There’s a moment first thing in the morning when you’re snuggled up in your sleeping bag, tent zipped fully closed. You’re warm, cozy and dry, slowly awakening.
You can hear the river flowing nearby. Maybe you hear some bird words nearby, too. You haven’t heard the blaster yet or the best call of the day: COFFEEEEEEE!
You gotta pee, so not getting up is not an option anymore. The sun is just starting to creep up, knocking the chill will happen as soon as it crests the canyon rim. That’s an least an hour or two from now.
Unzipping your bag lets a bit of the morning chill in. First bottom layer, second bottom layer, socks. First top layer, second top layer, third top layer, hat. Chacos.
Then you’re up and headed to the groover. You whisper good morning to the two or three other early risers. One does a little dance and sings a little song – you can count on her for morning enthusiasm and always a song.
Another is scrubbing her short hair. As you wait in the groover line, you can count on her for a solid warm morning hug. They’re the best! The other, dressed in her stand out orange river slippers, is heading for the coffee pot already. You feel a tug of envy. Mmmmm, coffee. Business first, though.
Finally, hot mug of coffee in hand (thanks early morning rising guides – ya’ll are the BEST!!!), you join those morning folks in the chairs, deliberately arranged to point at the river. Everyone loves watching the river wake up.
Birds are busy. Sunlight strikes the river over there. Oh look – a mama deer and her baby are coming down the steep green hillside for a drink and a nibble of the grasses.
Others are waking up, too, wandering by to the groover, too, mostly silent in their trek.
Finally, everyone is up, ready to eat, and warmed with coffee (or tea). The day is in front of us, but sitting quietly, chatting (or not), and letting the morning arrive…it’s my absolute FAVORITE time on a river trip.
Warmly,
Angie
P.S. Want to experience some of this magic for yourself? I’ve got four chairs waiting to be filled. Is one of them yours? Launching late August.