[Paddlewise] Grand Canyon Raft trips for a family..suggestions?

I was wondering if anyone on this discussion group would have suggestions
relating to picking a company for a guided Grand Canyon Raft trip this
summer...

I have unexpectedly been able to arrange two weeks in a row off at the end
of this July...and thought maybe it would be possible to take my three boys,
ages 10, 12, 14, and a wife down the River.

I know this is costly, but on the other hand there is no other way I can
take the kids down.  I used to whitewater kayak, but not for about 12 years
now.

Please feel free to send me a private note of suggestions, and or
experiences with any commercial groups that do this...or suggestions of some
other great raft trip somewhere else...but I do wish to see the GC, and will
be going to Colorado to visit a friend's ranch anyway, so a side trip to the
GC is pretty feasible.

I have anywhere from 5-10 days to do this.  I know it may be costly...but I
can consider that when I find out if the is a good group ...ie good enough
to take my kids along.

A chance to do a kayak may also be of interest to me...but is not essential
at all.  The main thing here is to give my kids a great time, and to see the
Grand Canyon with them.

thanks for any suggestions...I also know it may be a little late to be
trying to schedule such a trip for this year...but worth a try.  (Next year
in early July is also a possibility.)

I have a great suggestion for a summer sea kayak trip in Northern California
if anyone is interested....about twenty five miles of paddling...with water
available at campsites easily accessible by kayak if you like surf.  It can
be easily spread out over about 3-5 days...and the campsites are all very
good...and the only folks to compete with are backpackers...who are few and
far between...and good neighbors.  (I did this with my family as a backpack
trip...and it was great...although I think it would be even more fun as a
sea kayak trip...and frankly also easier for the most part.)

Mike Orchard
Vancouver, Washington
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