How much do you love The West?
The legends,
the iconic landscape known the world over,
the history,
the perseverance of hardy pioneers forging through
relentless wilderness, across craggy mountains
to their happily ever after?
Though not all of our westward expansion story,
here in the US,
is a proud story.
Not all, by any means.
My family has had a love affair with all things western USA
for quite some time.
A good four decades ago, when my husband and I were growing up,
and many many years before we met,
our families cultivated that love by heading from our east coast
homes to the sites that we all longed to see.
When we met twenty two years ago,
we discovered our shared
affinity for travel,
but not simply for travel.......
for the stuff of legend
and driving, driving, driving
until the peaks and the glaciers,
the valleys and the rivers
magically came into view.
Two decades along and we now,
with our kids,
continue the journey of discovery.
We revisit our favorites places which lie west,
oh, so far west and so
wrapped in beauty and serenity
that they tempt us each summer.
We heed their call and we immerse in their grandeur.
Each summer, we relish a different and distinct
part of our nation,
of our culture,
our natural and historical wonders
and we become a part of it.
Oh there are those who adore our landscape,
who flock to our shores.
And there are sites a short drive
from our own front door
which are sought after the world over.
But what we seek can't be found here.
This past July, we spent a large chunk of time
reveling in the American Southwest and the adventure
and the magic that
these sites offer.
We decided one way to experience the wonder
of the Colorado Plateau
(which encompasses not only the state of Colorado,
but parts of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico, as well)
would be rafting!
We'd hiked on glaciers
(Glacier National Park, Montana)
...into fairyland canyons (Bryce Canyon, Utah)
....descended into one the world's seven wonders
(Grand Canyon, Arizona)
.......explored caves
(Jewel Cave, South Dakota)
,,,,,,,ran like Forrest
(Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Utah/AZ)
and forged rivers ( Zion's Narrows).
So why not ride the rapids?
It's all part of the get-to-know-your-country experience, right?
Especially a "lazy" river, not the stuff of movies!
Think Kevin Bacon and Meryl Streep when you hear
"rivers," and "rapids"?
Yeah, me too.
Only this wasn't that....
And that's a good thing, because although
my husband is a former athlete
( I mean, really an athlete, we're talking
a 4:13 mile and 3 hour 19 minute marathons.......! )
the rest of us are, well......... not.
So here's what suited us:
A class 2 river experience that enabled us to
see "Colorful Colorado" in a way that
one simply cannot from his vehicle,
or even from the river banks.
And yes, class 2 is that very mild,
"some rough water" level.
Perfect.
Next?
Choosing a rafting company.
Honestly, they're a dime a dozen.
Really.
Search any large town out west for a river outfitter and
you're inundated with names and info.
How are you to tell one from another?
Fortunately, folks, I did the research for you.
Mountain Waters Rafting is the company to book.
You're not just searching for fun,
for friendly guides,
for economical packages,
for a variety of offerings
and for location convenience.
You're also looking for safety.
Sure, it's all in the name of good times and making memories.
But you need to feel secure that those who are behind the scenes
running the office and securing the equipment,
as well as your guides,
are knowledgeable,
intuitive and aware 100% of the time...
on the river or during a break.
When my 11 year old fell out of our boat,
(well, it almost seems as if "ejected from the boat"
or "jet propelled from the boat"
is more suitable here. the way he seemed to fly out.....
but then again, I'm the nervous Mommy,
so I'm sure that's just my take.......)
our guide, Anna, instructed him clearly, calmly, but loudly enough
as to what to do in a way that reassured him
until we( she, really)
maneuvered so he could literally be pulled by her,
and forcefully, out of
<seemingly> whipping rapids.
That's care and that's capability.
Mountain Waters Rafting offers all that.
And more.
The high caliber of MWR's
services and expertise, is evident by their
association with these agencies:
U.S. F.S. Dept. of Agriculture
Colorado Parks & Wildlife
MWR is a member of:
The Colorado River Outfitters Association
The Durango Chamber
Pagosa Springs Chamber
Silverton Chamber
Vallecito Chamber
Let me tell you about our trip down the river
and all that MWR offers~
Mountain Waters Rafting is located in
Durango, Colorado
at 303 West College Street,
in the southwest corner of the state.
