpole, Little Chief and myself made up the other boat.
For the record, this was our last friendly exchange.
Time to shove off!
Uncle James packed some contraband.
After being James' sister for the last 41 years, I should have known better.
Their boat was loaded with water guns- the mega big killer kind.
Our best strategy was to take it while they passed by and then just stay upstream from the heavily armed boat down-stream.
But then they pulled on the brakes and waited for us to float their way so they could annihilate us.
But we brought our own secret weapon-
Abizella!
Little Missy said it best,
"I've never been so proud of you Abz!"
She jumped over ship, swam up to the other boat. They congratulated her on defecting our boring boat. She grabbed some heavy arms and swam like crazy back to our boat!
She's pretty much my hero.
They retreated in shame.
We decided to pull over to check out a cave- and bide our time until our opponents floated by.
Tadpole went in for a little swim too.
The water was COLD.
They clobbered us a few more times-
but we mightily fought back with our bailing buckets!
It was a crazy fun day on the river-
We're pooped.
