Chocolate Mountains

Pre-O 2014August 24th-28th

Welcome to the Chocolate Mountains Pre-O

Adventure!Can you believe that in a few short weeks you will canoeing down

the Colorado River in the Chocolate Mountains! You will have an

opportunity to explore this beautiful area on the border of

California and Arizona. This will be an amazing opportunity to

meet new friends and make lasting connections while in the

backcountry!

In order to ensure you are best prepared for our upcoming

adventure we have included important information in a short

presentation. After reviewing, please don’t hesitate to contact us

with any questions.

Questions AnsweredWhat can I look forward to?

What is the schedule?

What will I eat?

Where will I sleep?

What will the weather be like?

What do I need to bring?

What skills and experience do I need?

What are Outdoor Adventures policies?

What are the risks?

Some Highlights!

Canoeing in this beautiful environment!

Cooling off from the hot sun by swimming in the cool Colorado River!

Seeing beautiful sunsets and sunrises from on and off the river!

Itinerary Day 1: Sunday, August 24th

Check in at Outdoor Adventure office at 9am. Move in to your dorms. Meet back at OA at 1pm. Get to know your guides and fellow adventurers.

Depart for the Chocolate Mountains and camp along the banks of the Colorado River.

Day 2 Get an early start so we can have paddle school before loading the

canoes and setting off down the river.

Days 3&4 Continue down the river paddling and floating. Explore old historical sites and nearby lakes.

Day 5: Thursday, August 28th Get on the water early so we can get to our final destination by

lunchtime. Return to USD by 6pm.

What about food? All meals Sunday through

Thursday will be provided.

Food will be absolutely delicious!!

If you have any dietary preferences or restrictions, please let us know so that we can accommodate.

Where will I sleep? In this tiny, little cabbin

JUST KIDDING! We will provide 3 or 4 person tents for you to sleep in.

We will be camping at various campsites along the Colorado River.

There are pit toilets (permanent porta potties) in the campgrounds as well as a water spigot, but no toilets on the river while we are paddling.

There are no showers!

What do I need to bring? Please refer to the detailed

packing list that outlines what to bring.

Some equipment will be provided by OA if needed: Headlamp Sleeping bag/pad Raingear (pants and

jacket)

If you need to rent equipment, please fill out the Travel and Gear form also attached to this email and send it back to us.

What is the weather like?During August, the average daytime temperature

in the Choclate Mountains will be over 100 degrees! YIKES!!But do not worry! We will be in or near the river

most of the day so you can always take a quick dip. Also make sure to drink LOTS of water.

We are hoping for perfect conditions, but must prepare for much less than perfect!

There is a slight possibility that it may get chilly at night so please bring a warm layer just in case. Layers will allow you to adjust throughout the day as conditions change.

What skills do I need?No previous experience is necessary. We will

make the most of our time and some days will be more challenging than others.

Be prepared to paddle up the 15 miles each day.

Participants’ Expectations

Active group participants.

Help out with tasks: setting up camp, cleaning, packing and unpacking the canoes, minimizing environmental impacts, assisting other participants, and travelling as a group.

Create an inclusive atmosphere.

Listening to the guide’s instructions (especially when there is risk involved).

Leave No Trace

On every Outdoor Adventure trip, we abide by the principles of Leave No Trace. They are an integral part of our program and we ask each participant to do their best to follow the seven principles:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

4. Leave What You Find

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

6. Respect Wildlife

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Risks and HazardsAlthough the Chocolate Mountains are not far from

the nearest hospital, we will be paddling in remote areas on our day hikes and need to plan accordingly.

There are a variety of risks and hazards associated with outdoor recreation in this area. Specifically, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sun burn, dehydration, and animal encounters are some of the risks to prepare for.

Weather is something we will be constantly evaluating and adjusting for. Trip members must make conscious effort to stay safe.

What about drugs and alcohol?

Illegal drugs and alcohol are never allowed on trips, nor being under the influence. 

Prescription medications are required. Please make sure you bring them in the original bottle with the physicians name on it.

Craving More Pics?Here are some pictures from

our past trips:https://www.flickr.com/photo

s/usdoutdooradventures/sets/72157637579163635/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/usdoutdooradventures/sets/72157627952635199/

Questions or Concerns?

Please don’t hesitate to call or email us

619-260-4709

outdooradventures@gmail.com

www.sandiego.edu/oa

We look forward to exploring the Chocolate

Mountains with you!