San Juan River prep

Awwww hey!  I just scored a permit for the San Juan River for this weekend!!  It's a 3-day, 27 mile float from Sand Island to Mexican Hat.  Most of the rapids are rated between Class I and II, although there's one Class III at mile 17.  This will be the first ducky trip of the season -- can't wait!

I thought there'd be no way I'd get one of these permits.  (Check out the Monticello BLM's website for more detailed information about getting one.)  Usually they book up waaaay in advance, but this low water year does have its perks.  The San Juan is only running at 500 cfs (check the current levels here,) which is the bare minimum for float trips.  I think a lot of the bigger rigs are backing out, which opened up a spot for our little ducky.  Hells yeah!  I'm sure we'll scrape bottom, run into some sand bars, and negotiate a few more rocks, but it'll be worth it.

San Juan River -- Sand Island to Mexican Hat

Packing up!

Pack List for 3-day Ducky Trip

Getting packed is definitely putting my Tetris skills to work!  Our two person ducky is pretty small and we need to pack enough stuff for 3 days out.  The BLM also requires some extra gear, which is going to make it even tighter.  Even though the forecast is calling for highs in the mid-80s, it's still only April, so I think I should bring some warm gear to be safe.

Ducky gear

Ducky (Sea Eagle 370)
Air pump
2 paddles
Dry bags (2x30L, 2x20L)
Loads of carabiners
Rope

Safety

Life jackets
1st aid kit
Ducky patch kit
Extra valves
Bilge pump

Etc.

Wallet

Cell phone

Camera w/ waterproof case

Book

Pen

River guide
Headlamp
Pocket knife

Lots of ziploc bags

BLM required gear

Extra paddle

Fire pan

Wag bags w/ammo can

Camping

Tent w/ stakes and poles

Sleeping bag

Sleeping pad

Inflatable pillow

Clothes

Sunglasses

Swim suit

Shorts

Chacos

Ball cap 

Watch

2 short sleeve T-shirts

1 long sleeve button-up

Long johns

Stocking cap

1 pair socks

Fleece jacket

Camp shoes

Toiletries

Sunscreen

Bugspray

Chapstick SPF

Contact solution, contact holder, glasses

Deodorant

Toothbrush / toopaste

Hair ties

Bandana

TP w/ Purrell

Food / Water

Food for 3 days

Water (1 gallon per person per day) 
Pots/pans/dishes/sporks

Camp stove + gas

Scrubbie