Monday, July 9, 2018

Rafting in the Smokies

When my husband was still in the Navy, he went  white water rafting with his sailor buddies when they were in Australia.  He said their raft went down twice and all of them  got thrown out but he said it was a lot of fun.  So when he told me that he want us to go white water rafting in Tennessee, I was hesitant because we have the kids.  If it's just me, I would go in a heartbeat  since I  grew up in a coastal  place and being in a rough sea is not new to me.  However, when you have children with you, you will always be on a protective Momma mode.  The kids were excited about it so I went along  and  just prayed that God will protect us in the water lol.
The guides were  very friendly and  the one that's leading all of  us was very convincing.  We chose the mild one which has a rough part but not all the way the entire journey.  While she was telling us  how mild  this  one is, we were stopped by emergency people and we saw a truck  in the river.  We were glad the passengers were okay but that  really made me worried.  I was thinking, what if this is a sign for us not to go and all these worse scenario was running through my mind while we were going to our destination.  
The head of the tour guide  told us that she never saw anything like this happen before in the area.  I think that the passenger of the vehicle were new to the place and they were not  particular about the bend and sharp turn of the roads.  Their vehicle was in the middle of the river, it was scary!
Anyway, our tour guide's name was Bill, he was really good.  He even brought bubbles for the kids, he was probably  thinking that my children  will get scared. What Bill did not know is that, my kids are more courageous than me lol.   Only the five  of us adults had paddles.  He taught us what to do  during the rough part, he was a really good instructor.  He told us that in the past, he had one instance where his people got thrown out the boat and  he said that he doesn't want  that to happen again especially with the kids.  So he made sure that we listen to his instructions and not to panic.
We were teamed up with two  Norwegian guys and  they were very friendly.  They too were adventure seekers just like us.
We were not allowed to bring anything but ourselves.  They were strict about what type of shoes to wear and made sure that our floating devices were tightened just right.   They also taught us how to properly  hold the paddle which I already knew because my Dad taught me when I was  a kid.   It is important to remember the rule of the thumb and that is not letting go of the top of your paddle so nobody will get hurt on ut.  
All of these pictures were taken by  their designated photographer.  You can buy or pay for it  at the end of the tour.  See, they really get you with this one, there's nothing really  you can do but  buy it if you want  pictures of your  adventure.  I thought, it was gonna be a printed photo on a frame but all you're getting is a  thumb drive with the  15 shots of picture in it for $40.
After the  rough part was over, there was a very calm and steady part where the rafters can jump out the rough and swim for a while before  returning.   My husband and son  went  and swim but  my daughter and I stayed in the raft, I don't trust  river that I don't know about ha ha.
My children got all the splashes of water  because they were in the front.  They absolutely had a blast with this adventure.  They want to do it again in the future so I think we might do it here in  West Virginia since we have the  New River Gorge.  We did not want to start  our  experience here because the course here is a lot rougher.  Hartford Tennessee was the perfect place to start as it was milder.   

21 travelers' comments:

Alli Smith said...

Looks like your family had so much fun! I've been rafting several times and I've been thrown out twice. Once, the raft flipped and I think I'm the only one who went overboard. It was a class 5. I love all the photos!

Glenda Cates said...

I have always wanted to go Rafting and you make it look like so much fun that before Summer ends I am going to try and see if I can take my family.

GiGi Eats said...

I used to live in WY (that's where I am from) so these pictures and experience bring back SO MANY summer memories for me!! :)

SimplyTasheena said...

I’ve never gone rafting before. This looks like so much fun. This would be perfect to do when I do visit Tennessee.

britstrawbridge said...

Wow!! I went White Water Rafting in New Mexico years ago and it was sooo fun! I would love to try it again! These are great photos!

Tomi C said...

We haven't gone rafting this year because the levels at the place we raft at have been so low as of late. However, I can't wait to hit the rapids once those levels rise.

candy said...

We finally went rafting on some white water and honestly wasn't really excited about going. After the trip was over I wanted to do it again. Had a blast.

AiringMyLaundry said...

This would be a blast. My family needs to do this one day. I'd be petrified, but everyone else would love it.

Glam Karen said...

What an awesome experience for the whole family! I'm glad your kids tried it as well, it sure looks like a whole lot of fun! I'd love to experience that!

Marysa said...

I've never been rafting before, but this sounds like a lot of fun! Although I have to admit it looks a little scary too! You guys are definitely adventurous.

Jona Shares said...

Definitely a blast and memorable experience money can't buy. I love how you and husband make time to go on an adventure with the kids! - Anosa Malanga

Liz said...

What a fun and exciting experience for all of you. This is one of the things I haven't done and would love to do one day.

Madeline said...

This looks like such a fun trip! My son is too small to do anything like this yet, but I've added it to the bucket list. So nice that they take photos like this for you!

The Super Mom Life said...

That looks like so much fun. I haven't been water rafting before.

Sara-Jayne Jones said...

What an adventure! I love the photos - I hope we get to do this some day [even though I'd be terified for my boys!]

Sue said...

My my this looks like such an amazing adventure. I would love to take my kids along but I think, like you were at first, I am quite hesitant to take them on such an expedition

~BernettaStyle~ said...

MY husband and I did this in Tenn. last year. It was scary and fun! I loved it. It looks like you all had a ball.

Bernetta

JoyfulSavings.com said...

I've never done rafting, but would certainly would love to take the kids to do it some time. I can tell it was a lot of fun for the family . . . the pictures are great!

Amy said...

It looks like you had so much fun! I haven't been rafting since I was a teenager!

Deli said...

Everyone is having some cool fun :) I think rafting like that would be great during summer. It's something that friends and family can do together.

Maria Teresa Figuerres said...

That was absolutely fun! White water rafting is something we haven't tried doing yet, but I don't think I'm as brave as you and your kids.

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