O.K. so here are some Pictures

so on day one we started at the campsite in Lotus and we rafted all day down to the lower end of the south fork on the river...it was a great day....a few bumps and bruises....but it was still a great day.



We were on the river about an hour or so when we got to the point where we could jump out I was the first to go (this was my view from the river)




and then Barry and Chrissy followed by Leslee.....










Michelle decided that she was not going to go in the river (so she thought, but we will get to that later).


That was the first uhhhoh....the river was a little cold and Barry wanted to get back in ...but his vest was a little loose and Aaron (our guide) pulled and pulled and finally he got in but wait his glasses...got a little tweeked....






and wait where was Leslee.... while Aaron was dealing with Barry Leslee got a little down stream... so Michelle pulled me in and we got Chrissy in and then we went after Leslee...and that was all before lunch

Where did you sleep?

and we are on our way home a little more banged up than last year ...but it was still a wonderful weekend.

If you remember last year we were in the little tent....o.k. so this tent is actually Christine's (can't tell will all the orange) but that is what we were in last year and Barry really didn't like having to get dressed laying down. So this year we waited and when we saw the sales start we did it....we bought our own tent

It's 10X13 and can sleep 6 if you really need to .... but personally I think it is great for just one queen size air mattress and room for all of our stuff and Barry really likes that there is room to stand up and get dressed.

Our Travel Buddies

last year Barry and I kind of did this alone....there were a few of his Rotary people but most of the people were new to me.... but this year it's different...we talked about this enough that we wet the appetite of a few members of RGEB.

So Christine, Leslee and Michelle have decided to take the plunge ...so to speak and conquer the river.

Exactly what are we doing????

WE are going river refting on the American River the south fork of the American River to be exact it has over 50 different rapids ranging from class 1 to class 3. The Chart below shows you the different tpes of rapids and what makes them what.

EASY BEGINNER
CLASS I-II
Rivers with Class I flat water interspersed with occasional Class II rapids: waves 1-2 feet high. Using a self-guided watercraft is an option. *Best for young children and tentative adults.
BEGINNER - INTERMEDIATE
CLASS III+
Rivers with Class I - II water interspersed with Class III rapids: waves usually 2-3 feet high, passageways contain some obstacles. Rapids are challenging but not overwhelming. * Best introduction to rafting for the widest range of people.
INTERMEDIATE
CLASS III-IV
Rivers with Class I - III water interspersed with occasional Class IV rapids: waves and drops 4 feet high and sometimes higher, difficult passageways containing some obstacles. Unintentionally falling out of the raft may mean an uncomfortable "swim". * Best for those with previous Class III experience wanting to try-out Class IV whitewater, and for athletic, adventurous first-timers.
INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED
CLASS IV+
Rivers with Class I - IV water and more difficult Class IV+ rapids: 4-5 foot waves and drops, complicated by difficult passages containing obstacles that require quick, precise maneuvering. Falling out of the raft and "swimming" in a rapid will be difficult. * Best for those with previous Class III or Class IV experience wanting a more difficult whitewater challenge.
ADVANCED
CLASS V
Rivers with Class I - IV+ water interspersed with long, tumultuous Class V rapids: 5-8 foot drops and obstacles that must be avoided. Falling out of the raft means an extremely difficult and potentially hazardous "swim". * Best for those with previous Class IV & IV+ experience seeking the ultimate whitewater challenge.
UNRUNNABLE
CLASS VI
Rivers containing rapids that are so difficult that safe passage is doubtful and chances of serious incident, injury and death are almost certain. If attempted and successful, luck deserves the largest portion of credit.

Gas on the 5

It's highway robbery....can you imagine? $3.79 a gallon O.k. so where did this atrocity happen? The 5 and the Stockdale Highway...and yes we did pay the ransom.

Los Banos was a little better....#2.79 if you pay with cash $2.99 if you pay with a credit card....

note to self: when you come up with Sam check gas prices.

Just like last year ...well kind of

Empty nest or revolving door I was planning on one and ended up with the other....my days and nights alone with my hubby and the dog....well they have been very few and far between... but this weekend it will be different.....o.k. no it won't we just won't be at home we will be on the South Fork of the American River with about 75-80 of our best friends (well maybe). So those of you who followed our adventures last year knew about our first river rafting trip, and we had such a good time that we are doing it again this year. Just like last year we will be going with River Runners And just like last year I am blogging on the ride...so what is different? well because we were speaking so highly of the trip last year and how much fun we had Christine, Leslee and Michelle from the office are going to join us.

yes that is them behind us.

Michell and Leslee are driving and Christine gets to ride in the back sea