It was day 2 of my 8-day rafting adventure on the Colorado River, through the Grand Canyon. Technically, we were still in Marble Canyon and this was a relatively smooth water day to relax. Without the constant bombardment of rapids to keep us entertained, our guide-leader, Al, made a point to entertain us in other ways with stories of this thing or that thing. Still early in our trip and trustworthy of everything said to us, I listened intently when Al pulled the raft up to the edge of the canyon wall where a natural spring was bubbling out of the wall, then began to explain how this little spring was unique.

He said this was Beer Springs, and then proceeded to tell us how there was something unique about the water filtering process through this spring that made water have the slightest flavor like beer. Everyone on the boat, including myself found this interesting...well maybe except for Charly Moore, who always has his poker-face on.

Al then stood on the front of the boat next to the spring and filled his cup full, took a sip, and then as if it was a holy ritual passed the cup around for all to taste. SURE ENOUGH, just the slightest hint of flavor, similar to beer came through my pallet. Everyone tasted and commented with curiosity about it. In fact, I took 3 sips before we got back in place and then continued down the river.

Fast forward to 3 days later, when we were getting back on the boat from a side hike we just took. Al said to everyone to buckle in because we had a long way to go to get to our evening's campsite. Sensing this was possibly a ruse, I called him out on it and said that we were probably just going across the river to the other side, since it was so late in the day. Sure enough, I was right...Al, can't pull one over on me, and that evening I made sure to remind him of that fact.

It was at this point that Al said "Oh Yeah, well there is no such thing as Beer Springs", and then proceeded to tell me that the whole thing was a joke and that I and the rest of the boat fell for it, hook, line, and sinker! Apparently he had just a little splash in the bottom of his empty cup that we were unaware of.

Always trust your river guide, but when it comes to magical springs that taste like beer, beware!