The timing of our trip lined up with awesome astronomical phenomena. Meteor showers to start the trip and finishing with the solar eclipse. I felt like all the planning was going to be done and nothing was going to be a surprise. But, everything was a surprise.
Seeing the joy on my sister’s face when she finished... some parts were really tough! Seventeen miles for a first-timer is no small feat. Knowing she could do it beforehand and seeing her accomplish it was amazing. Nothing really beats being in nature with your closest friends and family.
It was hot and the river was running slowly so we had to work harder than we expected, but the views along the river, the joy of the kids as they splashed in the water and mud, and the tranquility of watching the sunrise on the canyon made every moment worth it.