"I recently completed a rafting trip envisioned by photographer Adam Schallau and managed by Tour West. On the 2nd day of the trip I managed to do a face plant over some rocks in the wash at Soap Creek. I worked my way back to camp and let tour leader John, know of my accident, as I had taken a pretty hard shot to my back and kidney, as well as scraping up most of my leg and arm. John immediately enlisted the assistance of Amy (one of our “boat people”) who I would describe as jack of all trades, medical technician, and Florence Nightingale in disguise. I was seriously disabled, but determined to fight through my injuries and make the trip a success. John, Amy, and the rest of crew checked on me every day for the next week to ensure that I had everything I needed and was able to continue to participate in the trip. Their care for me and my situation was above and beyond. I would be remiss if I didn’t note that both Adam Schallau and his wife Sally were attentive to my situation and needs everyday…as if they didn’t have enough to do already!
On afternoon 12 of our 18 day trip, having regained most of my previously lost mobility, I was walking back to the “group” area of the camp, when John our trip leader said, Tim your leg looks pretty bad. Not visible to me, because of its location, one of the scrapes to my leg had become pretty angry looking and was clearly infected. Not a huge surprise when you consider the amount of fresh water and sand we are exposed to every day on the river. Immediately Amy went into nursing mode and treated my wound again. Sally jumped in with some antibiotics she had with her and we attempted to manage the situation as best as is possible in such a remote location. The team as a whole worked diligently on my behalf. In the end, the next morning really showed the reality of the situation, which is that I need medical attention that just wasn’t possible in the wild. John and Amy made the decision to have the National Park Service rescue me from the canyon and delivery me to the hospital in Flagstaff. The doctors there wholeheartedly concurred that that was indeed the wisest course of action, thus saving me from much more dire consequences in the end.
Long story short, I loved my time on the river, pain and all, and I can’t wait to come back. If you have only seen the Grand Canyon from the rim you HAVE NOT seen the Grand Canyon at all. Adam’s trip was brilliantly planned and from a photographer’s point of view it was a priceless experience, and many thanks to his wife Sally for her ever vigilante concern over my health, comfort, and happiness. John, Amy, and the entire Tour West crew were Amazing! The ability to pull off what they pull off, in the environment they are in is nothing short of outstanding. Leadership is unflappable calm in the face of the odds, and motivating your team by example, John does exactly that. It is also making the tough decisions, knowing that doing what is right is always better than doing what is popular, thank you Amy! Thank you to everyone for making my experience on the river so much more than I expected, I can’t wait to be back on the river again with any and all members of the Tour West crew!"
Tim Neumann
Tuesday, October 3, 2023