First off, let me just say that I wasn’t totally thrilled about going to Flaming Gorge this past weekend. My memories of it were that it was hot and dusty in the campground and the reservoir was cold and the river was cold. Of course, the last time I was there was 14 years ago and I was 7 months pregnant with Caleb. So, my perspective might have been a bit skewed!
We loaded up the van and trailer Thursday morning and headed for Vernal. That was a treat also. Last time we dropped down through Wyoming—Fort Bridger. Heber City to Roosevelt to Vernal was a beautiful drive. We drove around the Vernal temple—absolutely charming.
We arrived at the Firemen’s Memorial Campground about 1:30 in the afternoon. Frank found a nice level spot for our tent (near the bathroom—which was an adventure unto itself) and we set up camp:
I love my “Harry Potter” tent—it feels huge inside. Dinah slept inside with Frank and me.
Caleb’s little tent is on the right.
Hannah and Bekah slept in the old green tent. It belonged to Frank’s parents when he was in jr high. They got their use out of it, and then we used it for 25 years or so. I finally decided it was time for a new one, much to Frank’s insulted pride. But it still works really well as a “wing” for the girls to land in.
Thursday evening was just lovely. I sat in the shade and then by the lantern and finished my book for Book Club—The Help. I highly recommend both—reading by lantern light and that book.
Friday was all about floating on the Green River.
The ward rented 7 large rafts that held 10 – 12 young adults.
Frank and I didn’t go on the first run. We helped to transfer vehicles from the put in point to the pull out point. It took the rafts about 2 hours to float from the dam to Little Hole, down below Dutch John. That gave me time to go all the way back to camp and take care of the phone charger that I left on and gather chairs and such.
Pulling out at Little Hole.
Dinah missed Achievement Day, but had an achievement of her own.
I appreciate the young adults for the way they include my kids when we bring them to activities.
There will be no pictures posted of my river run. Frank and I rode on the second run with Caleb, Dinah and several young adults. The skies were blue, but there were some angry black clouds peering at us over the dam. We had lovely weather for about an hour while the cloud caught up with us. We had water fights between two different rafts, got nice and wet, stole a water gun, used the bailing cans for activities other than bailing, tried to not disturb the fishermen too much, etc. Then some gentle little drops began to fall, then bigger drops and finally the heavens opened and we got drenched. I’ve never been that wet except for in the shower. It wasn’t awful, the breeze was a bit chilly for a few minutes. It was mostly quite an adventure. We ran the few little rapids along the way and arrived safe and sound at Little Hole. The rain continued while we pulled out the rafts and gathered at the parking lot, where none of our vehicles had been transported because of the “ground crew” dealing with the rain and the supplies that were supposed to be for our lunch when we got out of the river. Several of us grabbed keys and hitched a ride back to the dam to get the vehicles and by the time we all arrived back at camp the sun was shining and we all dried out and enjoyed a beautiful evening. My opinion of Flaming Gorge is much improved. The water is still cold, the campground needed about twice as many toilets—our bathroom had two toilet seats but no stalls—and I can always use more trees for shade. But I had a wonderful time—great company—and I will happily return to Flaming Gorge another time.
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