White water rafting would definitely be on it (I don't have a list because knowing me, it would just turn in to a giant to-do list and frankly, I don't need the pressure.) and I would be able to check it off. We spent last Sunday rafting the Middle Fork of the American River and it was a blast.
The Middle Fork is considered a class IV river, meaning that the majority of the rapids are class IV (Wikipedia), which sounded fine to me. I mean, four doesn't sound that hard, does it? And there are two more classes above it, so it couldn't be too bad. Luckily for me I didn't actually read the definition of a Class IV rapid until today:
"Long rapids; waves high, irregular; dangerous rocks; boiling eddies; best passages difficult to scout; scouting mandatory first time; powerful and precise maneuvering required. Demands expert boatman and excellent boat and good quality equipment."
Yikes. And even luckier for me I didn't even know there was a class V rapid on the river.
"Exceedingly difficult, long and violent rapids, following each other almost without interruption; riverbed extremely obstructed; big drops; violent current; very steep gradient; close study essential but often difficult. Requires best person, boat, and outfit suited to the situation. All possible precautions must be taken."
Worst of all, class VI rapids are considered unraftable. My ignorance was bliss. I wasn't scared at all, until we hit that class V rapid, Tunnel Chute.
What I was thinking: "This sure is fun. We're really good at this. Maybe I could be a guide?"
What I was thinking: "Getting a little rough -- but this is fun, fun, fun!"
What I was thinking: "Where are the seatbelts?!!"
What I was thinking: "I'm alive! I'm alive!"
Can't wait to go again!
Glad you survived! I love whitewater rafting too, but I've never done a Class V!
Posted by: Kim | July 20, 2012 at 05:55 PM
Looks like a blast and a challenge.
Posted by: Mary | July 21, 2012 at 06:24 AM
Coll--who took the pictures? God?
Posted by: Sandy | September 19, 2012 at 05:54 PM