Getting to know people at orientation last night was cool, meeting the people I would spend the next week with and getting a feel for the group.
As we gathered in the boat house this morning I was excited to get going and see everything in action on the river. We had beautiful weather-sunny and about 70 degrees for a fun and intense day.
We got geared up in wetsuits at the boathouse and drove to the landing to meet with the instructors. The rafts were ready, and so we got into our splash gear and PFDs and headed out.
The first trip was relaxed as the guides brought us down as if we were paying customers, pointing out the sights and the names of features where we were. We practiced our paddle strokes and learned the basic commands of "all forward" and "all back."
Afterwards we had some quick food and drove right back to the top where we would guide from then on. We kept paddling and taking turns "on the stick" as guide. Along the way we saw an osprey carrying a fish it had caught, which it then accidentally dropped right next to the other boat. It was exciting seeing people make mistakes on their guiding strokes and quickly learn from them and get it right. It was even more exciting being on the stick myself and feeling the current as we ferried across, drove into eddies and just drifted.
Another longer lunch break and we were back at it. We rotated through who was guiding and who was paddling again. An osprey (maybe the same hungry one) came near one of the boats as it dive bombed for a smaller fish. That one didn't get away.
We practiced a flip drill where we purposely flipped the boat and had to get on top. We re-right it and get back in again. The rushed feeling added to the excitement, but it is sure tough pulling yourself onto or into these big rafts. Very fun!
Back at the boat house we learned to tie a couple knots-figure eight follow through to be specific-got our assignment for the night and went home. It was a definitely a workout to paddle all day, so I know I'll eat well and sleep even better tonight, excited that we get four more days of this.
- Guide Schooler
Mad River is a river outfitter based in Jackson WY. Our experienced guides are trained and will keep you safe while showing you a great time during one of our many scenic floats or exhilarating white water rafting trip packages.
