Archeology on the Gunnison River

IntrepidXJ

Explorer
Sunday, August 28, 2011

The Original Trip Report on ADVENTR.CO

On Sunday I met up with my friend Jackson and his wife Sarah to float a section of the Gunnison River from the North Fork to Colorado Highway 65 near Delta. It's a pretty easy stretch of the river, which is a good thing since this was my first time in my own boat. Previously I have only ridden along in a larger raft, so this was a good learning experience for me. There were a few tricky sections that helped me work on my boating skills, but nothing dangerous.

Inflating the boats.


Inflating by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Ready to get on the river.


Into the River by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

On the river.


On the Gunnison by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A reflection of Sarah and Jackson in their boat.


Reflection by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Besides spending a relaxing day on the river, I also had the goal of finding a rock art site along this stretch of the river. As we started hiking to the site, we noticed there was a group of people working up there. I had heard rumors that there was a group excavating the site, but I figured that no one would be working there on a Sunday. Guess I was wrong! As we approached the group, they welcomed us in and gave us the ‘grand tour.' Apparently they have been excavating the site for about five years now and were ready to call it quits in the next few days. However, while we were there they managed to find part of a clovis point and decided they would now be staying at least another year. Pretty interesting stuff!

The largest petroglyph panel at the site.


Lawhead Gulch Panel by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A faint elk petroglyph at the site.


Elk Petroglyph by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Digging and searching…


Excavation by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Documenting their finds.


Documentation by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

One of the arrowheads they found while we were there.


Find by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Getting back on the river after visiting the excavation.


Back to the Boats by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Lunch on the River by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Sarah & Jackson by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

It was a great day on the river!


Floating the Gunnison by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Archeology on the Gunnison River Photo Gallery
 
Last edited:

jim65wagon

TundraBird1
Nice! I love a good day on a river!
.
What kind of boats are those? We're looking into inflatables for their portabilty.....
 

IntrepidXJ

Explorer
What kind of boats are those? We're looking into inflatables for their portabilty.....

Two person inflatable kayaks. I borrowed the one I used on this trip from a friend, but I will be buying a Tributary (Aire) Tomcat Tandem for next year's season. They roll up small enough to fit in the back of my Jeep, and the tandem is a perfect size for me and my camping gear for overnight trips. I'm looking forward to doing more river trips next year.
 

Oni

Adventurer
Two person inflatable kayaks. I borrowed the one I used on this trip from a friend, but I will be buying a Tributary (Aire) Tomcat Tandem for next year's season. They roll up small enough to fit in the back of my Jeep, and the tandem is a perfect size for me and my camping gear for overnight trips. I'm looking forward to doing more river trips next year.


Nice! I love a good day on a river!
.
What kind of boats are those? We're looking into inflatables for their portabilty.....

You might want to check out Advanced Elements as well. I have the convertible model. http://www.advancedelements.com/advancedframe_convertible.html I like it a lot! Got mine on one of those sales at REI, and they have a great return policy if you don't like it.
 
Last edited:

Fireman78

Expedition Leader
Alpacka Rafts would be perfect for that! Well, if you wanted extreme portability I suppose. Great pics thank you
 

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