Tag-A-Long Expeditions

Welcome….

Your “Expedition” is just around the corner and we appreciate your selection of Utah as your destination and Tag-A-Long Expeditions as your outfitter. We have introduced people to whitewater rafting and backcountry 4X4/trekking since 1964. The better you are prepared for your expedition the more enjoyable and enriching the experience is for you. This document is designed to introduce you to your expedition and to anticipate some of your concerns and questions. Our office staff is available by telephone and e-mail to answer questions you may have about the trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us. No question is unimportant. Plan to check in the day before departure for an orientation, gear containers and additional assistance with other preparations.

This document discusses what to bring on the trip, what camping with Tag-A-Long Expeditions is like, the type of food on our menu, general weather conditions and concerns about the preservation of the backcountry. Please read all the information carefully. This document is sent to guests on both river and land expeditions. As you review the information, you will see some information is specific to that specific trip.

If.

Rest assured that everyone at Tag-A-Long Expeditions is committed to your expedition and making it the best possible experience for you. We believe you deserve it!

Sincerely,

Bob Jones
President

452 N Main St
Moab, UT, USA
435-259-8946 phone
435-259-8990 fax
1-800-453-3292 toll free USA


Tag-A-Long Guides
You’ll be sharing your expedition with people you can trust. Our guides have been selected because of their knowledge, expertise and commitment to providing excellent service. They are anxious to introduce you to the geology, plants, animals and history of Southeastern Utah. They have great stories to tell and a wealth of information about the backcountry. Ask questions! You can be assured well-trained professional men and women guide you. In addition to expert training as a guide, each guide is certified in CPR and First Aid. You will get plenty of attention from Tag-A-Long Expeditions' guides because we keep our trip sizes small.

Some frequently asked questions…

Can we fish, swim and play in the water while on a river trip?
Part of the fun is a dip in the river when water temperatures allow. You do not have to be a swimmer to join in the fun. Life preservers are available for each guest. Federal regulations require their use while swimming and aboard the raft on some sections of the river.
Catfish are abundant in the Colorado River. Fishing is fine from the shore during evening hours, but rafts are not designed for fishing. A Utah Fishing License is required to fish.

Can I bring my camera?
You may bring your camera, preferably in a waterproof bag or a waterproof camera. The boxes we provide are not guaranteed to be waterproof. It is important to be able to tie it down so it will not be lost. Waterproof disposable cameras are ideal for a river expedition. For the land expeditions, we have plenty of room for cameras. You will want to have a method to carry your equipment during day walks. The scenery is spectacular and photos are an excellent way to record your trip.

Where can we leave items we are not taking on the expedition?
You can leave your luggage and valuables with your motel or we will hold your valuables and luggage at our office. Automobiles and campers can be left in our parking area. We do our best to look after them, but we cannot be responsible for loses.

What’s the weather like?
Days are usually warm and evenings cool and pleasant. The humidity is very low so hot temperatures in the summer are easy to handle. This sub-desert ecosystem receives only 9 inches of rain a year. (You will need to bring rain gear for the expedition however). We do have brief thunderstorms occasionally. On a river expedition, rain jackets and pants protect you from cold water during the spring and early summer. During the spring and early summer, we may require wetsuits. You can bring your own or we have rental suits in our store.

Typical average daily temperatures

(degrees in Celsius)
Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct
High 23 29 35 38 37 32 24
Low 6 10 14 18 17 12 5

Thirsty? About beverages:
Tag-A-Long Expeditions provides plenty of cold drinking water throughout your expedition. Each morning and evening we serve coffee, a selection of teas, hot chocolate and powdered lemonade.
You need to bring your own supply of beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages as well as soft drinks in cans, not bottles. All drinks should be in non-breakable containers and marked with your name or initials. They will be stored in iced coolers and available to you at all times.
In Utah, beer may be purchased any day of the week in grocery stores; wine and other alcohol must be purchased from State liquor stores, which are open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m except Sunday and holidays. Utah beer is 3.2% alcohol.

Packing for your expedition:
We will furnish dry bags and metal containers for you to pack your personal gear in. The bags are about the size of a large pillowcase. If you bring your own sleeping bag, pad and tent, we will supply you with an additional bag. On land 4x4 expeditions, you will need to bring a daypack and water bottles with a total capacity of 4 liters. You will be asked to carry your water and lunch while we are on day walks. There are additional details to discuss with office staff.
Check-in the day prior to trip departure for orientation and gear containers.


Your packing list for your expedition:
We have developed this efficient packing list for your expedition. By following it closely, you will have the necessary items.
If you have questions, please contact us and we will help you determine the best items to bring. Consider each item on this list essential.



