April, 2016. Team O'Brien/Reier launched at Mineral Bottom and paddled to the confluence of the Colorado River. River level was 3~3.5K. A lower level opens up potential sites on sand bars and shoreline - we used this sparingly. The weather was ideal. Warm to hot during the day and cool at night. Stars were in full bloom as the moon was neatly tucked away. We used Tex's Riverways to outfit us for boats, shuttle and misc gear. These guys have it dialed and are highly recommended. Hiked up to Turks Head and into Jasper Canyon. During a strong wind-sand storm, Gunther and Lester emerged. True desert rats that know how to deal with intense wind and blowing sand. A day later downstream in the heat, river water beckoned and everyone found themselves in a spilled glass of chocolate milk. Wrapping ones mind around the landscape, scale of time, geology and history was mind boggling. Upon arrival, our trip was christened with good karma at Salt Lake City airport. The agent from Enterprise Car smiled and took one look at our pile of gear and asked, "...do you want a free upgrade?" Next thing we know we are in a command vehicle... a black 2016 GMC Yukon, decked out with tinted windows and 17K on it. The adventure to Moab began... In the middle of our float we celebrated Jeff's birthday. Perched on a rock platform over the Green River, we watched yellow and gold rays swallow landscape as we sang happy birthday and partied. Jeff and I brought travel guitars. We left notes on rock walls with acoustic signatures, digital boxes wish they could reproduce. The entire trip we had waterfront every night to ourselves. Secluded amongst rock, sand, cactus and eons of sculptured time. Our trip ended with a sand jam waiting for our jet boat pick up. April is a great time to go as the weather is inviting. This trip will take the great Pacific Northwest right out of you. Bring your Gunther Kit... you never know what can happen when wind and sand whip up! Big shouts to Larry and Flo. Thanks for your hospitality and generosity book ending our trip... it was awesome!