Whitewater rafting/ picture dump.

We went whitewater rafting today with some church friends. I can't swim, so I was quite worried. However, I promised Esther last year that I would go, so I kept my word. Turns out, we all had a fantastic time. If any of you visit during the summer months, we'll take you. The scariest part was this waterfall called Husom (sp?) Fall. It's over a 10 ft. drop. Today happened to be the first day they've taken anybody on it because it hasn't been safe enough until today. What changed from yesterday, I don't know, but it didn't sound good. We had to practice over and over again ducking into the raft and holding on with our hands and feet in order to stay in. Our guide even went over how to pull people back into the boat once they fall out and what to do if she fell out! And right before we went over the fall, they gave people the chance to opt out and meet up with the group after the falls. I thought it would be smart to take them up on this offer, but the only other person who did was a 60 year old grandmother, so I had to act brave and risk my life. It's also a picture dump since we only bought one picture cd. So I'm posting the pictures here so they can get em. The most important thing is that I survived and am still alive.

Here we are charging towards the 10 ft. drop.

Oh.... S...

Eyes closed, holding on for dear life.

Uh oh...

At this point there might still be 6 of us in the raft.

At this point, there's only 2 of us left.

Eyes still closed, not sure where I am. Where's everybody else?

Oh, there they are! At least one of them. Irene spitting out water.

And gasping for air.

Esther and Irene. Where's David and Daren?!

See, Dan the pro whitewater rafter in the raft? Just the guide and me.

That's me saving Irene's life. Brent owes me big time. Brent as a single man again... Not good.

The Korean David Hasselhoff, without the chest hair (and the ability to swim). I may have to consider a second career in lifeguarding. Irene is so light, I pulled her into the raft with one arm.

David and Daren were not so lucky. They had to grab the rescue lines.

Note the concern on David's face for Daren's life as Daren can't see the rescue rope. So sweet. Daren was busy trying to clear his glasses so he could see.

Our raft floating on without David and Daren. Esther and Irene safely back aboard.

David and Daren still being rescued.

After they were saved, they had to do the walk of shame and walk around to meet us to get back on the boat. In their defense, they were sitting in the front and took the brunt of the impact. Also, they are not as skilled at rafting as others who were able to hold on (see: Dan and the professional guide).

After we cleard all the drama, we had the bull ride. We're supposed to be throwing up the bull horns, but it seems that my fellow boaters are not familiar with what bull horns look like.

Overall, I'd say we all had a great time on this trip. I never thought I would say this, but I really enjoyed my time whitewater rafting. I guess I'm lucky to have married a girl who likes to do activities that require risking ones life.