June is National Rivers Month Posted On: June 23, 2022 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Nature Tagged In: june, national, Rio Grande June, National Rivers Month is celebrated around the world in over 60 countries. National Rivers Month History The month of June, National Rivers Month, is celebrated every year to showcase the importance of rivers across the globe. The idea of an international event highlighting the value of rivers was inspired by the British Columbia Rivers Day, founded by Mark Angelo. Therefore, it focuses on the Earth’s waterways and effective ways to save water for future generations. Celebrating National Rivers Month 1. River cleanups are a great way to protect the rivers from toxic pollution and make them a safer place for all. 2. For example, playing water sports is a great way to improve your mental and physical health. 3. By arranging a meetup, everyone gets a chance to explore their local river heritage and discuss ways of how to protect it from the adverse effects of climate change and urbanization. Why National Rivers Month is Important 1. In short, to stay fit and healthy, it’s important to spend time outdoors in the fresh air and open areas along rivers. 2. Protected rivers play a key role in providing water to locals that are safe to drink. 3. In addition, more than 80% of migrant species of birds and wildlife require riverside areas to survive. In conclusion, rivers are fundamental to our health and well-being. American Rivers takes a closer look. See You on the Rio New Wave Rafting LLC
Children Need Healthy Rivers Posted On: June 25, 2021 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Nature Tagged In: children, nature, river Children need outdoor activities. Research indicates that kids do better in school when they have access to the outdoors. Rivers are very important to families across the world. Both a valuable source for clean drinking water and outdoor recreation. 1. They need clean drinking water. More than half of the drinking water in the United States comes from rivers. They need to know that the water coming from our taps is safe to drink. Too many cities do not have clean drinking water. They need to know their bodies are directly connected to the health of rivers and the natural world. 2. Children need the outdoors. Read More…
More Otters in the Rio Grande Posted On: June 2, 2021 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Nature Tagged In: Otter, river otter, wildlife The newly relocated otters (Lutra canadensis) came from Abbeville, Louisiana. With the help of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and trapper Ryan Schaefer, who removes nuisance otters on crayfish farms. Seven were release north of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and and two in Diablo Canyon, north of Santa Fe. The Bureau of Land Management, Taos field office assisted in the relocation process. Based on the occasional eyewitness reports from interested citizens and river rafters (that’s us), people know the otters are doing very well. For instance they’ve been seen all over the Wild Rivers area of the national monument, near Pilar, through Velarde. Also as far south as Cochiti Reservoir. They are built for swimming – having a streamlined body, short legs with webbed feet, dense fur to keep them warm, a tapered tail, small ears, and nostrils that can close underwater. Otter Fun Facts Read More…
La Vista Verde Trail – Rio Grande, NM Posted On: April 30, 2021 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Nature Tagged In: hiking, Taos, trail This easy 2.3 mile trail in the Rio Grande Gorge has a lot to offer. Located north of Pilar, the access road runs up along the river at the bottom of the gorge, passing some campgrounds in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. After crossing the Taos Junction Bridge, in approximately one mile you come to the trailhead. The sign after crossing the bridge says “proceed with caution” and that’s a great suggestion. The next photo shows a example of the ancient petroglyph seen along the hike. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and mountain biking and is best used from March until November. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash. The trail runs along a high bench above the Rio Grande. There will be times when you can here the river descending the gorge several hundred feet below. There is an overlook of the confluence of the Rio Grande and Rio Pueblo de Taos a few hundred feet after leaving the parking area. Read More…
Bald Eagles of the Rio Grande Posted On: April 19, 2021 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Nature Tagged In: bald eagle, eagle, nature, raparian, wildlife Populations On The Rise The Bald Eagles of the Rio Grande are a winter time visitor that makes venturing out in the chilly temperatures well worth it. The bald eagle population has climbed to an estimated 316,700 individual in the lower 48 states with 71,400 nesting pairs. Seems that the decades of protection, the ban on DDT and numerous conservation efforts have been key in the comeback. Now that’s some GREAT news. The above image was taken in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Cruising low just above the rivers’ surface one would assume is a characteristic fishing technique. However, coming from a high perch, be it a cliff side boulder or a tall pine tree, seems to be a more effective method. Check out Big Day for Wildlife. For instance, just downstream of the Taos Junction Bridge, the above Bald Eagle flew a few feet off the waters’ surface and quickly grabbed breakfast. For some, the mid November arrival of the Bald Eagles to the Rio Grande marks the coming of winter. Their migration back north in mid February assures the coming of spring. For more on the topic visit the US Department of the Interior article. Thanks For Stopping In!
