I had High hopes for this expedition. So when we first got there, they looked confused that we were…read morethere. They didn't really greet us when we got inside. (2 guys did outside when we asked where do we go for the kayak trip) so we're inside and it's a bar. We walk up and after about a min or so, they ask, "can we help you?" We explain we are here for the kayak trip. We fill out liability forms. And go outside with one of the reps. He shows us our kayaks gets us some life vest. He gave us a basic run down. I myself being out of state and living the city life. Don't really have any experience in all this, so I'm asking multiple questions. How long is the ride?, is it safe?, anything we should be aware of?, can we flip over?, what if we get lost?, can these kayaks hold me? (I'm 5'11 235lbs) keep in mind they're the inflatable kayaks not the hard plastic ones. (So yes, I have many concerns) not to mention, I have my girlfriend with me and her safety is my most imperative concern. So to continue.... he said, " it's about 4 hours depending if you sight seen or paddling. Stick to the right, and you'll see your boat launch. You can't miss it. It's a huge parking lot, with lots of cars and you'll see rafts and other kayaks (It was NOT a huge parking lot, with lots of cars and no rafts or kayaks pulled up there. It was a small entrance to pull up your kayak. my vehicle and 1 other truck was there) looked like a beach pit. Maybe because I'm from the city, I pictured a actual parking lot, pavement, and a bunch of rafts and kayaks there after people beach them. Well, we ended up missing our end spot and ended up 2 miles down from where we were suppose to be. Had concerns, called the front desk. A woman answered said, sounds like you passed it up. You need to paddle back. So we tried turning the kayaks around to paddle against the current. I myself was tired and my girlfriend was already exhausted. (Keep in mind, we already been on the river about 4 and a half hours) we tried but didn't make any ground. My girlfriend actually got swept away from me and ended up about 50 yards down and across the other side of the river and me on the other side. She calls me and we agree we need to get out the river and on to the bank. So she's crossing over to where I am and struggling to get to me because the river and the strong current. So I myself risk meeting her half way to help her. She was terrified and crying. But we made it to the bank. And crawled up some shrubbery and pulled up our kayaks. (I forgot to mention on this expedition there us no cellular signal till you get towards the end of the expedition.) We had to go through someone's property and in the interim my girlfriend got shocked by a electrical fence. We called the staff again, and they said to drop a pin location which we did. They said, " we need to get to a main highway because we can't get to you. Help me, help you!" So we had to walk a about a quarter mile or a little more pulling those kayaks as well. (Not to mention already exhausted and dehydrated) so we pull the kayaks through a field and had to go under a couple more electrical fences again knowing that we are in people's property. (Hoping we don't get shot at. I'm not familiar with Colorado) we drop another pin showing we made it to highway 65. 2 guys came and picked us up. Each in a separate vehicle. 1 guy seemed very irritated and annoyed. And the other seemed a little more polite. Told us to go sit un his truck with ac. (Because we were exhausted they did half to go in the property and retrieve the kayaks. It was about 30 yards or so) I was a bit surprised that they didn't really show any concern to see if we were ok. Especially because they're running a business. The more polite guy gave us a ride to our vehicle. We thanked him and went on our way. ( oh yeah, and where they leave your vehicle for pick up at the end of your expedition they tuck away your keys under your tire. Surprised, because I'm from out of state we don't do that because of theft. But out there it's a less concern. Which I'm cool with that part. Just letting yall know.
ALL IN ALL THE EXPEDITION WAS BEAUTIFUL. THE BUSINESS JUST NEEDS TO HAVE A BETTER DIRECTION OF THINGS FOR TOURIST THAT ARE OUT OF STATE AND HAVE NO EXPERIENCE.
PS. I write this post as a concern tourist. Not to ridicule or bash this business.
SUGGESTIONS:
*PAPER MAP OF RIVER SO US TOURIST CAN HAVE A BETTER IDEA AND EXPERIENCE.
*SIGNS SHOWING THAT WE'RE A MILE FROM OUR DOCKING DESTINATION
*SECONDARY DOCKING DESTINATION SO IF YOU HAPPEN TO MISS THE FIRST DESTINATION.
(believe me, it's hard paddling against the current!!!)