River
Expedition Land and Combination Expeditions Available rentals. Please reserve Available for sale in our store.
Sleeping Bag and Pad X X X
Light backpack type tent X X X X
Long Pants X X
Long sleeved shirt (sun protection)
Short sleeved shirt X X X
Shoes-2 pair X X X
Hat or cap that will not blow away X X X
Light jacket, sweatshirt or sweater X X
Flashlight & spare batteries X X X
Sunglasses & retainer strap X X X
Swim suit X
Rain Gear (hooded jacket) X and pants X X
Camera & film & spare batteries X X X
Toiletries, medicines X X
Towel, bio-degradable soap X X
Soft drinks, beer, other drinks X X
Light gloves (helps hold onto ropes) X
Day pack and water bottle X
During cooler spring and fall months add: Warm jacket, hat socks, light gloves. X Wetsuit required April 15 – June 30 X Wetsuits
May and June
X


Rentals
Most travelers prefer to rent sleeping bags, pads, and tents instead of bringing their own. Tents are highly recommended. You will appreciate the privacy and protection from rain during occasional downpours. Each tent accommodates two people comfortably. Rain jackets and pants are available at the Tag-A-Long Expeditions office in Moab. Land tours have specific rental details. Discuss with office.

What’s for dinner?
Tag-A-Long Expeditions provides meals during your expedition. Our guides are creative, skilled and trained to prepare the meals we serve. They enjoy serving hearty well presented meals prepared from fresh fruits, vegetables and meats. Steaks, fish or marinated chicken grilled over charcoal and in Dutch ovens are typical dinner entrees. Lunch menus include fresh salads wrapped in flour tortillas, sandwich buffets or pasta dishes, with fresh fruit, chips, cookies and lemonade. Breakfast, whether pancakes or





omelets, will always satisfy you and prepare you for the days activities. If you have dietary restrictions or concerns, we are happy to accommodate you if you contact us in advance of your trip. We are always revising our menus to reflect today’s trends and concerns.

Camping…never done it, don’t worry!
There are no modern facilities in the wilderness but nearly everyone adapts quickly to the pleasures of camping. Though the guides do most of the work, you will be asked to help load and unload some of the gear, pitch and take down your own tent and do your dish at the end of breakfast and dinner. Don’t worry. You’ll be a pro after the first night! If you are concerned about doing these tasks, don’t be. Our guide will handle them if you are unable to or would simply rather not be involved with them. This is your vacation and your time to relax. At check in the day prior to departure office staff can provide orientation, gear containers and additional help to prepare.

Answers to delicate question about camping and being in the wilderness
Shortly after we make camp, your guides will set up a portable toilet and privacy tent. We will explain how the system works. It will remain available for use until departure from camp the following morning.
Guides carry emergency supplies for women but guests expecting their monthly period should bring along a sufficient supply of tampons or sanitary napkins and baby wipes in plastic zip-lock bags. They will be stored in your metal containers that we provide. Zip-lock bags should also be carried to dispose of soiled tampons during the day. For your comfort, banish any inhibitions about these topics and consult your guide for clarity. You can also discuss this with our office staff on the telephone before you trip.

Health Issues
It’s not necessary to be a well-tuned athlete to participate in a river expedition. You should note, however, that you are often several hours away from medical care. If you take medicine regularly, be sure to bring a good supply since stores are unavailable throughout the expedition. Please inform us if you have special medical needs. When you meet your guide, you should discretely explain any medical conditions you may have or are concerned about. This includes allergies to bee stings, where specific medicines may be stored and other health conditions you may want them to know about. Each guide carries a first aid kit.

Preserve and Protect
We travel some of the wildest country left in North America and we strive to keep it that way. Tag-A-Long Expeditions carries everything out of the wilderness, garbage, drink cans, cigarette butts and human waste. All of our guests learn much about visiting the wilderness with “no impact", and we will all receive the benefits of leaving the land in a natural condition so our children and grandchildren can have a similar experience in years to come. Without being political, guides will discuss many of the management concerns of the U.S. land agencies responsible for the preservation and protection of the wilderness. There is more interest about environmental subjects than ever before.




Responsibility/Liability
Tag-A-Long Expeditions uses quality equipment and our guides are licensed and prepared to serve your needs. However, on a wilderness expedition unexpected circumstances arise. It is customary among outfitters to require you to sign an “Assumption of Risk” form prior to departure. This releases Tag-A-Long Expeditions from responsibility for your personal injury and loss of or damage to your equipment and/or personal articles.
Tag-A-Long Expeditions makes every reasonable attempt to operate your expedition as advertised, but sometimes weather conditions, river conditions, emergencies or other circumstances beyond our control cause us to make necessary alterations; such alterations will not be the cause for any refund or adjustment in expedition prices.
Some expedition prices quote the cost of air flights. If you choose to make your own flight arrangements, through a charter airline, Tag-A-Long Expeditions will cheerfully refund the flight cost in full. Tag-A-Long Expeditions cannot accept responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or additional expenses due to any act, omission, delay or changes in transportation provided by air service or other services.
Rental equipment is not necessarily available on the spot. It must be reserved in advance to be sure

.Gratuities
While not a requirement, most of our guests ask about extending their gratitude to guides. All gratuities are given directly to your guide. The amount is up to you and depends upon your assessment of the guest services you received. Gratuities typically range from $5.00 to $15.00 per person per day.