2009 Friendship Cruise

[Guest]

The annual Friendship Cruise (http://www.ecso.com/friendship/index.html) seems to be a go again this year. Have any C-Dory owners done this trip? It is over the Memorial Day Weekend and you put in at Green River Utah and end up in Moab Utah all by river during high run off. Last year I did part of the cruise just on the Green River when it was running 18,000 cfs (the Colorado River was about 25,000 cfs). Being the chicken that I am and not having ever done the cruise, I took a 14’ raft with a 30 hp 2-stroke thinking that if I can’t get the boat out, I just lose a raft not a C-Dory. I was definitely the smallest boat on river and decided that facing the Colorado River was not in my stomach with such a small boat so I took out 70 miles down river at their gas stop. Cruisers the size of a CD25 were routinely passing me by AND laughing at me. If the water is high this year I will take the CD22. I would love to have other C-Dory’s join in the fun. I think the up run of the Colorado may be similar to what Least Heat-Moon (the book River Horse) experienced on the Missouri River. Let me know of any interest and we will keep tabs on the water level as the time gets closer.

[Simplicity]

It sounds like a blast but we won't be out West until August.About how many knots is the current? Enjoy the ride. Alan

[El and Bill]

We have canoed this trip a number of times in the past. The views and side canyons are glorious! Some mighty beautiful country. Did my Master's Thesis along this stretch of river yea many years ago.

We will be on Lake Powell when we're able to break free from Doc tentacles - might then consider the run down the Green with you, if timing is right. Sure would be fun to cruise with you two again!

For the rest of you - this would be one of the most interesting cruises possible with your C-Dory. Wild scenic country not far above the Grand Canyon (in fact, if you miss the turn up the Colorado River while on this cruise, you end up in Lake Powell - probably upside/down, since Cataract Canyon separates this cruise from Powell - and oh, what an outstanding raft trip that is! But that's another story. (Don't get an ol' boatman going on canyon runs)

[Guest]

Hey, it's good to see some interest. The Colorado River at flood runs about 5-6 mph as I remember. At the confluence of the Green and Colorado make sure you take the left hand turn and go up river. Last year some folks told me of two men several years back who made the wrong turn (right hand). Remains of the boat and bodies were never found. Cataract canyon literally eat them up. I was told that now jet boats are stationed at the confluence to help those who don't know their left from right. As the time gets closer lets keep in touch.
Jon

[Guest]

Looks like the water will be good for the memorial weekend cruise. I will camp at the GreenRiver fire station on the evening of May 21 (Thursday). On the 22nd put on river starts. Hope folks can make it.

Jon

[Westfield 11]

We will be on Lake Powell next week from Monday to Friday. A houseboat rental with a skiboat tender. Any C-brats who see someone waving like a lunatic pull up and say hi! I doubt this rental will have a VHF.....but who knows?