We woke up early Friday morning so we could go rafting. We walked down the street to the location of Barker Ewing Rafting Trips. We had to be there by 7:15 so it was early for all of us. We rented wet suits as it was so cold and boarded the bus. The first 8 miles was scenic and calm and we did not get wet. We were rafting the Snake River. Our guide was Alex from San Diego and his assistant, Katelyn, from WY. There was also a 12 year old boy, Jason, from Kentucky on our boat. He is visiting his uncle who works for the rafting company. The float section was nice, but cold. I wish we had put on our wetsuits early, at least the booties. Along the way, we saw lots of Bald Eagles, deer, marmots, a beaver, osprey, and white pelicans. It was gorgeous and relaxing. 

After the 8 miles, we stopped for breakfast. The rafting company had a “camp” set up and had made a full breakfast of eggs, sausage, wild rice pancakes and fruit. Plus, hot drinks and a fire warmed us up! The pancakes were super delicious. We ate up to prepare for the next part of the trip. We changed into our wetsuits (not a cute sight!) I think Josie looks like an Avatar about to go fight a battle on a planet far away!

The next 8 miles was whitewater and it was a blast! Alex was so funny and so competent that we felt like we were in great hands. Of course, Hubert and I worried about Josie since she was so little. We really need to learn not to worry about her as she is very tough and loves a wild adventure. She did not get scared but welcomed on more waves. Sweet Caroline was a great big sister, as always, and kept reminding Josie to hold on and would wrap her arms around her. The whitewater was so fun! At one time, there was a calm section and Alex asked if anyone wanted to hop it. He suggested to do it Karate Kid style and stand on the end of the boat and we would make you fall into the water. Jason quickly said he was up for the challenge and jumped right in. Not to be outdone by a boy, Caroline said she was next! She stood on the end of the boat until we rocked her in. When she hit the water, she was shocked by the cold (water temp in the 40s). Then Josie said she was going in (she was not to be outdone by her sister and a 12 year old boy!). She just jumped in and I reached down and grabbed her out as quickly as possible! Hubert and I were both proud and stunned by our crazy girls! There was no way we would get in that water! The rest of the river ride was great as we went over Class 3 and Class 4 rapids. The girls did not want it to end. The 3 kids sat in the front section so they go the full force of the waves and the ride. Hubert and I had to help paddle and it was fun!

After the trip back to town and getting into warm, dry clothes, we went to a nearby restaurant for a big lunch. We were starving. It was now in the 70s and we ate outside. It felt glorious to be warm for the first time in a week! We went back to the campground for a relaxing afternoon. We napped, took showers and did some laundry. At 5:00, Brit and his family came over. We grilled out some chicken and had a nice picnic dinner. It was our first time “entertaining” in the RV and it was lots of fun. I really enjoy Brit and Jenny and the kids did great. Seeing them play around the campsite and play together was wonderful! They left around 9 and we had 2 games of Uno before calling it a night! (After last night, I went into the lead for the Uno game. We are playing a trip long game – who has the most points at the end of our trip wins!)