Bighorn Sheep Canyon, perhaps Lookout Mountain

Every day had changing scenery. In the early days it was forests and the well known peaks of the Collegiate Range. Then as we headed further south the trees grew sparse, replaced often with boulder fields until eventually arid hills and rocky gorges filled our view.

I'm not sure but this could be Lookout Mountain in the distance. Since I always paddled in the stern where the guide sat, I got to hear about the local history and ask questions.

I also got to know each guide's style and paddling preference which dictated whether I paddled on my left or my right. Good thing I am practically ambidextrous! The other four in our raft choose their spots but I was considered to be the "flex" person who could move most easily to balance the needs of the guide.

Riding on the stern was great except that the raft edge flexes there and I had trouble keeping myself "anchored" securely at times even with foot cups to shove one foot into on the floor of the raft. Read more about what happened the first time my anchor failed me in "I'll Take My Mountains Padded With Rubber" Part II here..