Going Kilted Down The Grand Canyon In A Few Days

**Riverkilt** · 11th July 13, 07:16 AM

Taking pictures of folks headed down canyon for the past few years I've been "Always the Bridesmaid - Never the Bride." But lucked out and scored a vacancy on a Hatch trip down canyon for seven days. I know lots of folks have rafted the Grand Canyon kilted because I've met them and have pics of them. They just always seem to have very scruffy and inexpensive kilts.

Right now my plan is to take my Utilikilt Survivor for the raft and a USA Kilts casual for the beach/camp/hiking.

Don't know anyone else on the trip but Hatch told me there is an extended family of about 15 teenagers going along - all siblings and cousins. Another reason for the Survival - it has modesty snaps.

Its my first trip down. I love the Colorado River and all its tributaries. Nice to add a big chunk of river to my past explorations of the Colorado.

As a rookie, sure appreciate any suggestions from those of you who've made the trip already.

**Liam** · 11th July 13, 01:09 PM

Looking forward to your pictures! Have a great trip.

**Riverkilt** · 11th July 13, 07:52 PM

Thanks, that's two of us....

Scrambling to assemble all the "stuff" I'm supposed to take along...who would have thought a Frisbee makes a good plate?

**NorseCelt** · 11th July 13, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Thanks, that's two of us....

Scrambling to assemble all the "stuff" I'm supposed to take along...who would have thought a Frisbee makes a good plate?

We use frisbees to hold paper plates when we camp. Perfect size and easy to clean and disinfect.

**sydnie7** · 12th July 13, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by NorseCelt

We use frisbees to hold paper plates when we camp. Perfect size and easy to clean and disinfect.

And brings a whole new dimension to the "food fight" LOL

Have a great time, Ron, stay safe and take lots of your always-great pix!

**Riverkilt** · 14th July 13, 08:11 PM

Somewhere got the idea that wearing a leather RKilt would be better....but after processing that with Robert and thinking it through nixed that idea. Reading the "what to bring" suggestions the raft company is anti-cotton and pro wool. So now decided my rafting kilt will be my USA Kilts 5 yard 16 ounce wool Scott Green Weathered in honor of my maternal grandmother who was the first in the family to visit the Grand Canyon back in 1927. If wool can handle the rain in Scotland I'm sure it can handle the splashes from the Colorado River.

**English Bloke** · 15th July 13, 12:19 AM

I'm looking forward to these pictures Ron. Never paddled the river but more years ago than I care to remember, I did hike all the way to the bottom via the Bright Angel with two overnights at Indian Gardens and then clambered back out again. It was a lot easier going in than coming out. I have vivid memories of hauling my pack up switchbacks like these... A bucket list 'must do' I might add.

**Tartan Tess** · 15th July 13, 04:31 AM

I am so excited you get to do this trip Ron! You will be planning another one aftewards.
For years, my bucket list has had the mule trip down into Phantom ranch. I had the year long reservation booked three times and each time it was dashed due to Parents and hospitals just days before departure. I think I will make reservations for next year. your inspiring me (and I'm not getting younger)
Yeah Haw!

**Riverkilt** · 15th July 13, 07:18 AM

At my age don't think the hiking part is an option anymore..shoulda woulda coulda done it when younger. In recent years even the 8 mile trek to Supai was a challenge. And I'm too fat for them to put me on a mule. So, the river it is. Did enjoy the helicopter flight from Supai one trip down there. Got my gear organized yesterday and was pleased I'm well under the 25 lb weight limit....an airline thing - they fly us back to the starting point after take out.

**Cygnus** · 15th July 13, 09:49 AM

Having made the trip a few times, I've always been surprised at how little you need to get by (and Hatch provides some excellent food during the trip).

My one recommendation would be to take a rain-suit or poncho and keep it in the bottom of your day bag (even if you're not expecting rain). I've only been caught in a thunderstorm on one trip, but the inability to dry-out made for a very uncomfortable afternoon. That applies to cloudy days as well, as the river water can get you wet and the lack of sunshine can get you feeling cold in a hurry.

Aside from that, they'll take excellent care of you - have fun!