"San Juan River Vacation"

For this year’s summer family vacation we kayaked the San Juan River. It was an adventure and a trip like we've never taken before! We drove 12 hrs. to Mexican Hat, Utah (The name "Mexican Hat" comes from a sombrero-shaped, rock that looks like the hat is overturned). The scenery all around us was breathtakingly beautiful. We were surrounded by red rock and gorgeous, impressive rock formations. We camped at the Gooseneck State Park. From our campsite you could look down into a 1,000-foot-deep canyon and see the San Juan River. I was so scared to let the kids get too close to the edge. It was so much fun for the kids to set up their own tents and haul around their own gear. Space was limited due to us having to fit everything we needed into our small dry-bags and onto the kayaks. We left all comforts and the need to stay clean at home (no showers for 3 days). The next morning we set out on the river. We packed our kayaks and went over safety precautions and rules. We were then ready for our journey. The kids were fabulous; they helped out so much and pulled their own weight. We were a little worried about Payton, either she’d love it or hate it. Good thing it was LOVE! We couldn't keep that baby in the boat; she wanted to do everything the older kids did. All the kids paddled like pros and really never complained. We paddled about 50 miles for the whole trip, but it was not all work. We enjoyed playing “King of the Raft”; everyone loved throwing each other in the water. It was best if you surprised someone and did it when they least expected it. We also loved just floating in the water and letting the current take you down the river. The favorite activity of choice was “Cliff Jumping”! Everyone got in on the act, youngest to oldest. There were a few “Mud Fights”. Let’s just say, we were muddy the whole trip and never got clean until our showers at home. We only had one scary incident when our Kayak got stuck on a rock at Government Rapids. There were a few tears and a prayer but we ended up safe and sound. We just had very wet gear, sleeping bags and tents. We asked the kids if they’d go down Government Rapids again and they said, “Ask me again tomorrow!” We had such a great time with the kids, the Weenig and Berry Families. This was a trip of a lifetime. We really stretched ourselves and learned a lot from this vacation. The only thing is, I think we need a vacation from our vacation! I was not looking forward to washing all those muddy clothes.

The Mexican Hat Monument
Our view looking down from our campsite

at Gooseneck State Park

The "Before" Picture of the Hazen Family

(notice how clean we are)

The River Rats

Everyone loading and pumping up the Kayaks
Very Muddy girls
Maddie, not looking too happy
with all that mud in her ear

Floating down the river
Jumping off the cliff as a family
Mendenhall Mining Cabin built in 1893
Rachel & Rob trying to sneak in some "alone time"
Enjoying the Camping and Nightlife off the river
Payton even had her own tiny oar to help paddle
Check out this muddy River!
Our Fully Loaded Kayak

Cliff Jumping

Twin Hats with Allison & Twin Shoes with Matt

Payton even managed to sneak in some
"Shut-Eye" during the trip

The Hazen Kayak Team
R.J. the river stud, he can even make

a bulky life jacket look good!

Playing "King of the Raft"

These poor kids usually look much better than this!

The "After" picture of the Hazen family
(we need showers!)

We couldn't wait to wash our hair,
so we quickly washed it in the bathroom sink!

We made so many great memories, had a lot of laughs and learned so much on this trip! We are so thankful to Glen Berry for being our knowledgeable "River Guide" and for making this adventure happen. We could have not done it without him.