River Rafting – Not a Disneyland Ride

River Rafting – Not a Disneyland Ride

Excitement was high, alcohol was flowing and we were all up for the annual rafting trip down the American River. All of us, was mostly comprised of my broker (we practiced real estate in a very small office - it was just the two of us.) and his group of men friends and their wives. I was happy to be included. The people were fun and so was river rafting. It was just strenuous enough but not taxing. Some thrills but not terrifying And I’ve always loved being in the hot sun and cool water.

And it was HOT in Sacramento where we had spent the night before boarding the bus taking us to the starting point. We were greeted by our guide who appeared to be around 15 years old. Kind of a big job for kid. I think there were about 20 of us which meant there would be at least three rafts to be directing. Three rafts carrying raucous middle aged men who were accustomed to giving orders– not taking them. The guys were athletic, but not river rafting Olympians.

The day would be long. We would be on the river for eight hours or so and the wildly anticipated run known as the “chute” would come up in the first couple of hours. The week before we had been provided a video of this portion of the river and were given the option of not participating. Not participating?! Are you crazy? Out of the 5 people on our raft there was only one truly courageous person – the woman who risked the disdain of the rest of us. She chose not to go down the “chute”.

We were there! The last raft approaching the chute. And off we go – oops! I immediately flew off and I thought I was the only one. However, the whole raft overturned and all of us were free falling down the chute. It was what I think being shot out of a high powered hose must be like. We wound up, beaten up, and the source of panic and chaos in a cavern. The others were told that we weren’t all going to make it. And I almost didn’t.

Upon floating out of the cavern into the sun, the guide asked me if I was okay. I responded, “hell, no – get me out of this water!” He turned away and down again I went. Coming up again, one of other the rafters saw me and went to get help. Down into the icy water again. Yes, we were wearing life jackets. However they do fail - over time when soaked with water - they almost become a weight. My life didn’t flash before me, but my last thoughts before passing out were that drowning was a peaceful way to go.

Another woman on our ill fated raft was being pulled out and was asked to give them her other arm – she couldn’t because it was caught on something. Oh no! I, though unconscious, was hanging on to her! Wow! The instinct to live is alive in us even when unconscious! This was my only near death experience. “But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.”

And then we had to get back on the raft for another six hours – not a laugh or joke was heard. Just obediently following the guide’s orders to paddle – how hard and how fast, sir?

This was the last rafting trip we did and the “chute” was closed forever.

Henry’ s comment: Boy, I’m glad OTD* was rescued in time to rescue me!

* Older than dirt