Mim’s Missives

While staying in Golden, BC,

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I decided that I just had to go river rafting. We had seen various signs and advertising for rafting on the Kicking Horse River, which feeds into the Columbia River in Golden. We chose a company that was just down the road from the RV place: Alpine Rafting. We didn't bring our cameras as they aren't the pocket variety so we have no photos from the trip. But I did get some pictures of the river and of the two paying guests picked to paddle in the bow of the raft.

The Kicking Horse River was running full while we were there so the Lower Canyon was closed to rafting. We rafted through the Upper and Middle Canyons. The Upper was easy. We received some training after suiting up in wet suit, etc. and tried a few moves on the river, making sure we understood the guide sitting high in the stern with two large oars, as he barked out instructions. Then we had a peaceful morning glide through shallow waters next to meadows and the ever-present Canadian Pacific railroad.

We hauled out for lunch, where staff had cooked up a feast for us. There were about 6 boats. We also passed other camps where other rafting companies were in various stages of their day.

After lunch we took off again. Then the excitement began! Rapids ranged from Class 1 to Class 4, which is a big breaking wave. We got soaked many times. It was like a wet roller coaster but harder work. I absolutely loved it! I had more fun laughing as we plowed into a big breaking wave only to plunge down into the bottom of the next one. Crazy! These next photos were towards the end of the trip. Some are of the Class 4 rapids, I believe.

This new bridge is going up over the river. We got to paddle under it. There is major highway construction going on in this valley. I would say the upgrades are badly needed.

When drove to Banff we saw the two bow paddlers continuing their bicycle tour across Canada. Read all about them at their website: Tailored Mountain Holidays. These two cheerfully got soaked again and again for us. Their great attitude will take them far on their travels, I'm sure. I hope they were okay about making them stop on the highway for these pictures; it was in the middle of a long hill!

Knocky-Ben Knock

Hacky-Andrew Baker

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