Alan LeCheminant’s Rafting Stories: A Night of Lightning and a Struggle on Cataract Canyon
Cataract Canyon has always held a special place in my heart. The raw power of the Colorado River, the towering red rock walls, and the sense of adventure that comes with every bend in the river make it a place like no other. One particular trip, however, stands out among the rest. It was a family adventure that left an imprint on me—not just because of the rapids or the scenery, but because of a night filled with lightning and a struggle that reminded me of nature’s sheer force and resilience.
A Family Trip Through Cataract Canyon
In 2005, when my youngest daughter, Elizabeth, was six years old, we took the family on a river trip through Cataract Canyon. The canyon, located within Canyonlands National Park, is one of the most spectacular stretches of the Colorado River. Its towering sandstone cliffs rise dramatically above the water, creating an awe-inspiring corridor through the desert. This stretch of river is known for its powerful whitewater, especially in high water years when the rapids can rival those of the Grand Canyon.
We floated through the calmer sections of the river, soaking in the breathtaking scenery. The kids played in the sand along the shore at camp, and we spent our days navigating the current, sharing stories, and marveling at the canyon’s ever-changing colors as the sun moved across the sky. But the moment that stands out most vividly from that trip happened one night when a thunderstorm rolled in.
A Night of Lightning in the Canyon
I’ve spent countless nights on rivers and in the wilderness, but this night was different. We had set up camp on a sandy beach beneath the towering canyon walls, our tents nestled close together. As night fell, the sky darkened with thick clouds, and the air carried that unmistakable electric charge that precedes a storm. Then, the lightning started.
Bolts of light exploded across the sky, illuminating the canyon in brilliant flashes. For a split second, every rock formation, every shadow, and every ripple on the river was visible as clear as day. It was a surreal sight—the massive sandstone cliffs glowing for an instant before darkness swallowed them again. The thunder rolled through the canyon, amplified by the walls, shaking the ground beneath us. Rain began to fall, but we were tucked away in our tents, dry and warm.
I laid there, staring out of the tent door, completely mesmerized. Elizabeth slept soundly beside me, unaware of the natural spectacle unfolding outside. The canyon was alive in a way I had never seen before—wild, untamed, and humbling. I had always loved the river, but in that moment, I felt truly small against the grandeur of nature.
The Struggle to Save a Stranded Cow
That wasn’t the only unforgettable moment from that trip. On another day, as we floated down the river, I was on the oars of my boat when we noticed some cattle along the shoreline. Cows wandering along the riverbanks in the desert isn’t an unusual sight, but one, in particular, caught our attention—it was stuck in the mud, unable to move.
At first glance, nothing seemed wrong. But as we drifted closer, we could see its legs sunken deep into the riverbank, unable to free itself. We decided to pull over and try to help. Grabbing one of our bowlines, we fashioned a loop and tried to slip it around the cow’s head, hoping to pull it free. But the mud held firm, refusing to give up its grip.
We tried a different approach—using our oars as levers. Pushing them underneath the cow, we pressed down, using the riverbank as a fulcrum to lift the heavy animal. Each time we applied pressure, the cow thrashed, desperately trying to climb out. For over an hour, we worked, trying everything we could think of. Another boat in our group floated by, saw our efforts, and after a brief look, decided to continue downstream.
Eventually, we had to accept the reality of the situation. We simply didn’t have the manpower or the right tools to free the animal. Frustrated but knowing we had done all we could, we packed up and continued down the river, keeping an eye out for any passing rangers or groups with a satellite phone who could contact the rancher. In the back of my mind, I knew the cow’s chances weren’t good. It was a hard thing to leave behind, but the river teaches you lessons about control—sometimes, no matter how much effort you put in, nature has the final say.
The Lessons of Cataract Canyon
That trip through Cataract Canyon was one I’ll never forget. It was a reminder of how small we are in the face of nature’s power—whether it’s the awe-inspiring beauty of a lightning storm or the struggle of an animal against the elements. The river has a way of teaching lessons in unexpected ways, and that trip reinforced something I’ve always believed—respect the wild, embrace the unknown, and cherish the moments that take your breath away.
Today, my son, Matthew, and I continue to run rivers, sharing these experiences with others through Wild River Adventures. Whether it’s the Salmon River, the Colorado, or anywhere else water carves its way through the landscape, each trip is a story waiting to be told.
Join us at Wild River Adventures for your own unforgettable river adventure!