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We went again with Extreme Expeditions and stayed in one of their rustic cabins (see last years photos if unfamiliar) and this year we were in cabin #1. I brought ear plugs with me and they worked wonderfully for partying neighbors.
The route was the Lower New River on a sunny day with 10% chance of showers. The water temperature was 71 and it was in the mid-80's for the day. Our guide this year was Melanie, who when not floating the river is a massage therapist and owner of a tattoo establishment with her husband Rowland - also a river guide.
The river level was -1 so there were a lot more exposed rocks and the river moved really slow. The trip this year was only 7 miles and tool longer then the trip last year of 15 miles. There wasn't as much quick manuevering in the rapids but it was dangerous if anyone fell out for the possibility of hitting a rock. And this year, no one fell out.
The highlight of our trip was the Jacuzzi, which would normally bring up relaxing thoughts in a nice warm tub, but no. The jacuzzi is a churning current that sucks boats in and doesn't let them out. We were in sideways in the river and Tiana and William sitting on the low side, where submerged up to their chests in water, so yes, the boat was completely under water. We ended up moving every one to the high side and leaning as our guide tried to free us from the clutches of the jacuzzi, but we ended up being pulled out by another raft. The amusing point was when the guide told Brian and Tiana to backpaddle and when clutching the paddle and the chicken strap on the boat, that really wasn't possible. So Tiana threw herself across Brian's lap and held him as he assisted the others in paddling us out of the hole. Very exciting, it really got the adrenaline pumping.
 The all important sunscreen ritual and even though the sun wasn't visible yet through the fog, we knew we were going to need it. |
 Tiana and Brian anxiously awaiting for the start of the trip and Maddie the dog taking the opportunity to shun Brian. |
 Derek and Nicole suited up in appropriate attire. |
 William styling his life vest and helmet. |
 Tiana and Brian |
 William and Jeni |
 Tiana and William on the raft and ready for whatever the river threw their way. |
 Brian - doesn't he look good in yellow!! |
 Derek chilling on the raft |
 Jeni and William taking a refreshing dip to cool off. |
 Brian helping Tiana into the raft. There is no graceful way to do it. |
 Our lunch spread, which considering we hauled it down in the boats with us, was pretty good. It managed to rain for the only time that day while we were eating lunch, so soggy sandwiches anyone? |
 Brian and William atop Jump Rock getting ready to hurl themselves off the edge to the stinging water below. |
 This is what Jump Rock looked like from down river. |
 Derek and Nicole |
 William and Jeni |
 The rusty rainbow as one of our guides referred to it as. |
 I tried to get closer but she kept floating down river, so you have to peer closely to see Tiana. |
 What a nice day for a float. |
 Nicole giving me a big smile. |
That is it for this year... next year New Gauley!!!!??????
Last updated: 1 September 2004