Whenever anyone asks what is Toto Tours’ most popular adventure, we have to say Swept Away—our sellout, action-packed, whitewater rafting expedition through the Grand Canyon. It is billed as the Ultimate Whitewater Rafting Trip in the U.S.A., and you soon find out why as you float and plunge your way through 200 miles of the most dramatic rapids in the country, surrounded on all sides by the most eye-popping scenery anywhere!
     The Grand Canyon is awesome! When we put in at Lee’s Ferry, the walls are a mere hundred feet or so above the river level. As each day progresses we cut deeper and deeper until they tower one vertical mile above our heads. The walls of the Grand Canyon provide an incredible view of geologic time, stretching back as far as 200 million years. Perhaps nowhere else on earth has such a geological record been so clearly exposed.
     This adventure has been created with your safety as our first priority. It is not a paddling expedition; you are not required to do anything other than hang on tight. Our 16-passenger rafts are long and oval-shaped, with stabilizing pontoons fastened to each side. They never flip over, even in the most difficult rapids. In addition to these safety considerations, motorized rafts enable us to see much more of the Canyon than would be possible if we had to paddle through the many slow, flat water stretches.
     Part of each day is spent hiking, exploring side streams, viewing Indian ruins and relaxing in scenic grottoes. Our guides know the Canyon intimately and select beautiful hikes featuring idyllic swimming holes and spectacular waterfalls.

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GETTING THERE

The easiest way to get to Cliff Dwellers Lodge, where we spend our first night, is to fly to Las Vegas and from there take a 90 minute scenic flight with Vision Air direct to the landing strip at the Lodge. This flight is not included in the tour price, and costs $225. After you register for the tour and notify us that you intend to fly to the starting point, we will make the air reservation and add this cost to your invoice. Vision Air will pick you up at the Las Vegas International Airport at about 3:00pm on the day of departure. If you arrived early, return to the airport using your hotel’s airport shuttle. We can also organize one or two stops for pickups at major hotels in Vegas on the way to the airport.
     Another way to get to Cliff Dwellers is to drive, but only if you can bring your own car and leave it there for the week. The lodge is out in the wilderness with no rental car return facilities nearby. The Lodge provides a protected parking area for your vehicle while you are on the river. We send a map with directions to the Lodge once you inform us of your intention to drive. We fly you back to your car at the Lodge when the tour is over. The return flight to your starting point (either the Lodge or Las Vegas) is included in the tour cost.

A Bromide for the Flyboys: The flight from Las Vegas to Cliff Dwellers Lodge is an exciting one, flying over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and parts of the Grand Canyon. Vision Air’s twin-engine airplanes are safe and reliable, but can respond to every updraft and provide a ride not unlike that of a roller coaster. If you have the slightest doubt about getting airsick, please take precaution of ingesting some Dramamine before takeoff. Trust us! You’ll be glad you did!

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ITINERARY

Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Arrival

Arrive at Cliff Dwellers Lodge in Marble Canyon, Arizona, by late afternoon today. Those who are using our Vision Air shuttle should arrive in Las Vegas no later than 2:00pm in order to make connections to your shuttle flight. Those who are driving should plan to arrive at Cliff Dwellers by 5:00pm.
     Gather for a brief orientation by your Toto Tours escort and your river guides, followed by dinner. You’ll have time this evening to visit the Lodge’s canteen and purchase sodas, wine and beer, plus any additional personal items you may still need.
     (All meals included for the duration of the tour)

Thursday – Monday, July 3 – 7, 2008
Rafting the Mighty Colorado River through the Grand Canyon

