The Cooper Report

 The day started entirely too early with a 2:30 wake-up call. I wasn’t on board with this plan but was promised there would be boat rides and no long walks in the desert. After a long car nap, we arrived at the boat launch at daybreak, with sweet desert smells in the crisp air we loaded up the boat and I took my normal spot in the front. 

It wasn’t long before we stopped at the first spot and my (crazy) Dad jumped into the water with his fly rod in hand. A few minutes later he started laughing as his reel screamed, line tearing down the river. I never saw what was causing all the excitement and really didn't care but he came back to the boat shaking with a big smile on his face. We passed Larry in the next run and he said he had a very similar encounter where he was standing in the river. 

We stopped at a few other spots down the river before arriving at our camp around 11 that day. I love camp because it means new smells and different treats buried in the sand. For some reason, Mom and Dad are not excited about the treasures I found. Later that evening my good buddy Josh joined us at camp and we enjoyed dinner and drinks. 

The next day started too early but the cool air felt good and the treats made it worth it. We stopped at quite a few places where Josh and Larry both found what they referred to as chrome. Soon the bright sun came up above the canyon wall and the cool air turned a little too warm for me. I’m not really a water dog but Mom kept dunking me into the water to cool me off. We made it back to camp where I was able to search for more treasures and cool off while others fished the camp water as the sun set behind the canyon walls. Later that night we experienced bright flashes and loud noises. 

On the last day, we woke up to some clouds and smoke that filled the air. We didn’t get to fish much and had to row really fast due to the smoke. We got to the takeout just after lunch and quickly loaded things up. I had a good time but was very excited to get into my house and enjoy some cool air conditioning. I enjoy being on the river but my favorite part was the treats in camp. I’m already planning on how to get more next time. 

Editor's Note:  Lightning started a fire in the lower canyon, cutting short the adventure as authorities evacuated Max Canyon and closed the lower access road. The road closure reminds us that we are still in the middle of fire season and must be careful when recreating in high fire-prone areas.