This is a sequel to my prior post, “Around the Bend” and again I’m sharing photos of an experience I never thought I would be brave enough to try. My husband suggested white water rafting for one of our outdoor activities last week since we were going to vacation where rivers flowed. I was apprehensive, but willing to try.
In doing research, the trip we chose was a Class 3 and it was geared for children/adults ages 6 and up. Well, if a 6 year old can do this then so can I! Fear hadn’t left me completely, though. On the contrary, it stayed with me up until we “boarded” on our raft. Through this experience I have found that anticipation is the worst. Anticipation can take over our minds and get the best of us. Once I was on the raft, paddle in hand and 110% confident in our guide, I was into it. I felt more in control and the idea became exciting rather than frightening.
So our adventure began, life jackets on, feet braced, paddles in place and on we went. We started out slowly before we hit the Class 3 rapids, which was nice and peaceful. A chance to take in the scenery. During the rapids, we all yelled either in harmony or simultaneously, and I don’t think out of fear, more like “this is so damn exciting!” 🙂
During the big rapids, our guide looked at me and said, “since you’re a rookie, Lauren, you get to ride the broncing bull.” This meant I was to sit on the nose of the raft, hold onto the ropes and ride the rapids. I looked at him and said, “Are you serious?” He said, “Yep!” I wasn’t going to play coward, so I placed my “derriere” on the nose with my legs hanging over, held on tight and said many prayers. 🙂 When we nose-dived, my feet dipped in the water and it felt awesome. Beyond exhilarating!
After we made it through the big rapids, we had calm water again and the opportunity to fall into the refreshing river and enjoy, which is just what my husband and I did. Actually, the other couple did the same. How can you not? A big plus was that it was almost 100 degrees outside so getting wet was welcomed.
One thing I learned from this is not to let Fear take control because if I had, these wonderful memories might not have existed. Just so you know, nothing was allowed in the raft because everything gets wet and you’re too busy paddling to hold a camera. So these photos were professionally taken by the company photographer. My husband and I are in the back of the raft with our guide behind us.
I hope you enjoyed these photos and my story of “checking off one more item from my bucket list.” White water rafting is well worth it if you get the chance.
I’m going to end with a few powerful quotes about fear and living…
“Don’t give in to your fears. If you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
“Don’t be afraid of your fears. They’re not there to scare you. They’re there to let you know that something is worth it.”
― C. JoyBell C.
“The purpose of morality is to teach you, not to suffer and die, but to enjoy yourself and live.”
― Ayn Rand
“Don’t fear death, fear the un-lived life
[Angus Tuck]”
― Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting
Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful day or evening,
wherever you may be. ♥
Baydreamer ~ Lauren Scott 
I’ve watched them on the American River in Sacramento. I presume you did this in Oregon?
Yes, in Bend on the Deschutes River. My sister has done the American River; maybe that’s next on our list. 🙂
Good for you guys. Glad fear didn’t paralyze you. You’re both very brave.
The company took wonderful photos.
It’s amazing what we can do if we don’t let fear win. I’m glad we bought the photo package because this is one activity we wanted in print. 🙂 Thanks for your lovely comment, Shian!
So glad you did it. “There is nothing to fear except fear itself” (Franklin D Roosevelt)
It looks like it was really exciting. The smiles on the faces are fantastic. Although I can’t click on the last image and look at it full size.
When are you going back? 😉
I’m glad we did, too, well, especially me since I was the rookie! It was such a refreshing thing to do also in the hot heat and so exciting, Al, words don’t do justice. Maybe we’ll return next year but do you continue to go to familiar, fun places you love or do you venture out into new territory for new excitement? We shall see! Have a great day and thanks for your nice comment, too!
That’s the hard one isn’t it? You know what it is like, so do you go back there? Or do you try something new like bungee jumping? Or parachuting? Or Baumgartnering? Jumping from the edge of space 😉
There are some things that I won’t do, period. One is bungee jumping. It just doesn’t appeal to me, but parachuting sounds thrilling. That is one adventure I’d love to try if I ever had enough bravery. Not sure if I ever will, but it’s on my bucket list. I will definitely go rafting again and of course, each experience will be different because the rivers are always changing. 🙂
The rivers of time. Throw a pebble in and it alters the current. Throw in too many and builds a dam 🙂 No idea what that has to do with parachuting, but hey-ho. It sounded good
It did sound good, so who cares? 😀
haha 😀 I may use it on Saturday (If I remember 😆 )
Write it down! 🙂 Wait, it is written right here. Never mind. Well, you could write it down on a sticky note or journal to remind yourself. 🙂
Good idea. I have it saved to my desktop now 🙂
🙂 Have a great day! Time to get ready for work!
Have a good day Lauren
Looks like you guys had some great fun 🙂
We really did, Eric! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Awesome! 🙂
Thanks so much, Iris! 🙂
I am so glad you had the best time Lauren. It looks like so much fun. What other activities did you do?
Thanks, Bianca, and it was so much fun that words just don’t do justice! 🙂 We hiked, biked, canoed, evening strolls, played the resort putting course several times and simple sight-seeing, too. Have a great day, my friend! xx
It sounds scary! But exciting as well. Would love to try it myself 🙂
I hope you get the chance, Madhu! If I can do this you can, too! 🙂
Oh I too am pleased you did this Lauren! And I love all your quotes on fear because they are so very true. This would not have happened for you if fear had got stuck in the way. And its a lesson in trust too, in your guides who were there for you to allow this fab experience to happen. Just thrilled for you! I imagine this is how our son felt when he went sky diving. Im just glad I didnt know till after he had done it!! Lol ❤️ Xx
Thanks so much, Chris, for sharing your excitement, too, and I’m sure your son felt the same way when he went sky diving. That is another item on my bucket list, but I’m really not sure if it’ll happen. That’s a BIG fear, for sure! But I can only imagine the thrill from “flying!” He is the brave one! I don’t blame you for not wanting to know until after! 🙂 Hugs! xo
I’m glad you had a chance to experience this. It sounds and looks like it was a lot of fun.
Thanks, Kim, I’m glad I took the chance and didn’t chicken out! 🙂
A good guide and company make a big difference, otherwise it could be quite dangerous. It’s not something you could do yourself if you didn’t have any previous experience or training.
You’re right, Binky, and our guide was the best; very efficient after more than 10 years of experience. I felt comfortable and in good hands…
WOW, brilliant! Well done you. Love the pics!
Thanks, Jean! I’m ready for another splash at it! 🙂
Good woman! Enjoy it with all you’ve got.
I will! Have you been?
Not yet but you’re whetting me appetite!
Good to hear! I know you love the water! 🙂
Adore it but just need the extra bit of courage for rapids and the like!
That’s how I felt, but you can do Class 3. Holding the paddle and participating in managing the raft helped me feel less scared and then it simply turned into pure excitement and loving it. And of course it felt so good getting wet because it was a very hot day. So go on a hot day! 🙂
Great advice! Will have to give it a go now. Will keep you posted. xxx
Sounds good and have a great Friday! ♥
Lauren what mazing holiday and another tick is done on the to do list.. white rafting! Well done I am sure your are book for another very soon.. Super x
Thanks, Doron, we will do this again, just not sure when! 🙂 Happy weekend! xx
🙂
WOW!!! I am so pleased I didn’t miss this ride of a life time.. Wonderful experience. and loved that it was on your bucket list.. Great choice of quotes too.. I love Paulo Coelho Books and have read the Alchemist and many others .. Always inspiring reads.. xxx Much love Sue
Thanks, dear Sue, and I’m sorry for being late in replying! Yes, it’s always fun to check off things from our bucket list, isn’t it? 🙂 My son has read the Alchemist and loved it, but for now, I do love his quote. Much love to you, also, and I hope you have a wonderful Friday! ♥
Good for you, Lauren! I suppose the thing to do is just get on with it and then you have to go through with it. Beautiful communion with nature. XO ❤
Thanks, Diane, and honestly, I was more nervous anticipating it then being in the moment participating. I can’t wait to do it again! 🙂 And yes, it was beautiful outside, too, although a little too hot, close to 100. But that’s what made the water so inviting. 🙂 Love to you! ♥