Can you see me, can you, can you, can you? Because I’m there. Running the rapids with my new-found friends at REO Rafting. It was just so exciting and very safe, even for lil’ bears like me.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. I need to tell you how I got to be in the
middle of all this water.
REO Rafting is located on the shores of the Nahatlatch River
in the Fraser Canyon, about a 3-hour drive from downtown Vancouver. So we packed up our swimsuits, checked the
oil and water on Chris McBeath's nifty yellow sports car (I LOVE yellow, it’s such a sunny
colour), strapped ourselves in and enjoyed the drive through the Fraser Valley (where
we picked up farm-fresh blueberries to eat on the way), and continued up the Fraser Canyon
to Bend.
The last 8.5 km is on an active, gravel logging road so we
had to drive very carefully. Logging trucks are way bigger than us and always
have the right of way. But we soon saw
the giant REO sign
and quickly settled into the comfy REO tent
(some do-it-yourselfers prefer to bring their own camping gear but I've not learned how to pitch a tent properly so didn't go for that option)
REO has been rafting for more than 30 years and is the only
resort outfitter on the Nahatlatch -- one of the best rivers for white water
rafting in BC because the rapids are near-continuous. And they are terrific fun for
all abilities and all ages …… as well as adventurous Spirit Bears.
The views from everywhere on the resort are great!
With REO Rafting you get to ride The Classic section
featuring 25 rapids (Class 2, 3 & 4) over a 10 km stretch, finishing right
at the secluded river’s edge resort itself. What an adrenaline rush. Far better than X-Box
reality any day.
The Nahatlach River originates in the Coast Mountains, and
flows from a series of three lakes: the Nahatlatch, Hannah and Frances lakes. It is 20 km upstream from joining the Fraser
River north of Boston Bar. When one river joins another, it is called a
confluence.
The river lies in the heart of one of BC’s newest
protected areas, Nahatlach Provincial Park – 1,695 hectares of scenic mountain
peaks and glaciers, old growth forests, and a lake and river system like no
other. Nahatlatch protects one of the largest intact wetlands remaining in the
Lower Mainland.
SAFETY FIRST ..... ALWAYS!
Water safety is paramount and these folks take it seriously and have an impeccable record. Never go out onto a boat, kayak, raft or paddleboard without a lifejacket. Make sure it fits (this was difficult for me). Just pull on the shoulder straps and if the jacket doesn't come up over your head, you should be in good shape. But always have someone double check.
TEAM PRACTICE
REO doesn’t skimp on anything when it comes to safety from
head-to-toe equipment to lessons on the really calm lake before setting out.
We practiced falling into the water and pulling each other back on board as well as learning how to paddle as a team. With wetsuits and lifejackets, we didn’t feel the brrrrr of the water at all.
Then it began. Gently at first but then ...... whoa!!!!!!
With rapid names like The Eliminator, The
Meat Grinder and Lose Your Lunch, I wondered what mishap might be coming my
way. But look at the photos. I’m there, right in the middle of the
raft. And I’m still here to tell the
tale.
Because I'm quite small I got special treatment: REO owner Brian Fogelman was at the helm and I got a captain’s view of the WOWeeeeeee excitement.
Can you see my white head?
Yahoo, brave bears rule!
STUFF TO DO BEYOND RAFTING
Getting my fur soaked through certainly worked up an appetite.
In addition to rafting, you can try rock rappelling, archery, zip lining, hiking forested trails and singing around the campfire.
I chose a soak in the hot tub followed by a little river side R&R,
catching a few rays!
All I can say is that if a Spirit Bear can raft,
so can you and your family.
Check
out www.reorafting.com.
Tell them Bella Bella sent you because Brian
tells me
I was one of his most memorable passengers!
Story by Chris McBeath
Photos: Chris McBeath & Ryan Robinson
Nice article! Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleterafting the grand canyon