An easy to reach location,
even if you hail from 2,150 miles away as we do~!
Many of their offerings, including, of course,
their river rafting adventures,
take place on the Animas River.
The details of all their services
are outlined right here on the website
You can click through the event
you're interested in here, too:
Family Raft Trips
Kayaks (IK)
Adventure Rafting
Durango Silverton Train
Zip Line Tours
Rock Climbing
4×4 Tours
Sounds awesome, no?
There's something e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e at MWR!
Okay, so if you click right here under the
Family Raft Trips tab, you can read about
the variety offered as well as the times.
We booked the half day trip, which you can read about
in detail at MWR's site.
After piling onto their bus, which left at 1:30
for the entry to the Animas River, we received a safety talk,
from a lovely and knowledgeable guide,
including how to sit in the raft,
how to securely don our life jackets and
what to do if you fall out of the boat
(namely, Don't Panic and
Don't Stand Up In the River or
Your Feet Might Get Lodged Under Rocks.!)
This last piece of info was sorely necessary for us and
it's a darn good thing my
little guy is a good listener!
He took her advice, for sure.
I know, I know, the shorts are hideous.
Don't make fun)
We then met our guide, Anna, who is the
epitome of kindness, as well as capability.
Anna hails from Minnesota and is a
student at a local university.
She explained, thoroughly, to us inexperienced rafters,
everything from paddling techniques to securing ourselves
as we encountered rapids.
And can I tell just how much FUN the afternoon was?
In addition to our raft, there were about four others, plus a handful of kayaks running the river with us.
There were smiles, encouragement,
water paddle fights ( ! ) between boats
and a delightful snack break at a local park half way through the trip
which included chips, salsa and fresh fruit slices.
Anna's caring nature extended to being sure that we were comfortable,
that we took a snack
and that we were aware of the location of the restrooms.
Seriously, how great is that? The Best River Guide Ever.
Really, what a sweetheart.
But a hard working and hardy individual, as well.
The other guides?
Funny, light hearted, caring, capable and
super on - top - of - things.
And right before we arrived at the disembark spot?
A huge, perfect rock in calm waters
which Anna,
my kids and a few other rafters climbed and jumped.
I won't tell you what one of the guides did here
because IF ( and I hope you DO) book a MWR river trip,
that will spoil the end-the-river fun!
I wish wish wish wish I had been able to take my camera along
in order to capture so0000000 many moments.
But, obviously, camera+white water=disaster.
Here are a few shots, though,
that Jeremy, the company photographer
beautifully captured from the river bank~
Jeremy did an amazing job capturing the rapids,
didn't he?
If YOU find yourself planning the southwestern adventure on which
you've always wanted to embark,
friends, without a doubt,
your itinerary should include
Mountain Waters Rafting of Durango, Colorado.
In addition to MWR's wealth of
outdoor event offerings,
there are numerous historical and natural things to do and see
in and around Durango
which you can peruse right here,
as well as a variety of dining and lodging establishments.
All of us with Anna, after the trip.
The only negative about MWR?
They're so darn far away!
I feel like the office staff and guides became friends that day!
Additionally, when you contact
MWR for info and to book your river trip,
you'll be courteously and patiently
greeted by Colleen, Alix or Katie,
who will offer you time and answers.
Here's how you can easily get in touch with the
awesome and helpful people of Mountain Waters Rafting
to schedule your river adventure
at their site and on social media.:
info@durangorafting.com
800-585-8243
Facebook
Google+
YouTube
Instagram
Trip Advisor
So, go ahead and make that call or send that email.
I HOPE you enjoyed a trip down the Animas River
with us today and as always,
I thank you for stopping over and
spending some of your precious time here at my home on the web!
Don't forget to subscribe to Campfires and Cleats
by scrolling to the subscribe button at the top left sidebar.
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I'd love to stay in touch regularly.
Until next time,
~Chris
Post dividers courtesy of Plumrose Lane
Disclosure~
My family was offered a complimentary river excursion on
the promise of a write up here on my blog.
Our experiences with MWR was so wonderful that I truly and honestly
endorse their company.
I whole heartedly recommend the staff for their courteous,
friendly, fun, caring, knowledgeable manner and
I have no doubt that anyone on any of their excursions is 100% safe.