After breakfast this morning at Cliff Dwellers, transfer by vans to Lee’s Ferry. There we are issued life jackets (which must be worn at all times aboard the raft) and introduced to our crew. After loading our gear and receiving a safety briefing, we get underway. A typical day on the river goes like this:
     You awaken early with the aroma of camp stove coffee in the air. Pack your personal gear and take it to the shore near your raft. An active vacation in the wilderness stimulates the appetite, and our creative cooks will amaze you with the quantity and variety of food at each meal. After a hot breakfast, dishes are cleaned and a “duffle line” (like a fire brigade) forms to load the equipment and our personal gear on the rafts.
     There are typically several stops at absolutely incredible places for hiking, exploring, and swimming each day. Lunches are “picnic” style. As the sun disappears over the rim in the late afternoon, we pull over to a sandy beach to make camp for the night.
     Everyone helps with a few routine tasks as soon as we pull in. Another “duffle line” unloads the gear; we put the “kitchen” together, draw a few buckets of water for cooking and cleanup, and then take personal gear to a sleeping spot for the night.
     The crew sets up toilet facilities (you will never sit on a “throne” with more spectacular views!) and prepares dinner while you arrange your gear, socialize, explore and/or perform your personal ablutions. You will find it easier to take an afternoon bath in the river rather than in the morning. The temperature of the Colorado River is in the low fifties year ‘round, and it is much easier to tolerate the numbing plunge while the Canyon walls are still radiating heat at the end of the day.
     After post-dinner cleanup, engage in beach games, seek out a quiet spot to meditate, write in a journal or just watch the magical transformation of the Canyon’s hues at sunset. The number of stars visible in the clear desert sky will astound you! Campfires are not allowed in the Canyon, but that never stops a group of Toto Tourists from gathering after dark to talk about the day’s adventures, tell stories and further cement new friendships.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Farewell Activities

Today we experience the plunge through Lava Falls. A few miles down river we make camp one last time, near the landing pad where a chopper arrives in the morning to lift us out of the Canyon.
     It is traditional on this final evening to show our gratitude to the crew, who have brought us safely over many miles, and who have become like family along the way. Unusual accomplishments, daring feats or remarkable faux pas of the tour participants are sometimes highlighted in an award ceremony or a “roast.” Given the level of creativity inherent in a group of gay men, these events always amaze and delight. We will present a collective tip to the crew at this time.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Departure

Early this morning fly by helicopter to the Bar 10 Ranch, several miles back from the Canyon rim. If you drove to Cliff Dwellers Lodge, we fly you back there. Otherwise we fly you back to Las Vegas and shuttle you to the main airport. (These flights are included)

IMPORTANT: Do not make any plane reservations departing the Las Vegas McCarron Airport earlier than 3:00pm today. Vision Air tries to have you back to the airport by 1:00pm, but delays can happen. Reserving any ongoing flight scheduled to depart before 3:00pm is at your own risk. 

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COMMENTS AFTERWARDS

The comment we hear most often: “It was the best vacation of my life!” Here are a few others taken from evaluation forms:

Rooms at Cliff Dwellers Lodge are twin-bedded double occupancy. Private rooms are not available on this tour. The facilities include a restaurant where we eat dinner on the night of arrival and breakfast the next morning, and a gift shop/canteen where you can purchase drinks and any accessories you forgot.
     Sodas and alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour cost, and can be purchased in quantity here. The staff at the lodge (good salesmen!) encourage everyone to purchase a six-pack of soda for each day you will be on the river, warning of the serious effects of dehydration. This leads to a general tendency to purchase much more than you will drink during the tour. There is fresh water and lemonade available on board the rafts at all times, and these help combat dehydration much better than beer or soda. Only buy as much as you think you will use!
     Our outfitters supply tents, but it is so hot in the Canyon you won’t bother putting up a tent except in the very rare instance of rain. You’ll want all the air possible moving across you and cooling you, and will probably go to sleep each night on top of your sleeping bag covered with only a sheet, crawling inside your bag only in the cool early morning hours.

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PREPARING FOR THE TOUR

Don’t worry if you don’t know how to swim, or do not consider yourself a good swimmer. Everyone will always have a life jacket on while aboard the raft, and in the unlikely event that you fall into the water, floating (not swimming) is what you will do.
     You will be camping while on the river, but don’t worry if you are a first time camper. It is very easy, and no previous camping experience is required. We recommend you do some physical conditioning to get into shape before the tour. The better your physical condition, the more you will enjoy your hikes.

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WHAT TO BRING

Please Note: Vision Air has a strict 25-pound weight limit for each passenger’s luggage on the flight to Cliff Dwellers Lodge. The charge for overweight luggage is $1 per pound. This limit will keep you from over packing! If spending extra time in Las Vegas before or after the tour, bring an extra suitcase for those clothes, which you may check with Vision Air while you are on the river. There is a $15 charge for each suitcase checked.
     If you have all the rental equipment listed below, by all means bring it along and save $50.00. If you do not, check the appropriate box on the Reservation Form when you send in your deposit and we’ll add the rental charge to your final payment invoice.
     The following equipment is available for a $50.00 rental fee for the full set:

Checklist of Other Essential Gear:

____ Twin size flat sheet in case it is too hot to sleep inside your sleeping bag.

____ Duffle bag with everything inside packed into heavy plastic garbage bags.

____ Day Pack / Backpack (which will get wet) for items you need during the day (ie. camera, sunscreen, reading material, hiking boots, etc.). Your duffle will be inaccessible during the day.

