Rio Chama Gourmet Rafting 2007
     Featuring Francois Maeder of Crumpets Restaurant

ABOUT THIS TRIP: The 25 mile Rio Chama trip begins in alpine woodlands as a clear, rushing trout stream,  and ends at the head of Abiquiu Reservoir as a silty desert river, rolling among the rainbow cliffs so typical of the Four Corners region.  Wooded campsites and lively, but easy rapids make the Chama one of the best river outings anywhere for almost anybody.

                                                            DATES
                                                            May 22-24, 2007
                                                            June 26-28, 2007
                                                            July 13-15, 2007

                                              Cost $860 plus NM state sales tax.

DEPOSIT: A 50% deposit confirms your reservation. Reservations made within 14 days of departure will be collected in full.
 
BALANCE:  Due 14 days prior to trip departure along with a completed Client Information form.
 
CANCELLATION POLICY : Cancellations received with more than 14 days notice will be refunded less 25% of the deposit. Cancellations within 14 days of travel and ‘no shows’ receive no refund.
 
TIPPING: If you feel your crew provided you with a safe and enjoyable time on the river, feel free to acknowledge their hard work with a tip. It let’s them know they did a job well done.
 
MEETING TIME: 8:30 am sharp! If you are more than 15 minutes late you may miss the boat and forfeit all monies paid.
 
MEETING PLACE:  We meet at Bode’s General Store in Abiquiu. You’ll find this located in Abiquiu, New Mexico on Hwy 84. It’s a gas station, convenience store and deli all in one. You can’t miss it!  Click on http://www.bodes.com/map.html for driving instructions.
 
SUGGESTED LODGING: The nearest lodging is the Abiqui Inn, just 15 miles from our “Meeting Place.” Please mention to them that you are taking a “Far-Flung Adventure.” Their number is 800-447-5621.
 
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING: A detailed “Gear Checklist” will be provided with your trip confirmation.
 
BOAT CHOICE: Oar Boat, Paddle Rafts or Paddle Assisted Oar Boats. We think the best way to enjoy this trip is with four to six of your willing friends in a paddleboat. This requires everyone to be willing, physically fit or experienced. Our 14 and 15-foot self-bailers have interior grab lines, and footcups, the best of Class V paddle-rafting technology. Guests who do not feel up for the challenge can specifically request and oar raft, piloted only by the guide. This will allow for you to be a passenger but still providing you with plenty of thrills. Or go for a paddle assisted oar craft. We’re happy to discuss with you the options.
 
FUNYAKS: Funyaks are canoe shaped inflatable rafts in which you sit on the floor and paddle with a double bladed paddle like a kayak. Funyaks take more strength and skill to use and are available when river flows are less than 1500 cfs. Our guides will teach you how to paddle, what to do in case of a capsize and will assist you in moving down the river safely.
This is available for an additional $30 per person and must be reserved in advance.
 
SAFETY: River trips contain an element of risk. Far-Flung Adventures is thoroughly equipped and prepared to minimize the risks. We use quality manufactured self-bailing river rafts. At the river, Personal Floatation Device (lifejacket) will be fitted to you. Instruction in river safety and paddling techniques will be given and then you’re on the river.
 
ABOUT OUR GUIDES: Far-Flung Guides are experienced, friendly, professional boatmen and women who are committed to making your trip safe and fun. Our knowledgeable and committed guides all have at minimum CPR and Advanced First Aid or First Responder training. Most of our guides are also certified as EMTs and are trained as Swiftwater Rescue Technicians.

TRIP ITINERARY:    (Subject to change based on water conditions)

DAY ONE: Sit back and view the vistas of the craggy peaks of the San Juan Mountains, the massive Brazos Cliffs-over 3000 vertical feet high, and the village of Tierra Amarilla, during the hour and a half drive to our launch spot. Departing from El Vado Ranch, a rustic, riverside fishing resort, the Rio Chama immediately whisks us away through a series of swift riffles and into the evergreen-lined canyon. We enter the Chama Canyon Wilderness and negotiate Aragon Rapids (Class II). Camp is on an old high-water bench, under shelter of ponderosa pines and Douglas firs. Besides the peace and beauty of a designated Wild and Scenic river, Far-Flung travelers also enjoy abundant opportunities for trout fishing and hiking.
 
DAY 2 Enjoy a leisurely morning while your camp cook prepares for you a hearty, hot breakfast. Possible side hikes today may include a hike up any of the numerous side canyons or to the top of Navajo Peak to enjoy the spectacular vista. Arrive at camp early for more relaxing, fishing, or perhaps some birding.
 

DAY 3 You’ll encounter some longer, steeper rapids among the multi-hued sandstone cliffs rising up to 1000' high. Emerging from the wilderness area, we observe a quiet zone as we pass the Christ in the Desert Monastery. Now begins the lively whitewater run (Class II-III) into the headwaters of Abiquiu Reservoir. Our mid-afternoon takeout enables us to return you to your vehicles before evening.

You should be in normal good health. If you choose to do the trip in a Funyak, you’ll need to be physically fit and posses a good amount of strength.