Paddle Hard!

With so much recent talk about "Global Warming" and the effects it has already caused this planet it really is important to go out and experience nature up close while we still have it. Today, we decided to tango with what the Mexicans have named, "Rio Bravo del Norte" which loosely translates to "The Angry River of the North". This whole area that Rio Grande runs through, from Colorado down to Texas, was formed from "Rifts". What is a rift? It is where two tectonic plates have collided pushing the earth up into these tall mountains and then separated leaving behind this huge crack in the ground. These walls are still moving apart from each other today but at a very slow rate. There are several hot springs in the area that prove the process is still continuing. Water always follows the path of least resistance and naturally it started to flow down this crack eroding the walls of these canyons in the process. Much of the river is not navigable except for those brave enough to face the power of the angry river. In the early 70's children in New Mexico were told that the Rio Grande was a Pandora's box. The river was taking too many young lives. This myth was brought into the classrooms in hope of keeping children away from the river. They were told that if they went near the river, Pandora was going to take them and they would never be seen again. Pandora, it was thought, was a spirit in the river. Armed with this information we headed off to join others on an adventure of White Water Rafting!

The day starts off with everyone moving very sluggish and still trying to wake up. Papers have to be signed, next of kin posted and fitting into the necessary gear. Booties, helmet and life vest. We boarded a school bus that has seen much better days and set off towards Taos to where the rapids begin. Along the way different mountain ranges were pointed out, historical markers, history of the Navajo Casino's and of course the Rio Grande.

We arrived at our launching point and piled out of the bus, thankful that we had survived the drive out. You could see the excitement level had started to raise as voices became more excited and louder. The unknown was still lurking as we stood by the river bank watching this immense volume of water rush past us carrying pieces of wood downstream. The snow fall in Colorado was at record levels this past winter and now that snow is starting to melt and sending its volume down stream.

After a brief lecture of do's and don'ts of rafting we hugged our loved ones and jumped into our rafts. Our guides name was Billy and fortunately he was also the most experienced guide of the group. First thing he asked when we sat in the boat was if we wanted an exciting ride or calm ride. The vote was cast and we had all agreed that we wanted the hardest, wettest and scariest ride possible.

The first few rapids are small and easy to navigate but the shock of the 54 degree water hitting you in the face will quickly clear any cob webs that might be lingering around. The reality hits you that you are sitting in the front of this raft, across from your companion, floating down a river that doesn't hear any screams or feel any fear. There is no OFF button to hit.

As we drift further down stream the rapids become larger and faster. By the time we reached the last rapid called "South Hole" the crew on our boat had learned to work together. It would be needed because this was the biggest and meanest rapid in this section. We dropped into this avalanche of water with Billy still screaming directions from the rear of the boat. The front of the boat, where we were sitting, went down into this hole of water and all I could see was this wall of water quickly approaching. It must have been 6 feet tall of white brown angry water churning and ready to swallow us whole. I saw Pandora as she smiled down on us ready to claim a few more souls. The shock of the mountain of cold water slamming against your face and hitting your chest like you had just been kicked by one of my ancestors mules was real. I found myself sitting in the middle of the boat on top of Reta. We struggled to get to our positions because Billy was still screaming to paddle hard because we were getting ready to hit another rapid. The boat was completely filled with water. It looked like the seven of us were sitting in a small swimming pool. As we slowly started to realize that we had survived this intense moment of shear panic and exhilaration we all started to scream with excitement and slap each other on the backs as to say we had made it. We had looked Pandora in the face and paddled away with an experience like non other.

I took my camera along and managed to get a few shots. Keep in mind that I couldn't take any while we were going down the big rapids because I can still hear Billy screaming directions to paddle.

After another pleasant drive back we arrived at the rafting outfitters with an angry appetite. We were invited to join two guys that were on our boat for lunch at a local Mexican restaurant. This place is known for their Margarita's and we quickly discovered why. We were pleasantly surprised when Mike picked up the check and told us to enjoy New Mexico because this was on him. Ron had picked up the first round of drinks at the bar, which was another surprise. If Ron and Mike are any representation of New Mexicans than this place is truly one of warm and friendly people that love to learn about where you came from and share their hospitality.

Check out the slideshow and look for the sequence of our dive into the South Hole.