Good morning Colorado, how are you?
It's going to be yet another mighty fine day.
You wind and twist through sediments and schist,
On your way to the Baja bays. It began at Lee's Ferry one hot summer's day.
Donning life jackets, hauling gear bags and joining the fray.
There was Richard, David, Ray, Alan and Ed,
Wilfred, Barbara and Ruben ahead.
Then Genie, Jackie, Becky and Bill
Together with me, the boat we did fill.

With swamper Alicia, and boatman Matt
We started of f slowly and then came the chat.
"You pee in the river and you poop in the cans.
Buck up little camper and please wash your hands."

The rapids were easy, the river like mud.
Drink plenty of water, or your head will just thud.
And if you get grumpy and crabby and such,
Just feast at the table on the mighty fine lunch.

The lectures were stirring, the banter was fun,
Though happening in the blazing hot sun.
The canyon was majestic, with red, purple and pink.
Enough information to make our boat sink.

The rapids got harder, and so did our beds.
We crashed on through Crystal without injuring our heads.
The rapids came quicker and we gave them our all,
Fearing the day when we would meet Lava Falls.

The weather was balmy and dry as can be.
Except for the night Barb's tent headed to sea.
The heavens were opened with lightning galore.
Thunder, rain, hail, who could ask for much more?

Oh yes there were critters among all those rocks.
Some, like the scorpions, hid in our socks.
The sheep were surreal as they grazed on the grass.
But, be careful the ants for they will bite your bare ___.

The stars out at night were a beautiful to me,
And Mars was something to see.
But what I liked best, after my rest
Was sending Los Angeles my pee.

So goodbye Colorado, goodbye.
I've had yet another very fine day.
And thanks to you all for preventing my fall
And helping all along the way.

Lynn M. Hansen
August 2003