There will be three options for this trip, and your cost for participation will depend upon which option you choose. Option One is paddling the entire length of this trip from RGV to Dryden Pass. Option Two will be paddling only Boquillas Canyon, and you will have to have your own separate vehicle to be shuttled from RGV to Heath Canyon Ranch. Option Three will be joining the group at Heath Canyon Ranch for the Lower Canyons portion of the trip, which will also require your separate vehicle. Separate vehicle shuttles will incur a slight additional charge.

Our trip will begin with three days in Boquillas Canyon where there is no significant whitewater. At the end of our third day we will camp on the river bank at Heath Canyon Ranch where our Lower Canyons trips always start. IF we have others joining us there for the Lower Canyons portion of the trip, then we will have them bring additional ice, water and supplies, but everybody should plan as if that will not be an option. We can get water at Heath Canyon Ranch, but it will be a LONG walk, and water weighs about 8.3 pounds per gallon plus the weight of your water container.

After we enter the Lower Canyons we will have three layover days in which you can do whatever you want to do. Some may choose to rest, relax in hot springs, wash dirty clothing and just hang around camp. Others will undoubtedly hike the canyons and see historic sights along the river. Many excellent photographic opportunities abound on this trip, so be sure to bring your camera, extra batteries and plenty of media (film, memory cards, etc.) Our first layover day will be on Saturday, November 13, at San Rocendo Canyon in the Lower Canyons.

Payment of shared expenses will be due NO LATER than October 22, 2010, which is 15 days before our departure date for this trip. Shared expenses will be calculated by October 10, and an e-mail will be sent to each participant with payment details.

This is a rugged, wilderness expedition trip. Requirements for participation are as follows:

The drive from Dallas is about 11-12 hours, and from San Antonio it is probably about 9-10 hours. We will have a mandatory pre-trip meeting to reiterate some basic considerations on the night before the trip. Let's plan on meeting at Rio Grande Village no later than 6:00 PM on Saturday, November 6, so that we can set up camp and have a meeting before turning in for the night. There are limited supplies, including ice and gasoline at the RGV Store (expect to pay much higher prices), and it is the last opportunity for a shower and flush toilet before the trip ends.

Gear Requirements:

Bring boats rated for up to Class IV whitewater, PFD's (lifejackets), paddles (a spare is recommended), a whistle or other signalling device, throwbag, tent, ground pad, sleeping bag, clothing for hot, cold, wet and dry conditions, camp chair, headlamp, plate(s), flatware, drinking cup, personal toiletries and other items that you may want to have with you. A small cooler for drinks and lunches would be recommended. Members of the group should coordinate on community gear such as cookware, stoves, fuel, charcoal and other such items.

Meals:

Bring your own meals if not participating in the community dinners plan. Those opting into the dinner plan will share all dinners on the river, but everybody should bring their own breakfasts, lunches, beverages and snacks, but remember - NO GLASS OR FOAM POLYSTYRENE STYROFOAM CONTAINERS!

Driving Directions:

Rio Grande Village (RGV) is located in Big Bend National Park, about 20 miles after turning left off US Highway 385 at Panther Junction.

Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.

Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.

Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended.

Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is mandatory but often difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential for survival.

Class VI: Extreme. One grade more difficult than Class V. These runs often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. This class does not represent drops thought to be unrunnable, but may include rapids which are only occasionally run.