 |
|
|
Whitewater,
White Knuckles: Rafting in the Middle of the World
(page 5 of 5) |
|
|
 |
| Related Photo Slide |
Then the two trailing rafts surge into
view, blasting through the spray. Seeing our companions
battling the river from this perspective gives us a new
respect for the power and ever-lurking danger of the water.
Their whooping and shouting cuts the din of the water
as they plow past. After making it through the gauntlet
of submerged rocks and spray, they do the rafter's high
five-raising oars overhead and slapping them together.
At last, after three hours in the water,
with enough sore muscles to keep an army of massage therapists
busy for days, we arrive around a bend in the river to
see the tour bus and an inviting buffet lunch waiting
for us on a sandy bank. Our group has endured the whitewater
with no injuries, but with memories of a lifetime.
We feast on fajitas, fruit and well-earned
cold beers. Everyone gives rave reviews of the adventure
and of Ecuador Adventure's professionalism and attention
to detail.
"The river was perfect; it was fast
and rough," says Ohio State senior Chris Detwiler.
"I've rafted before quite a bit and that was the
most nonstop fun I've ever had rafting."
|
 |
|
"It was very different from West Virginia's
New River," adds Snyder. "It was horribly scary,
but wonderful. I'm glad I lived."
"I've been rafting four times,"
said junior Shannon Felter."And the rapids of West
Virginia rivers were like the dead parts of the Rio Blanco."
As it has throughout the ages, in all cultures,
the current of a mighty river has tugged at the soul as
well:
"Ecuador is a euphoric mix of warm
and friendly people, breathtaking scenery and places, with
an unbelievable opportunity to discover yourself,"
says Detwiler.
Senior Mark Draggi is more succinct, but
equally moved by the experience:
"It was F***ing awesome! I would definitely
do it again!"
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
Read More Extreme Adventure Articles:
