Monday, September 16, 2013

White Water Rafting the Potomac River

Fact: I am not an adrenaline seeker.
Fact: I do not like heights.
Fact: I get motion sickness.
Fact: I do not like roller coasters.
Fact: I enjoy doing boring activities that do not jeopardize my life.
Fact: I get shoved into doing things that I am not so sure of.

     If you did not know already, I have a bucket list.  Yes, I may not be kicking the bucket anytime soon, but I do live with that notion of "no day but today."  So, when PDub texted me that there was a Groupon for white water rafting in our area, I simply said, "Buy it," but thought, "What am I doing?"  I have found that bucket lists push you out of your comfort zone, making you have adventures you would otherwise not have.  White water rafting was therefore added to my bucket list....and soon checked off.
     It was 7am, and I had a waterproof bag consisting of sunscreen, car keys, a camera, and my inhaler. PDub was making sure his hair looked alright, and Doubles Shark-Whisperer was harnessing her GoPro to her head.  I am not really sure why I surround myself with these people.  When I saw the life vests, helmets, and paddles, I confess that chest pains arose.  I mean, don't people die white water rafting?  Thankfully the guides put my concerns to rest, admitting that the most danger would be the walk down to the rafts, paddles swinging in hand.  The rapids were ranked at a 1 or 2, and I am pretty sure I have been on rougher water on Carlyle Lake.  If you haven't heard, I lived!
Are you sure I don't have a hair out of place?
Geared up and journeying to the rafts.
A gorgeous sunrise out on the Potomac.
Let's do this!
Attempting to paddle up Great Falls.  We didn't make it....
Purposeful fall in.
Our guide loved the Dustin Hoffman pose.
The trio of a lifetime.
Somebody should tell her she has something on her head.
Break time with juice and bagels.  Bonus food!
Setting up the tables and food.  Yes, we hauled this stuff in the rafts.
Such a gorgeous morning.
Kayakers who accompanied us down the river.
Caught: sunscreen application.  Have you heard?  The moon burns that white body.
Playing little mermaid.
The photo shoot begins.
Meditation is a necessity on the river.
Downward and upward facing dog.  Bet you didn't guess that one.
Work it!
Emptying the shoes of rocks....serious business.
Jump....on the count of three?  Or after three?
Freshwater eel.
Why aren't you paddling?
Paddle forward.....The set-up.....The fall!!
Half the raft went....thankfully, I was on the lucky side.
Doubles Shark-Whisperer was injured during her fall out of the raft.  I was bruised from my fall off of the photo shoot rock.  White water rafting is dangerous!