In the wild, wild West, the untamed has a certain mystique
and allure. The desire to conquer has long been a theme as we relate to that which is to the west. Natural and unexplored. An unrelenting force.
I have always perceived whitewater rafting as an activity for the adventurous. Now, do not get me wrong, I do enjoy an adventure, but not usually ones that might threaten my life. (Not
to mention the fact that I DO NOT swim, so why in the world would I voluntarily get into a raft and attempt to guide myself down the river? Please.) Therefore, I was not sure whether
or not I was up for the challenge. However, the French Broad Rafting Company guaranteed that they would have an experienced guide in every raft. Fair enough. The clam water raft
trips described in the brochure seemed to be safe. I was assured that swimming was not a prerequisite and that the water was not deep enough to cause alarm. (Humph.) Besides, I would be wearing a life jacket.
Well needless to say, somehow I managed to get talked into the half-day whitewater rafting trip
instead, consisting of Class I-III rapids. (So much for the calm water.)
I sat and listened to other groups and families who gathered for the trip. I was surprised to find that
many others were first-time rafters as well. One family from Massachusetts was visiting their Charlotte friends. This was the first time for Gail
Crawford, traveling with her son Tommie and daughter Kimmy. Nervous but very excited, she mentioned that she felt as though "you sign your life away in the waiver." That was my sentiment exactly.
Tom Butler, the trip leader, called the group to gather and began to share the rules. No jewelry, those with glasses need holders or handmade "string" substitutes. Anyone with
cameras, there are waterproof cases available, and leave valuables locked up, including car keys. Wouldn't want those to fall into the river now would we?
We loaded up the three vans, and after a 10-minute drive, we arrived at our point of entry. We donned our life jackets, each one double-checked and secured by the guides, we
received additional directions and were assigned rafts. I was lucky enough to find myself in the raft with the trip leader, a 18-year firefighter, EMT and ski patroller. At least someone
knew what they were doing. He pointed out another guide, Kathy Blossfield, who he says has been rafting for over 20 years. After getting on the river, he proceeded to give us a crash
course: Whitewater Rafting 101. I felt at ease. Meanwhile, my only objective: not to be thrown out of the raft.
Rafting was a biology, history, recreational, botany, and aerobic experience all rolled into one.
It was not as frightening as I anticipated. It was actually a whole lot of fun. The guides are very knowledgeable and have a sense of humor. I got a sense that Tom loved what he did. "I
do this (guide trips) on my days off." A mid-river stop at the beach at Coty's Cliff allowed us a quick dip in a calm cove or get splashed by others. A snack of Oreos and lemonade was refreshing and a nice touch.
Back on the rapids. Calming. Peaceful. Almost surreal. Purple, red, and green damselflies perch on rafters' shoulders. Water skippers and dragonflies skim the water. Time does not
exist on the river. During those times we drifted down the river, I took in the surroundings. The river carved a valley through the mountains. Cliffside and mountain forests surrounded us,
looking down on us, smiling on our attempt to tame the river and in the process, finding ourselves humbled. Tom shared his river philosophy with us. "The river is quite a teacher. you
learn to respect her." And respect she deserves, as her quiet force carried us downstream.
The French Broad Rafting Company can be reached by calling (800) 842-3189 or 828-649-3574).
Broad. It is also one of the closest outfitters to Asheville, only a 30 minute drive to the north.
