Rio Chama 2011: roughing it on the river

Yes, we had another fun, exciting, scenic, well-fed, and companionable float down the Chama River in northwestern New Mexico this year. (See last year's postings here, under the Rio Chama label.)

Going in May instead of August means colder air and colder water. But we also learned that it means lots more wildlife, an added bonus on top of the great campsites, fun rapids, and wonderful scenery.

Geese, in particular, were quite numerous, in family groups with
adorable goslings as well as noisy flying bands like this one

I have a few more wildlife pictures that I'll include in my next post, along with some of the great scenery. Given that I'd gone somewhat overboard in scenic photos last year, I didn't take as many this time. Although we camped at different spots, including one that is really spectacular, even by Chama standards, so I'll be sure to show you that.

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For now, I thought my readers might be interested in some of the logistics involved in the trip.

You would think that spending three nights away from normal modern conveniences like heat, light, plumbing, and communications technology would be a rather onerous burden. But, the post title was meant sarcastically: we were definitely not roughing it.

Not with all the gear you see below (click on the image to enlarge and read what some of the stuff is). This was the porch of our cabin, very cleverly reserved at Cooper's El Vado Lake campground for the night before we took off. Especially given the iffy weather, it surely was nice to have a bed, a heater, a shower, a real toilet and space to organize our stuff. Looking at it like this, you might be right to wonder: how many barges are going on this expedition?

Somehow, we fit everything into our seven boats, along with some non-labeled gear, such as our portable toilet, various containers of tools for boating emergencies, tents for everyone, warm clothes, and drinking water (still needed, even given the beer).

Our camps were not only scenic...

first morning on the river

evening at our second camp

...but, thanks to all this gear, exceptionally functional...

In spite of it being a little chilly in the evenings, Jon's super-tarp kept us cozy and allowed the gourmet meals we ate to be prepared almost as easily as at home. Although our four-stage washing up process—involving river water, soap, and bleach—wasn't quite as convenient as the dishwasher.

At any rate, take a look at these sample meals we enjoyed...no wonder I gained weight on the trip!

Jon's chili in one dutch oven, with biscuits in the other

Gary's eggs Florentine breakfast (with some leftover tenderloin on the side)

Mike's King Ranch Chicken casserole in the dutch oven, ready to go on the fire

Mornings and evenings were cold, and it was sometimes hard to convince yourself to get out of the sleeping bag. Note the frost on the cataraft tube and oar in the photos on the right.

Although knowing the great breakfasts that awaited in the camp kitchen was a good motivator.

As was scenery like this just outside your tent, making it lots easier to leave the cozy confines and get out, about, and taking it all in.

Stay tuned for more of this amazing scenery...

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Henry's blog, with more detail and even more food photos, is now up.