I went white water rafting yesterday. It was so nice to spend the entire day outdoors. The picture above was the scariest set of rapids that we did. Only 5% of rafters ever get to do this one as the water levels have to be exactly right.
Going over the waterfall I was in the front of the raft (kind of like being in the front of the rollercoaster) and then I saw a WALL of water coming at me so fast..... then BAM! So...... in this giant pool of rapids 4 of us fell out of the raft. We all went under. I thought the whole raft capsized. I was pulled under and I couldn't tell if I was under the raft or not, could not make sense of where I was, could not get to the surface, could not see anything except water...... then I got to the surface and kept getting pulled under as it was like a whirlpool and I kept inhaling massive amount of water. I was hyperventilating cause I could not breathe as most of this time I was under water. then one of the guides threw me a rope. I held onto it.... I was now about 100ft now from where I fell in (I fell in where all the WHITE is in the picture above). I kept inhaling water. I could not breathe or catch my breath. All I knew was that I was NOT going to let go of the rope. finally I made it to shore and had to wait until the next raft was in position and then I walked across to another raft and they taxi'd me back to my raft. I stood there feeling pretty shaky.
We were on a 7 person, 14ft raft- much more sporty and punchy
than the bigger, more tradition rafts
also, going in the spring when the water levels are higher gives you bigger waves....
A little shaken up, but still good to go. I think I was in shock, it really did not hit me until later after I processed it. I think I now know what it feels like to drown. You feel pressure from the water, but no pain, confusion, time seems to slow down, you cannot breathe but you cannot process that fact. I could not think or react to what was happening.
Today I think I have a concussion. Last night my pupils were different sizes. I have been abnormally tired since I got home yesterday. Today I had the worst headache. Likely I wacked my head on a rock or with my paddle or someone else. 4 bodies flew out of the raft after going over a waterfall- anything is possible.
I feel as though my entire body was put through a washing machine. I ache from head to toe....my head, face, arms, hands... etc. etc. I have bruises all over.
This was us doing some recreation swimming :) The water was FREEZING. And it is really weird to swim with runners and socks on!
This was my second time white water rafting. Likely I will go again.
Here is a group shot of most of our dept (Mas/ L&F)... These are the people I work closely with on a daily basis. I will miss them all so much!!!
the guides
"sold" :)
back deck- off the rec room
