SATW Canada Travelling Teddy Bear Blog: Bella Rides the Rapids

Monday 27 August 2012

Bella Rides the Rapids

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.

It's also good to buddy up with someone, find a good paddle and muster with a fun crew.

We called ourselves The Bella Babes!

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.

REO even has safety kayakers who scuttle around the rafts, ready to rescue any bear that might have a mishap. A lot of rafting companies don’t take this extra step.

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.