Man, that was a RUSH! Get it..Rush…River rafting?? Nevermind.
Not to long ago the family decided to plan a rafting trip recently down the Kern River with Kern River Outfitters, and I have to be honest here…I was less than excited to go. It’s just that I have been super busy lately and my mind wasn’t there. Like a trooper though, I loaded up the Jeep and off we went, man, I am so glad we did too.
The following morning we checked in for the trip. It was full of corny jokes, with plenty of laughs as the excitement from the guides let us all know how much fun we are getting ourselves into. My crew, well we lucked out and landed this guy named Ry as our guide. Ry has had a ton of experience, and loves to have fun. All we could think was, what could possibly go wrong?
There were five boats that went out together, and they were all full of people itching to get wet, and have a good time. As we bused to the drop point you could tell people were getting more excited. On arrival, we threw our rafts into the water and started our adventure. Entry is pretty calm. It gives the guides the opportunity to give some tips, help people feel safe, and I would imagine…figure out exactly how hard they are going to have to work today.
It wasn’t long before we hit the first series of rapids. It was on the other side of them though that left us all soaking wet, with a feeling of some great adventurist that just dropped down Niagara Falls in a barrel. The best was yet to come though, and good ol’ Ry had us covered. We were working together as a team, having nothing but fun, and forgetting all about any of the day in and day out stresses we left in the parking lot that morning.
Around midday the guides sat aside their paddles, picked up their lunch preparing utensils for a much desired, much appreciated spread of sandwiches with all the trimmings. They thought of everything too. Even the plant based folks had options. It wasn’t long though before our picnic area was left better than we found it, and it was back on the water for us.
For the rest of that afternoon we had a blast together making our way down that river. From rapid to rapid we would had become more confident and bolder to try more and Ry was happy to oblige too. When it was all said and done, it was time well spent bonding as a family, experiencing life from a slightly new perspective,, pushing ourselves and loving it right there in each new moment.
Don’t forget guys, if you’re heading up to the Kern for a little getaway…Get out for the day with Kern River Outfitters. Their professional, skilled guides will show you a great time, and keep you safe and sound doing it.
Rob Spencer