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. ♥