Float the Colorado River!
I really enjoy the lower Colorado River’s recreational opportunities. Recently on one hot Saturday, my grandson Alex and I decided we had an extra 90 minutes and wanted to go play in the river. While Gateway Park is fun place to spend some time, we were looking for something a bit more adventuresome. So we decided to float the river.
Not wanting to deal with innertubes, rafts, or other cumbersome float devices; we grabbed our 
ski vest life preservers and tied a small cooler to a floatie. We then drove to the West Wetlands Park and parked the car. Catching a ride to Gateway park and jumping in the River was our plan. This plan came to sudden end when we found that Gateway Park had been taken over for a riverside concert and public access to the beach was barred unless we paid admission. No problem, we would just extend the trip a bit more by going to the next park upriver, a short drive away. To our surprise, we found this beach was also guarded as it allowed unfettered access to the beach downriver and someone might sneak into the concert. Undaunted we persevered by determining that only the beach was blocked and that the trails were accessable to walkers. We grabbed our cooler, bid goodbye to Alex’s Mom and Dad, and headed up the trail. Using the toolies as our guide to the rivers location, we were able walk until we found a small animal trail to the river.
Success at last. We jumped in the river to cool off from the 110 degree heat. Alex was quite surprised to find the river was so shallow he could stand up and walk across from bank to bank. With just enough water to float, we began our journey down the once mighty Colorado River. The current was just enough to keep us moving at a very leisurely pace. We then took in the sights from the River. The prison tower and the mission are both easily viewed while floating. The railroad bridge along side the Ocean to Ocean bridge were interesting sites to see. We even got to take in part of the concert as we floated by. We did laugh a bit at the people along the beach that seemed intent on making sure we did not come out of the water. Word of our exploit must have proceeded us.
As we floated downstream we came upon the outlet of the cause way. This was quite enjoyable as the river suddenly becomes much deeper for a short stretch and the water is at least 10 degrees cooler. We tried to swim up the causeway but found the current was a bit much when encumbered with the ski-vests and a cooler in tow. Too soon we arrived at the boat launch at the West Wetlands Park and hauled ourselves out of the water. We were surprised to find the whole trip took less than an hour even with the goofing off we did along the way.
I look forward to repeating this trip again and would recommend it to anyone that wants a very quick get away. Be sure to bring your life preservers. Although most the river is quite shallow there are a few deep spots and common sense dictates you need them. A good floppy hat for protection against the sun is also a very good idea. Bring plenty of water or other liquids in order to stay hydrated. Do not drink the river water unless you really enjoy your bathroom and want to spend a lot of time there. Finally you should take a red flag to wave at the occasional jet-skis or boats found plying the waters. They are not real common but they are out there.
