Day 5 - Kicking Horse River Rafting

I wondered how Barbara’s anxiety would fester as the rapids drew near.  We didn’t talk about the flip in Lava Falls in the Grand Canyon 7 years ago.  Rated 10 in a 1 to 10 rated rapid, the “ledge” tossed  amd flipped their 3000 lb oar boat sending its riders including Barbara Ann under the boat into the depths of the churning river.  She was here at KIcking Horse River to conquer a fear.   It was a decision that would be made a few minutes before launch.  She was a go!

What a fun and wild ride.  Hooping and hollering was natural as we were constantly tossed by the rapids in our 8 man boats guided by seasoned river guides manning the oar system in the stern.  Mike from New Zealand barked out our orders, “forward”, “back”, “stop” and the most fun, “get down”.  He said some of us had selected hearing as Paul and I continued to stick our paddles In the spinning ice cold water after he shouted stop.   I guess we were having so much fun hoping to induce more action by digging into the waves that tossed us.

The smiling faces in the photos and video tell the story.  After getting the shocking first splash of water tossed in our face, the riders started to enjoy the roller coaster ride.  I looked back after every big wave to see how Barbara Ann was doing sitting on the back seat near Mike.  After a few waves I could see the smile coming to her face.  Yes, it was scary but she couldn’t help but grin with her husband and sister in law screaming their heads off.

For me, this was the highlight of the trip.  Getting back into the water, riding the convulsing waves; the second coming out party for Miss Barbara Annie.