Colorado River -- Excursions p.16

Letter attached to back of this expedition photomontage is as follows: Hudson's Drug Store, 815 12th Street, Paso Robles, Calif., 10-3-49. Gentlemen...On June 12 this year the Esmeralda II a power boat skippered and built by myself left Lee's Ferry and at noon June 17 arrived at Pierce's Ferry at the head of Lake Mead. Four and a half days travel time. The Esmeralda II is the first power boat to make the run thru the canyon after 80 years of rowboating expeditions starting with Major Powell's 1869 trip. Probable other firsts are (subject to correction): First boat to run in extremely high water. First boat to run all rapids on one run. First boat to carry 5 passengers. Second single boat run. First boat to run into Little Colorado River. Fastest trip thru canyon. In June '48 the boat made a new up river record from Lake Mead, having reached Mile 217 and being stopped 100 ft. from the top. In '49 the Esmeralda II was headed up stream after running 217 down and successfully went over the top. So the record now stands as topping Mile 217 rapid. Am enclosing a photomontage depicting our trip for your records. Very truly yours, E.A. Hudson.