Advertisement
Published: June 23rd 2017
Edit Blog Post
Geo: 42.628, -72.8714
Today provided probably what Alex and I have agreed was one of the best experiences all trip. We started out the day, ordinarily, cleaning up the condo and getting our bags packed and ready for our Urban hike through NYC tomorrow. I was even able to get some laundry done. Then off we went on our next excursion to try our hand at kayaking a small white water river. This should not be tried by just anyone. Remember, Alex and I consider ourselves white water experts, living in Florida and frequently kayaking the treacherous waters of the inter-coastal or bay areas. We have rafted in a few different countries, so we felt more than qualified to take on this next activity. Away we went, about an hour away, to the Deerfield River. When we left, the temperature was around 70 degrees with clear sunny sky. We were hoping for it to continue to warm up a little. We arrived at the outpost where they gave the usual spiel, mainly emphasizing not to stand in the river. The only reason not to stand, and a very good one, is that the river is pushing down stream at a rapid rate.
As your feet hit the rocks on the bottom, your foot can get caught between the rocks. While this may not be a problem, say, in Florida, here, the river will then push you under and, well, you are stuck. Remembering this, we embarked on our latest adventure. The trip consisted of a lead guide, the paying group, and a following guide to make sure no one gets left behind. Alex and I, for the most part, stayed to the back, letting everyone else go ahead to stay out of our way. We had river stunts to pull and couldn't be bothered with amateurs getting in our way. With go pro in hand, I watch as Alex zips back and forth across the river, his kayak agility astounding, pulling 360's, paddling backwards, and even riding rapids sideways. Then it happened. Out of nowhere, but seemingly in slow motion, noooooooo, I think, as I chuckle quietly inside; remember the guy thing from yesterday?; over Alex goes. Kayak upside down, paddle drifting away, I see, for a split moment, the fleeting idea of standing in the river, but our extensive training kicked in, and Alex quickly gains control of the situation and
allows, what was going to happen anyway, the river to carry him downstream. Seeing this, the following instructor and I paddle over to him where I retrieve his paddle and she helps stabilize his kayak while he climbs back in. With that first dump out of the way, we continue on. About halfway through the trip we stop for a snack, and little rest. As were are about to leave, the instructor tell us that we can drag our kayak up a hill if we want to try a land entry. This is basically sliding down the hill into the water. Several people go first, with the instructor pushing then down the hill. Of course, being and experts will skills that far exceed these amateurs, I let her know I will not be needing a push. So she says, do you want to do it over there, down the rocks? This is a steeper part, so of course I say yes. She then indicates, cool, I have never seen anyone try it there before, I just don't want you to get hurt. Ha, what is a vacation without some bumps and bruises? With Alex on the camera down the rocks
I go, dunking the front of the kayak as I enter the water. What a rush that little hill provided. Next stop, a waterfall. All in all, this was an awesome experience, with Alex and I no longer planning on rafting again. We are now kayakers. I had 2 dunkings on the trip down and Alex the one. What an experience.
Tomorrow, New York, New York!!
Advertisement
Tot: 0.166s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 10; qc: 51; dbt: 0.1008s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Miky
non-member comment
What a wonderful experience!!!! To cool! I hope you post the videos of all this adventures. Have an awesome time in NYC. Also, Keep the photos coming, please.