Join Southwest Seminars for 3-days and 2-nights rafting the Rio Chama led by Geologist/Volcanologist Dr. Kirt Kempter exploring rocks of the Mesozoic Era as we descend into geologic time.  Our trip begins just below El Vado reservoir, where sandstone deposits from the coastal plains of the Cretaceous Sea border the river.  As we float down river we drop into older layers of the Colorado Plateau, giving us intimate views of Jurassic and Triassic deposits.  Geologic formations you will recognize from the Ghost Ranch area include the Morrison, Todilto, Entrada, and Chinle.  Short side hikes will allow us to appreciate these rock layers in person, including some fossil tracks of the famous Jurassic predator, Allosaurus!  We will follow the Rio Chama for a 33-mile mellow rafting adventure from Tierra Amarilla and float through stunningly colorful sandstone and limestone walls and hidden canyons. The trip ends near Christ in the Desert Monastery. Appreciate the spectacular red, yellow, and purple multi-hued cliffs captured by artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams.

DR KIRT KEMPTER is a Fulbright Fellow and holds his doctorate from University of Texas-Austin. He is a popular world-traveling vulcanologist and independent field geologist. He is much in demand as a study leader for organizations such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Journeys and Southwest Seminars. He worked for the New Mexico STATEMAP program studying the geologic history of Northern New Mexico and was an instructor for the NASA astronaut-training program. Kirt is the author of numerous maps/articles on geology of the Southwest.

$1250 PP. Includes rafting excursion, study leader honoraria, all meals, camping gear and fees. No Charge for the Stars!  $500 deposit to register. Balance due June 25.