Glacier Rafting Trip
 
Astrid Sieger
On Saturday a group of us set out on the first Whitewater Rafting Trip of the season. A perk of living in an area of the country where a river runs through every part are the recreation opportunities that this environment provides!  This afternoon was the hottest day of the year so far. Armed with a life vest and cooler full of refreshment we boarded a bus at the entrance of Glacier National Park. We drove a short 8 miles up stream to the drop in point. The water was freezing but the group was raring to go. At 10 people per raft we took our seats. Our guide took his place in the back where he was able to keep and eye on his charges for the afternoon.Â
The first part of the Middle Fork River was calm and absolutely breathtaking. We meandered down the river with a wall of rock and trees on either side. The sky was a clear blue and ravens flew overhead as the guide called out directions us to paddle, “Forward!” or “Left back, right forward!” it was fun to get in synch with the person behind and in front of you, trying to avoid clashing paddles.  After a few minutes the first rapid hit and that’s when the temperature of the water was fully realized as we crashed through the rapids, trying to continue to paddle “forward!” while being bounced around the raft and, in some cases, out of the raft. But, as the candid photos taken from the shore attest, each person was smiling the each time we rode a one of those unruly rapids. Â
Toward the end of the 3 hour trip the cold water became a welcome reprieve during the calm sections as kids and adults alike flipped, slid, and plunged in for a cool-off dip; fighting the waves to swim back toward the raft to be pulled back in by those yet onboard.Â
Whitewater rafting is one of those experiences like a terrifying roller-coaster ride that you want to do over as soon as you step out of the raft at the end of the trip. As we climbed out we got our bearings on solid ground and walked across a bridge to where we started. Later over drinks in the local bar we reminisced about what a good time was had, each making a personal vow to re-experience this again at least once again this summer.