Grand Canyon to change 'unfair' permit system

LufkinDailyNews.com ^ | 11/22/09 | Unknown

[bagman]

Wet and cold - eight days of precipitation in twenty days (two four-day periods). Snow on the Canyon floor one morning. Frost and frozen standing water on several mornings. Flagstaff had about 5 inches of precipitation in December, 2008, all of it while we were on the river.

Normal highs at Phantom Ranch on the River are in the upper 50s in December with normal lows in the upper 30s. We had a few days at normal, but many days below.

Still a great trip. We saw no other parties after we passed Phantom Ranch (Day 11 of 20).

If I were to do it again, I think I would pick a December trip again to avoid the crowds. Biggest problem is that sunrise is a little after 7:00 am with sunset somewhere around 5:30 pm, so that daylight is at a premium.

[bagman]

I was not involved in the lottery with which we won our permit, but we did win on the first attempt. The lottery is weighted so that the longer the applicant goes without winning, the great his chances become each year.

I’m not attempting to defend the present system. Maybe it could be done better. Camping space is limited on the River, so access has to limited using some methodology.

I also don’t understand Question 38. No one in our group of twelve had ever rafted the Grand Canyon before, although two of the participants did have professional guide credentials. We used an outfitter in Flagstaff for the equipment and food.

[mickey finn]

From what I read December is a good bet since it is going to be cool and wet and most want to float during the warmer months. Sounds like fun despite the cold. Did you get to row any rapids?