Water – The Secret of Happiness Posted On: September 1, 2020 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Nature Tagged In: health, nature, water Proximity to water is associated with many positive measures of physical and mental well being, from higher levels of vitamin D to better social relations. Dr Lewis Elliott, of the University of Exeter and BlueHealth. “Research suggests around two hours a week is beneficial.” The presence of water is positively related to health, well being and happiness. Firstly, there are the beneficial environmental factors typical of aquatic environments. For example, less polluted air and more sunlight. Second, people who live by water tend to be more physically active. Third water has a psychologically restorative effect. Spending time in and around aquatic environments has consistently shown to lead to higher benefits, in inducing positive mood, reducing negative mood and stress. In addition, here’s the link to the complete article. Likewise, the Rio Grande of New Mexico has all three of those benefits. New Wave’s Racecourse trip offers a half-day river adventure featuring an action-packed 5 miles of moderate whitewater (Class 3/Moderate, Class 4/Difficult, in high water). This is perfect for beginners and families. This is our most popular trip. Minimum age is 6. In addition, Funyaks are available at no extra cost in low water conditions (for those in good physical condition). Just ask. We meet at the take-out, leave your car there and take you to where the trip begins. Finally, you are back at your car no later than noon. Thanks for looking. New Wave Rafting
Good Reasons To Take Your Kids To the River Posted On: August 18, 2020 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Nature Tagged In: children, kids, Racecourse My childhood family vacations centered around the outdoors. My brothers and I were often the only kids on these trips and we were never bored. The highlight was heading to the river with the canoes and all the fishing gear we had. We entertained ourselves by playing games, swimming, chasing bugs and paddling the canoes. Dad did not tolerate any whining so we had to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Regardless, the best memories of my childhood are all from these outdoor trips. As a guide, the families on my rafting trips inspire me to give their children a trip they will not forget. Kids flourish on the river by playing, creating, and entertaining themselves with nature. THERE’S NOTHING LIKE PLAYING IN THE MUD AND NOT CARING. MOMENTS THEY WILL NEVER FORGET. Read More…
New Mexicans Getting Back to Nature Posted On: May 27, 2020 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Inflatable Kayak, Nature Tagged In: Bighorn sheep, inflatable kayak, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument 10 rules for New Mexicans looking to get outside: The health of others should still be your top priority. Bring a mask whenever you recreate and put it on when approaching other groups. Practice physical distancing. Forget about campfires. There are statewide fire restrictions in place. Check this site for details on fire bans before you go on a trip. Avoid crowded trailheads. Have a back-up plan if your favorite spot is too crowded. Remember, the State Parks that are open are operating under limited, day-use only capacity. Check for closures. Check the land management agencies’ websites before venturing out to recreate. Many of these places are closed right now to protect both recreationist and staff. Practice Leave No Trace principles.Pack it in, pack it out. Protect your fellow outdoor recreationist. Protect the natural resources. Be prepared. Many developed recreation sites (including bathrooms) remain closed. Be self-sufficient by bringing in your own snacks, waters, and trash bags. You can only camp overnight at dispersed, remote campsites. All public and private developed campsites remain closed. You can book some outdoor guided trips. You must still adhere to all group-size limits and physical distancing rules. Don’t go out if you are sick. If you are not exhibiting symptoms, wear a mask to protect your guide or coach. Follow all the Covid-safe practices outlined by the Governor’s Office. Public gatherings, events, and camping in developed sites are still banned. Gear rentals can resume. So long as the equipment is properly and thoroughly sanitized between uses. BIGHORN SHEEP IN THE RIO GRANDE DEL NORTE NATIONAL MONUMENT, NEW MEXICO Rule number 10 allows New Mexicans to get out and float the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. New Wave Rafting is presently renting our Inflatable Kayak (funyak) fleet for use on the Rio Grande. Thanks for stopping by.
River Otters of the Rio Grande Posted On: January 2, 2020 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Nature Tagged In: Otter, river otter River Otters of the Rio Grande First a few fun facts Otters (Lutra canadensis) are built for swimming – having a streamlined body, short legs with webbed feet, dense fur to keep them warm, a tapered tail, small ears, and nostrils that can close underwater. Member of Mustelidae family. A Mustelid has scent glands and mark their territory. They eat fish, crustaceans, amphibians, snakes, water insects, snails, worms, small mammals, birds, eggs, frogs, turtles, and many aquatic invertebrates. Crawfish are their favorite meal. Otters can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes. They spend two thirds of their time on land. The largest member of the weasel family. In the wild River Otters live less than 10 years. “Pups” is what you call baby otters. Did you know they have the thickest fur of any animal on the planet? Read More…
Low Water Taos Box Descent – Day 2 Posted On: December 1, 2019 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Nature, River trips Tagged In: river otter, Taos Box Even with low water, October can be the right time to be in the Taos Box. A low water run in the Taos Box after all the rafters have moved on turned out to be well worth the effort. The wildlife short list would include Golden Eagles, Prairie Falcons, Osprey, Mule Deer, Bighorn Sheep, Red-tailed Hawks and of course the Otters. Throwing mostly spinners, the best Brown Trout fishing was after Manby Hot Springs (day 1) all the way to Screaming Right Rapid (day 2). At 330 cfs (cubic feet/second) we got an excellent view of the boulders that create the waves, holes and hydraulics of all the rapids. If you missed “Day 1” here’s the link. We had a great encounter with a family of 5 River Otters in the afternoon. Ahh, a hot coffee, hot fire morning. Yes, there was ice in our drinking water but the Jet Boil soon had hot java in the cup. This sandy beach was just big enough for the three of us. There were not many such spots once we were in the Playground section. Read More…