Water is the ultimate contradiction. Its serene at times, while at others it wields devastating power. It is the source of all life, yet it can rip it away with one swift swell. For this reason alone, I find the oceans, lakes, and rivers offer such an array of enjoyment while it commands my respect for its authority. Water not only has the ability to drift from natural states, but it also brings pleasure and pain from its temperature. On a recent vacation I had the pleasure of experiencing white-water river rafting. River rafting provides a gaze through a cascading journey drifting along the seemingly still waters, the surging crashes of the churning rapids, and the deep dives over the falls that offers a totality of the sublime wonder and
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Re-entry had two paths: jump in or walk further along the edge and then cling to a rope tethered to the rock along the river bed wall. Jumping required only 20 feet down precisely in the center of the river into 42º waters. A few chose to climb the long way around, while most of our crew leaped forth and braved the razor like sharpness of this frigid water. Oh how refreshing this splash was for all. It was very, very, very cold. Like falling into snow cold. Once all were accounted for, we persevered. No challenge would be left unmet. The suicide falls were approaching, so we practiced our fall-drop skills again and again through the rapids. What was quite amazing was the boiling nature of the water. The crests of the waves grew in places enough to swallow the oars and, in others, left gaps for the oars to catch only air. Subsequent to our attacking a Class IV fall (an advanced level known for its intense power and predictability), my father slipped into the hands of the river. We all gasped as we anticipated picking him up downstream. The river would not beat my dad though. Astounded at his resolve to beat this beast, he clung onto the boat with his feet deeply entrenched under the seats, and used all his might to hold the rope while his head was completely submerged. We all surged into action to rescue him and bring him …show more content…
Our drift along the river encompasses the canopy of trees leaning into the channels, the occasional warm winds flowing through to warm our weary bodies, and the shimmering of sunlight dancing through the canopy. The light bounced off the pristine water. Clarity during the calmness allowed you to see each pebble and every little creature below the surface. It was truly spectacular to peak at these small wonders, while our main focus was to watch and respect the turbulent nature of the river. As we approach our final descent, we practiced our unity and form as the guide paid every attention to our moves to identify how we work to prepare his course of action to guide us through the treacherous slip into the river’s beckoning cradle. Rafters were ready for the challenge. Well, most were. Mom chose to not to chance a possible swim. You see, if you are tossed into the river, the falls take you under their churning tides after which you are spit out to swim hard downriver for a spell until the river relinquishes you. So, she was fine watching. Perched on the bridge, mom caught a glimpse of our crew as we braved the Class V (expert) plunge with high hopes, and dug our oars in with precision, over, and over, and over, until the command “dive in” was exclaimed. Subsequently, we swiftly maneuvered down into
Re-entry had two paths: jump in or walk further along the edge and then cling to a rope tethered to the rock along the river bed wall. Jumping required only 20 feet down precisely in the center of the river into 42º waters. A few chose to climb the long way around, while most of our crew leaped forth and braved the razor like sharpness of this frigid water. Oh how refreshing this splash was for all. It was very, very, very cold. Like falling into snow cold. Once all were accounted for, we persevered. No challenge would be left unmet. The suicide falls were approaching, so we practiced our fall-drop skills again and again through the rapids. What was quite amazing was the boiling nature of the water. The crests of the waves grew in places enough to swallow the oars and, in others, left gaps for the oars to catch only air. Subsequent to our attacking a Class IV fall (an advanced level known for its intense power and predictability), my father slipped into the hands of the river. We all gasped as we anticipated picking him up downstream. The river would not beat my dad though. Astounded at his resolve to beat this beast, he clung onto the boat with his feet deeply entrenched under the seats, and used all his might to hold the rope while his head was completely submerged. We all surged into action to rescue him and bring him …show more content…
Our drift along the river encompasses the canopy of trees leaning into the channels, the occasional warm winds flowing through to warm our weary bodies, and the shimmering of sunlight dancing through the canopy. The light bounced off the pristine water. Clarity during the calmness allowed you to see each pebble and every little creature below the surface. It was truly spectacular to peak at these small wonders, while our main focus was to watch and respect the turbulent nature of the river. As we approach our final descent, we practiced our unity and form as the guide paid every attention to our moves to identify how we work to prepare his course of action to guide us through the treacherous slip into the river’s beckoning cradle. Rafters were ready for the challenge. Well, most were. Mom chose to not to chance a possible swim. You see, if you are tossed into the river, the falls take you under their churning tides after which you are spit out to swim hard downriver for a spell until the river relinquishes you. So, she was fine watching. Perched on the bridge, mom caught a glimpse of our crew as we braved the Class V (expert) plunge with high hopes, and dug our oars in with precision, over, and over, and over, until the command “dive in” was exclaimed. Subsequently, we swiftly maneuvered down into