Rafting on the Provo River

July 2010

Rick has been wanting to raft down the Provo River for a few years now.  The last time we did it, we went with the Condies, and I was pregnant with Ian.  Mattie Rae had gone a few years ago and had a pretty traumatic experience.  There is a bridge shortly after you get in that is pretty treacherous.  Last time she was thrown from her raft and hit her head pretty bad.  She got out, and has (understandably) had a fear of rafting ever since. 
Mattie Rae decided it was time to overcome her fear and agreed to come with us.  We had 2 rafts, 3 adults, and 3 kids.

 On our way up Provo Canyon.  Despite our efforts to tie down that raft snug and tight, it still acted like it was going to fly off any second. 

We're off!  Shortly after we got on the river, we rounded a corner to see Mattie Rae's dreaded bridge.  We weren't ready for it.  We were still trying to figure out how to maneuver our raft.  It was a rush of adrenaline, fear, and a bit of screaming, but we made it through just fine.  Looking back, we noticed that there were other rafts that got off the river and walked to the other side of the bridge.  That probably would have been the wise thing...if we knew how to get the boat to shore.

 After the scary bridge, it was a fun and enjoyable trip.  The weather was perfect, we figured out how to use our oars, the scenery was beautiful, and we enjoyed hearing Rayna's squeals from the other boat anytime it got a little rough.