I will have to admit I was a little bit intimidated when we first arrived at the River, it was dark and everyone was giddy, excited for the next day to blaze the river and "hit" all the rapids that we possibly could. We had an awesome camping spot right beside the river and the sand made me believe we were back in Akumal, but I was still concerned what tomorrow was going to bring.
Then the sun rose and breakfast was served. The others arrived that morning and the fitting of life jackets began. This is when I got really nervous, Jacki was tightening our life jackets so tight we could not take a breath, and don't even think of removing those babies after fitted because they will not fit again. I am thinking to myself, "holy s___, we are in for it, really, do they have to be this tight," in my head I imagine some rapids the size of buildings coming straight for us, us flaying around inside our tiny boat, and seeing our lives pass before us. Back in the day I totally would have been down for this, but something happens after birthing children, your "need for speed," definitely turns in to a "need for security." Now I am a little numb, not quite sure if that is because I am afraid or because Jacki has talked me into diving in head first into the Salmon River before take off. She tells me that this will make for a warmer ride because you are already wet (I still am not quite sure if I believe her!!!) Now we are off, paddle in hands, I am ready to go "hit" some sh__. Hold on tight, here we come.
Look who got to come on the trip, isn't he cute!!
This is one of our rapid experiences...
Almost there....
About to get hit....
If you notice here, the man on the front left is about to fall into the river...
Tom is out, but no fear, Blake has a hold of his life jacket...
You all must enlarge this shot below and check out Tami's face...PRICELESS......
Thanks to Blake, Tom is only in the water for a few seconds, but by his face it seemed like days for him.....
Crazy Zak and Em....Riding the ducky...
After the first trip down the river...I felt a lot better....a little more secure. It was an awesome trip and we all had a ton of fun. We definitely will be attending next year.
