The rivers here are good… it’s the time I don’t have. LolI started at the age of 40. Stop when I moved out here. Too far from the James for my 3-4 times a week trips. There is a river in my 'back yard' but it is slooooowwww. Flat water builds character they say. You have some good rivers up your way. The Tohickon, and Lehigh come to mind.
Thank you!@Nate D : Sounds like you guys are in shape, so I'll give you just a few pieces of advice.
Arizona is very hot and very dry in August. Expect average day temps in the desert floor to be 110. Bright sun, no clouds, no shade. Start drinking lots of water two weeks before you head out there. You should be up to close to a gallon a day by the time you get there.
If you are doing any hiking, estimate how much water you'd take on the east coast. Triple it. Then add some more. Freeze some of it to go in your pack to have cool water a few hours later. Head back before you've used half your water. If you get an injury, or go off trail (easy), you can easily die from a lack of water due to extended time in the desert. It happens multiple times/year out there.
If you hike, use AllTrails for live mapping when there's cell service. Download maps ahead of time for when there isn't service or it's blocked. Trails are poorly marked (unmarked) outside the most popular areas. Easy to get lost.
Learn about the snakes and scorpions and safe behaviors they don't teach you on the east coast. If you want, PM me and I'll tell you what you need to know.
Hiking about 5,000 feet is challenging if you live in the East where it's typically a few hundred feet above sea level. There's a big difference as you pass 5000' or so. The rims are high plains, maybe 7500'+. Walking is fine, by climbing is challenging, especially for older folks.
Enjoy. If you have some extra time, there are amazing things to see in AZ and around there.
What river?Awesome. I guess if he can do the Grand Canyon, I can do the river here with my grandson. I'm inspired.
Man I ran that river a bunch as a kid. Such a great riverOcoee River...my grandson guides on it.