Welcome new members – a brief update follows:
Flyers
The Courtesy and GCPBA flyers have now been distributed to the four outfitters. You can check out the Courtesy flyer on our website (newgcpba.org) under “Trip Connections and Info.” You can find the GCPBA flyer under “About Us.”
The Courtesy flyer is an updated version done in coordination with Grand Canyon River Guides. The GCPBA flyer was designed by Board Member Erica Stones. Thank you, Erica.
The flyers are now included with a welcome letter to new members.
Packlist
We’ve had several requests for a “What do I take with me” list. There used to be one on the old website that was lost in the shuffle. So, I’ve put together a version based on my experience for the summer and shoulder seasons, see “Trip Connections and Info” Since, I’ve never done a winter trip, I’ll leave up to those who have, to add to the list. Just email us at gcpbamail@gmail.com with your recommendations.
The list is for personal items and not intended for hardware, first aid kits, etc. It is intended to provide a quick checklist for Canyon veterans and newcomers. My checklist consisted of making sure the garage was empty after the trailer was loaded. I’ve always brought too much stuff and not enough gin.
Phantom Exchange Camps
In putting together the “Courtesy Flyer,” we were alerted by the Permit’s Office that the restriction for use of the exchange camps is from March 1 thru October 31. The flyer has April as the start date, which is in concert with the Colorado River Management Plan’s joint use period. As such, having the restriction start March 1 doesn’t make sense.
The Park has tended to over react in an attempt to regulate use. Stowing of motors, Deer Creek closure, sharing of trip costs, etc. The Phantom Exchange Camps restriction came about because of an incident where 4 groups were camped at Cremation with one of them doing a layover. We’ll discuss this topic with Park at our upcoming Board Meeting in October along with the fee increase.
Grand Canyon River Alert System
The following is from a USGS press release: “….GCRAS is designed specifically for the distinctive needs of satellite messaging devices and features reduced character count messages, short-code signup capability, and the ability to unsubscribe at any time. After a positive test of the system in March 2024, the system went live to the public and has been used more than two dozen times in 2024 to inform boaters and hikers of hazards (such as debris flows and flash floods) in the Grand Canyon. Satellite signal availability and device response time varies based on location and service provider, but initial testing showed messages arriving within 2–10 minutes…….”
GCPBA, along with other groups, attended a USGS workshop at their campus in Flagstaff in Sept 2023 to provide input to the warning system.
Great to see the effort come to fruition! Here’s the QR code for NPS alerts. The monsoon season is right around the corner!
Historic Lodge Lost
You’ve no doubt heard that the iconic Lodge at the North Rim was lost due to fire. Here’s a flashback; May 2012 family trip, stopping at the Lodge, on the way to Lee’s Ferry.
We’ll ask the Park at our Fall meeting what the plans are for rebuilding the Lodge and report back.
Best wishes to all,
John Vrymoed, President
Grand Canyon Private Boaters’ Association
gcpba.org
gcpbamail@gmail.com