Wow….here it is the beginning of March and the roar of the river can already be heard! March will be our “re-certification” month. I know I have mentioned before that Grand Canyon Expeditions is an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service and has been since 1964. As an outfitter with the National Park Service there are certain guidelines every outfitter is responsible for, GCE takes great pride in the quality of all our guides.
Grand Canyon Expeditions offers continuing education to all their guides. Guide training seminars for updated geology and archeology is available, along with food handler cards, fork lift operation, and first aid requirements. To be an official licensed Grand Canyon river guide, you must stay current in the following: (WFR) Wilderness First Responders, CPR, food handlers, and a written examination of various Grand Canyon operational requirements with a 3-year certification.
GCE guides are both male & female, they vary in ages from 25 to 65 years old. During our season we try to combine our wisdom of the old, with the energy of the youth to create an overwhelming life experience for our guests. March will bring together about 30 of our guides. We’ll spend three days together getting re-certified for the 2011 season. It’s always great to sit and listen to the stories that are shared around the bunkhouse camp fires. You can feel the pulse of any river guide at this time of year…and how can anyone help but not get really excited? You know you are just weeks away from telling a 2011 season raft full of our guests, “What goes on the river, stays……………. on the river.”
So, for now, that’s my view from the back of the raft, Capt. Marty
Grand Canyon Expeditions...... river trip necessities & reflections of a canyon lunch.....