Green River in March?

[gringorio]

Hi ya'll,

I'm thinking about floating the Green from Green River, UT to the confluence in early March.

I am specifically wondering about the abundance of plant, animal and insect life during this time of year? On such a float I'd be looking for photographic opportunities too and am hoping for lots of eco-activity... Will there be much during this time of year or does the activity generally occur later in the spring?

Thanks for your thoughts,

greg

[Scott P]

I am specifically wondering about the abundance of plant, animal and insect life during this time of year? On such a float I'd be looking for photographic opportunities too and am hoping for lots of eco-activity... Will there be much during this time of year or does the activity generally occur later in the spring?

Most plants are still in "winter state". For example, the cottonwoods will still not have any leaves on them. Of course the cactus and other plants won't be blooming either. Everything (plant wise) is more barren than later in Spring.

I've actually seen more wildlife such as coyotes for example at that time of year than later is spring. I don't think there are actually more around, but maybe there aren't as many places to hide or much of it may be that it gets dark earlier at that time of year than later so you are up more in the dark (most coyotes I've seen have been before or after sunset).

Animals like reptiles are pretty inactive then. Bighorn sheep hang around that specific area year round.

[gringorio]

OK, it's well past March, but I now have my shuttle reservation with Tex's riverways (the other poster was right - shuttle service is expensive) and my CLNP permit in process - it's taken a while to arrange the escape. In mid-July I'll be dropped off at Ruby Ranch and picked up at Spanish Bottom 10 days later - can't wait! Rather than use my sea kayak, I recently picked up a really nice solo canoe off Craigs List, a Mad River Slipper - perfect for flat water cruising...

Also, I'll have my camera with wide angle, telephoto and macro lenses... Oh, and a side of bacon and a keg of whiskey. :naughty:

Should be fun!

g

[gringorio]

All I have to say is this was an amazing trip! One could float this stretch a number of times and never run out of places to explore.

Due to the mosquitoes associated with the side-canyons and willows, I sought out riverside camps and was rewarded with plenty to see, photograph and explore without the biting bugs. Apparently a party abandoned the river at Mineral Bottom due to the mosquitoes. I can only attribute this to their attempt to camp at side-canyon sandbars and the associated willows where the mosquitoes were unbearable. Everywhere else there where few biting bugs, and when I say 'everywhere else' I mean great places to explore and set camp....

Here is a photo essay about my float trip on the Green: http://www.rivertrekker.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=63

There are a few details that make the logistics flow - the main thing is scheduling your shuttle so you can then get a permit to enter Canyonlands National Park. I'd definitely recommend this section of the Green to all of you flat water paddlers out there...

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u317/WildMagnolia/Green%20River%20Solo%20July%202009/DSC_4392copy.jpg

Happy paddling,

greg

[Alex]

That section is awesome man, a great canoe trip! Do you do any whitewater trips?

[gringorio]

That section is awesome man, a great canoe trip! Do you do any whitewater trips?

Yeah, I loved it - I guess it's a classic flat water float with so many side canyons to explore to boot ... I've never done any whitewater (mostly sea kayaking and now canoeing), but after hanging out at the confluence and watching all the rafts headed for cataract canyon I want to now! :nod: Adrift Adventures was recommended to me as one of the best outfitters for a first time whitewater trip. Any thoughts?

greg

[Alex]

I don't know many commercial companies. I heard adrift is fine. They all do a pretty good job. I just do private trips.

As much as you ran the rivers, I doubt you will have any problems reading white water river.

[gringorio]

hey ya'll,

While I definately have a lot to learn about editing video, I did manage to put together a couple videos of my trip. One with my monologue and other interesting scenes and one with just the sounds of the river. Also, one about a grasshopper I watched grazing at the confluence since a friend of mine had never seen a grasshopper 'grazing' before... I know this trip deserves several 10 minute videos on youtube to cover it in more detail, but I just didn't have the patience to do that. Also, some detail is best left to be discovered by others on their own float trip. =0)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiUSIMMo5MM


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAPBX8OkfGI


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYvQ2z-yhyM

enjoy!

greg :haha:

[Sombeech]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAPBX8OkfGI

Loved it. :2thumbs:

[denaliguide]

that was very nice. :2thumbs: