Summary

Rio Chama - Instructional Seminar - 3 Days

Prices From	USD$ $600.00
1st Departure	01.01.0001
Provider	Dvorak Kayak & Rafting Exp Inc
Destination	Rio Chama
Duration	3 days
Challenge	Easy
Avg Rating	Not Rated

32 miles | Class I-II (Beginner/Intermediate) Excellent river for learning to kayak, beginner levels. Course can include all equipment or bring your own. See Instructional courses for more details.
Stretching out in the warm sun of the New Mexico wilderness, the Chama winds quietly through its Pinon forest and desert environment. This beautiful canyon trip has been included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, a tribute to its wild beauty. A unique blend of wilderness and living history, the Rio Chama flows serenely by the monastery of the Church of the Desert and then slips quietly back into its wild canyons.

ADDITIONAL $ rental fee for using our equipment (kayak/canoe/raft/inflatable kayak)

Itinerary

Canyon River Journey General Itinerary

General Itinerary for multi-day Expeditions

And So It Begins River Magic Dvorak Style!

When you reserve your adventure with Dvorak Rafting & Kayak Expeditions, you will be taken care of from the time you meet us until we send you on your way at the end. We will schedule pre trip meetings to check our lists and finalize last minute details before you fly, shuttle or walk to the river launch sites. We will fit you out with your personal floatation device (PFD), issue your waterproof bag for personal gear to transfer your river gear into, confirm your camping equipment is there (tents/sleeping bags/pads/rain gear/wetsuit/boots etc.) and gather everyone to the circle for introductions and a river safety talk. Once we are a river family, we will designate the rafters and kayakers to their crafts and we will be on our way. “We are now officially on “River Time”

Diversity!

A week, two days, three days, or more, Dvorak Rafting & Kayak Expeditions cater to all tastes. Right from the start, our staff does the tough stuff – the glory of adventure, without the worry! Based on your input, our consultants will help you choose a personally – suited expedition, a getaway, vacation, challenge or another river feather in your hat! From this point, we will takeover and do all the planning, make the lists and check them twice, the cooking, and the loading and detailing. Kick back and soak it all in. However, if you desire to recall the rugged, rough and tumble routes of “roughing it”, we can go there, too.

Tents or Castle?

Some like it wet and wild. Others like it quaint and calm. Just like our selection of nine rivers in the southwest Dvoraks offer you choices; sleep under the stars in your skivvies, tent on a sandy riverbank, cozy up in a bed & breakfast or luxury base camp with us on the Arkansas River Center in walled tents with the hot showers right next door! Great granite fireplace and pavilion for families, corporate groups and afternoon Bar B.Q. after a day of rafting.

Morning Sunrise

Dawn is accompanied by the sweet morning chorus of the river birds singing, rustling tents opening, and nature stretching its wings and the call of “Cawfeee” hot and rich to your senses. As you make your way to the kitchen, the smell of fresh bacon, pancakes and nibbles of fresh fruit and juices entice your appetite to begin the day. Your crew leisurely shuffles about, while breaking down camp and packing up the rafts in preparation for the days adventures ahead. By the time, the sun moves into camp over the canyon walls you will have packed your dry bag and will have taken the fleece off to ready for the days rapids and hikes to come.

Afternoon Delight!

Now that you’re wet and wild, you have explored a side canyon or perhaps walked back in time to the ancient one’s ruins or stopped for a snack on the water’s edge on a sunny beach - your tank of adrenaline has come and gone and guess what ? There is still half the day left. Your guides will set up a banquet of lunch delicacies for your delight and relax as you take in the grand view of this wilderness canyon as you sip a cool drink on the river’s edge. After lunch we’ll pack up for a afternoon run of whitewater and not so river wild water where you can swim or play till we reach our river camp this late afternoon.

River Dance Begins

First timers will rest assured that when we arrive to camp for the night your guides will set up camp and help you or show you how to set up tents. The camp shuffle-dance will begin as the dinner crew prepare the evening meal and sets out your appetizers and cold drinks and wine for after all that fresh air - “fuel for the fires of appetite” will have taken over. Dvoraks is famous for always making sure they are dinners are plentiful, delicious and to die for! Meanwhile the rest of the day is yours to relax, read, and play river games with the crew or visit with your family and new river friends. The setting will have by now doubled your distance from jobs, freeways, telephones and workday responsibility. You will have sharpened your senses to those around you and will inhabit the delights of this natural world around you.
(Make sure we know when there’s a birthday or anniversary because there will be one in the works from the kitchen crew)

A Good Nights Sleep!

Sleeping well is an essential luxury of any vacation. Our guests bed down in roomy four season tents with floors and flys, warm sleeping bags, atop self-inflating pads. Our bed & breakfast guests snooze like royalty in four-star comfortable choices; (Western, Tudor, Victorian, Eclectic, Country styles). You will find them just downright incredible. As you move away from the open fire after the recounting the day’s escapades and post dinner drinks, hot cocoa, tea or cool water you will never remember your head hitting your river pillow. Just before you close your eyes one last time - look up and see STARS like you have never seen before!

Variety is the Spice of Life

You can count on each day of your trip having some new twists and turns and a wild ride or two along with some quiet gentle moments on the river. Water will be a big part of each day as the full days run is from about 9:00 a.m. thru until 3-4:30 p.m. Some days have more hiking - others are more rafting. One thing for sure is your trip will be like no other and the friends, laughter and experiences will be a good time – every time! Please feel free to call our adventure consultants for more details and do look over the float notes for those special and unique qualities our rivers will offer you. Remember the memories never go away and it is up to all of us to protect these resources for our children and their children beyond our time. The whitewater thrills will fade but the tall tales just get taller every year!
“River Magic” Dvorak style!

INSTRUCTIONAL COURSE ADDITIONS TO ITINERARY.

This itinerary will have a morning briefing with students for kayak instruction and some skill refreshing sessions each day. Some of the sessions will be done in "Teachable Moments" during your progress down the river.

A gear introduction will occur the morning before you depart on the trip. All of your personal gear will be stored on one of the rafts and only your kayak floatation will be with you during the day.

Your instructors will be carrying safety gear, first aid and water plus snacks for you during the course.

Gear List

THE TRIP PACKAGE

The following are included in your Dvorak Expeditions Rio Chama trip
• All boating equipment/life jackets/drinking water
• Pre- and post-trip arrangements as described
• 2 or 3 days of rafting or instructional seminar
• All on-river meals (lunch day 1 through lunch last day)
• Rain jacket with pants (PVC)
• Eating utensils, plates, complimentary Dvorak cup
• Waterproof dry bags/containers for personal gear
• 6-man rain tarps for shelter in kitchen area
You are responsible for the following
• Transportation to the arranged meeting point
• Personal clothing and other sundry items
• Transportation at the arranged drop off point
• Pre and post lodging with meals

MULTI DAY RIVER RAFTING (COURSE) PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LIST

Please limit your gear to 30 pounds in weight. It should be able to be packed into a standard duffel bag. This list should cover everything for a safe, comfortable trip.
• Compact sleeping bag (not down) with foam pad
• Small backpack style tent w/ fly & ground sheet
• Long john style wetsuit/boots for cold months *
• Long pants (one light weight to block the sun & one warm wool or pile/fleece type*)
• Nylon shorts or swim suit under wetsuit
• Long sleeved shirts (one warm*/one light weight)
• Non cotton shirt or poly propylene top (fleece top)
• Warm jacket*, wind proof or Fleece, water resistant
• Pair of tennis shoes - tie on preferred or wet boots.
• Wool socks will help keep feet warm in tennis shoes
• Sun glasses with loss protector/keeper (with UV protection
• Sun block (over 5,000' altitude - lots of UV exposure)
• Hat for sun protection (tie-on)
• Rain gear is provided unless you want to bring your own
• Small towel / biodegradable soap / shampoo / lotion etc.
• Flashlight and extra batteries with new bulb.
• Bandana and a pair of lite gloves for sun protection.
• Personal items kit (hygiene) medicines etc.
• Waterproof camera or a very good waterproof case.
• EXTRA BEVERAGES - PLASTIC containers of liquor, CANNED beer wine coolers. An adequate supply of soft drinks is provided. If you prefer diet drinks please request them in advance. Wine is provided with evening meals.

OPTIONAL ITEMS: Field glasses with waterproof protection , Journal notebook, book, pliers (for use in taking things from fire i.e. coffee, hot water, etc.), Day pack for side hikes & Extra Zip Lock Bags.
* Can be excluded during warmer weather

RENTALS

• $15 Lightweight Sleeping Bag / Ensolite pad
• $50 Three man dome tent with floor + ground sheet
• $ 5 Therma-Rest Sleep pad, inflatable
• $20 Long John Wet suit with booties
• $ 8 Wet Suit Booties only
* $ Dry Suits ($25 per day)
* $65. Hardshell Kayak with floatation/spray skirt/paddle.
* $50 Inflatable Kayak with paddle
* $20 Helmet/PFD Type III or V
* $ 6 Paddle Jacket
* $ 65 Canoe with flotation and paddle


Note: These items need to be reserved in advance and payment is due along with your trip balance 45 days prior to departure. Be sure to give your height, weight and shoe size for wet suit rentals.

THE FOLLOWING WILL BE PROVIDED

• Rugged inflatable self-bailing rafts 12 to 16 feet in length.
• Personal flotation devices (type V)
• Waterproof dry bags for personal gear.
• First aid and safety supplies.
• One guide per raft and a ratio of 1 to 4 on any instructional clinic.
• Rain gear—unless you want to bring your own
• In addition, we have rental equipment that consists of tents, sleeping bags, pads, and ground sheets. We also have wetsuit and boot rentals available per day or trip.
• You can choose to be either in a paddle raft (participatory) or an oared raft, (passenger). Paddle rafts have 4 to 6 persons and one guide.

Travel Information

Activity Location El Vado Ranch: Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico P.O. Box 129 Hwy 112 West of Tierra Amarilla Tierra Amarilla, NM 87575 USA

Food All on-river meals are provided, beginning with lunch the first day and ending with lunch the last day. The food is fresh and hearty and the guides will prepare it for you while you enjoy the homey atmosphere generated around each river camp. You can set up your tent or go for an evening walk, relax, read, or join the guides in the kitchen if you so desire. A typical three day menu may include as a main course BBQ steak, baked fish, pork chops and dumplings, chicken enchiladas, Mexican chili, combination entrees, fresh vege-tables and salads, Dutch-oven desserts or breads, hors d'oeuvres, fresh fruits, fruit juices, coffee, tea and a complimentary glass of wine with dinner. Lunches are buffet style with a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, fruit, cheeses, sliced meats, nuts, juices or sodas. Breakfast includes fruit juice, eggs in all styles, special pancakes, French toast, melons, fruit, cereals with milk, sausage, bacon, coffee, tea or hot chocolate. We can accommodate special diets with advance notice and almost always the menu suits the vegetarian. Although we carry ample supplies of juices, coffee, tea and hot chocolate we encourage you to bring extra soda, beer, wine or other beverages you may prefer. You can arrange for us to pick up specific beverages for you prior to the trip or you can stock up before we head to the river. Any liquids you bring must be in unbreakable containers, limited to one case per person. Money Additional cash requirements: You will need to arrange all pre and post lodging and meals before and after your trip. Gratuities are not included in the trip cost. You will not require any monies during your trip. Valuables should be stored in the safe at your lodging or you can keep valuables in the waterproof bag provided by Dvoraks. A small amount of money maybe needed during shuttle for snacks at the end of trip. Destination Location Stretching out in the warm sun of the New Mexico wilderness, the Rio Chama winds quietly through its desert canyons. This 32 mile section of the river has been included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, a tribute to its wild beauty. In a unique blend of wilderness and living history, the Rio Chama flows serenely by the monastery of the Church of the Desert and then slips quietly back into its wild canyons. The warm climate and easy pace of the river makes the Rio Chama a perfect family vacation and a good place to learn to paddle a kayak or canoe, or play in an inflatable kayak. Relax and look up at the beauty and archaeological sites that New Mexico's ancient people left behind for us to enjoy. Guide(s) Our guides are experienced men and women skilled at handling their craft. They all have current first aid, CPR and Swiftwater Rescue training and have fulfilled guide qualification requirements in the states of Colorado, Utah, Texas and New Mexico. Trip Leaders have thousands of river miles of experience on all classes of rivers including all those Dvorak Expeditions run. Transportation GETTING TO THE RIO CHAMA BY PLANE: Fly into Albuquerque, New Mexico (served by most major airlines) and rent a car to drive to the rendezvous, approximately 2½ hours. BY CAR: From the North: Follow US Hwy #64-84 south from Chama to the outskirts of Tierra Amarilla. From there take NM Hwy #112 about 15 miles to El Vado Ranch. From the South: Follow US Hwy #84 north from Espanola, to Tierra Amarilla, then follow directions above. From the East: Follow US Hwy #64 west from Tres Piedras, to Tierra Amarilla, then follow directions above. An alternate rendezvous option is the Ghost Ranch Museum located near the take-out, approximately 20 miles north of Espanola. Meeting time to be arranged for your trip, but usually 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. the first day of your trip. PRE- AND POST-TRIP ARRANGEMENTS RAFTERS The meeting place for a Rio Chama trip is the El Vado Ranch, located approximately ½ mile below El Vado Dam. It is also called Cooper's Ranch as it is run by the Cooper Family. Both cabins and camping facilities are available there for the night prior to the rendezvous time which is 8:00 a.m. on the first day of your trip. They are often booked well in advance on weekends. Your vehicle can be left at El Vado Ranch and Dvoraks will return you to the put-in at a cost of $20 per person transport fee or Lake El Vado will shuttle your vehicle to the take-out site near the Ghost Ranch museum. There is a $2 per night per vehicle parking charge. If you want your vehicle shuttled to the Ghost Ranch rather than have us transport you back to the put-in site to facilitate an early departure there is a $58 shuttle fee (subject to change). TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AT TRIP'S END After derigging and loading equipment on the last day of your trip, Dvorak Expeditions will either: (1) Take you back to your vehicle at El Vado Ranch or (2) arrange to have your car shuttled to the take-out at Ghost Ranch (cost $40 per vehicle, subject to change). Although you can usually make a connecting flight home from Albuquerque after 7:00 p.m. on the last day of the trip, we recommend you fly out the following morning in case inclement weather or other circumstances delays our arrival at the Ghost Ranch. Remember, "River Time" is unpredictable. PLEASE CALL AND CONFIRM YOUR SHUTTLE ARRANGEMENTS PRIOR TO TRIP.