____ Carabineer (metal clip) to hook back pack to raft.

____ Rain suit. An inexpensive, two-piece (jacket and pants) rain suit is required. The water is so cold that without this you will get chilled to the bone when the Canyon is not in direct sunlight. A poncho is not sufficient.

____ T-shirts, long sleeved shirt, shorts, jeans. (It is important to have at least one outfit that will shield both legs and arms from the intense sun).

____ Footwear: Two pairs—one to get wet jumping on and off the raft (Keen or Tevas sandals are great river gear), and another to keep dry for longer hikes (tennis shoes are sufficient but will get totally trashed).

____ Bicycle gloves for gripping raft ropes.

____ Washcloth and towel.

____ Swimsuit / underwear / sleepwear.

____ Bandannas.  Dipped in the river, they help keep your head & body cool.

____ Sunscreen / lip balm / bug repellent.

____ Sunglasses / sun hat (both with neck straps).

____ Canteen or plastic water bottle to carry with you on hikes.

____ Biodegradable soap (Ivory is best) and personal toiletries.

____ Flashlight, lightweight binoculars.

____ Plastic zip-lock bags: medium ones for film, kleenex, etc.; large ones for wet clothes, cameras and the like.

____ Kleenex, moist wipes.

____ Camera, film, batteries or digital memory storage. Don’t bring an expensive camera unless you have a way to keep it absolutely watertight.

____ Notebook, pen & a good book.

____ Sleeping aid / ear plugs. The rushing Colorado River is loud and can keep you awake at night.

REMEMBER: The 25 pounds per person weight limit for luggage is carefully observed by Vision Air for flight safety, with a financial penalty for non-compliance! Please try to arrive under limit to avoid having to pay extra, or repack and check some items at the airport before flying to Cliff Dwellers Lodge.

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RESERVATIONS   

To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations” link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the form, then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. You also have the option to pay for your tour deposit with a Visa or MasterCard. The remaining balance is due 45 days prior to departure (by May 17, 2008). Tour registration is not complete until we have received both the signed reservation form and your deposit check or credit card authorization.
     Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form of payment except for the amount of the tour deposit ($500 maximum can be charged per tour). An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.

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LIABILITIES & DISCLAIMERS

Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All participants are required to sign a standard liability form.
     We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance to cover all aspects of your travel in the Grand Canyon! We will provide the necessary forms upon receipt of your deposit, or you can apply online by following the link at the bottom of this page. You can also book your travel insurance with a phone call to Toto Tours.
     The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. This tour is a guaranteed departure.

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THE TOTO SPIRIT

Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain traits. They are:

Cultivate your spirit of Adventure while having one of the most exhilarating experiences of your life—rafting the whitewater of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. If you have any questions, call:  800-565-1241.

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THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)

Price:  Please call for pricing of this tour 

Private Room:  Not available on this tour

Deposit:  $500

Remaining Balance:  Please call for pricing of this tour
(Assumes $500 deposit has already been made)

Remaining Balance Due:  May 17, 2008
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)

Included:  Double-occupancy accommodations at Cliff Dwellers Lodge; National Park entry fee; dinner 7/2 and all subsequent meals through breakfast on 7/9; transfer to Lee’s Ferry; six days and nights guided rafting and hiking trip through the Grand Canyon; water & lemonade at all times; hot drinks at breakfast & dinner; excursions into side canyons: 2-man pup-tents (in event of rain); helicopter flight out of the Canyon; flight back to your starting point at end of the tour.

Not Included:  Air or ground transportation to starting point at Cliff Dwellers Lodge; camping equipment; insurance; soft drinks or alcoholic beverages; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; any expenses of a personal nature; and tips to the crew.

Note:  If you are not driving to our starting point, you will need to add $225 for the flight from Las Vegas to Cliff Dwellers Lodge. Rental of camping equipment is $50 extra if you don’t want to bring your own gear.

Tipping Guidelines: The crew members work tirelessly from dawn to after dark—running the rafts, setting up camp, cooking, cleaning, dealing with toilets (nothing is left in the Canyon), packing, unpacking, and guiding our side hiking trips. We suggest a minimum tip of $200 from each tour participant to show your appreciation for all their hard work.