Kayaking rapids on Verde River Arizona approaching Beasley Flats river access point

After living in Arizona for six years, I finally paddled the Verde River in Central Arizona with a Meetup group of about 53 others I've never met. We all had one thing in common: Love of adventure.
Verde means green in Spanish. I suggested we rename it Marron River after the Spanish word for brown. One of the locals guiding us on the trip said, Na - it's always like this for a few days after the rain. We just call it dirty Verde.
Great time with cool people and saw some amazing sights. Actually had a little fish jump in my kayak too. By the time I realized it and trying to help him back into the river, he jumped back out of the kayak.
I'm working on a more detailed write up with more pics and video for my new blog: AZ Wonders. Be sure to follow if you're not already.