I survived!
Brian October 9th, 2006
The rafting trip went great and was no where near as death-defying as I had first expected. The main reason for that is we put in at the Dam and took out at the Garden Hole, just above the really big and bad rapids (commonly known as the “Gorge”).
We also stopped for a break at Bartlick Dam and stretched our legs. At Bartlick, the guy with us said its very important to stay to the right, because of a “sticky” hydraulic on the other sides. By “sticky,” he meant if you get in there, it is hard to get out.
The guys rafting with us said the largest rapids on our trip were Class 4. In the Gorge, they said, several are Class 5. The ones we went over were very family-friendly and just big enough to be fun. Anything less would have likely been boring and anything more would have likely been a bit much for a first trip.
It also provided a unique view of the leaves, which are starting to change colors. I would bet the trip would have been even better in a couple of weeks, as the leaves really start changing.
My advice is that if you have not seen all Dickenson County has to offer (i.e., rafting on the Russell Fork River), it is time for a visit.
My photos are in the process of being developed. If I ended up with any good ones, I will post them as an update. Most of the time, though, the camera lens was covered in water, so I am doubtful many will turn out.
Oh gosh, I just love rafting! I went with my sons and the their boy scout troop a couple of years ago and had the best time. We didn’t have anything fancier than a class 3, so there was a lot of horsing around and people getting tossed in the water, but what a blast.
Loved reading about your rafting trip. Our office has a trip planned for this Sat. 10/28 and we are first timers also. Any advise on coming thru this alive would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance