So it was warm, not hot out yesterday, so I went rafting, just floating around and slowly moving along with the current. I saw water snakes, deer, cranes, fish jumping out of the water and just plain enjoying the peace. I did get into some problems this time out though. When I went back to shore to land I had a lot of trouble getting out of the raft. These things are big, but very light and they "shoot" from out of under you when you try and get out. Well this happened and I fell into the water. Don't worry I make sure it is very shallow where I doc and people are around. I told some swimmers my situation and that I needed help to get out and get my raft back to the truck. They helped me out no problem
I knew I'd slip on the wet rocks and appreciated the extra support from them.

two of the men carried my boat back for me while there assumed GF's helped me
get out of the water and stood up. They were cute and I felt extra special, lol....hey, I'm still a guy you know but I really appreciated the help/

This new rafting hobby of mine is great and I love it, but I need to develop more and safer ways to manage it myself. It sucks to have to wait and ask people to help me carry it to the water and/or help me get in it. It's hard to balance on one leg while making sure the raft doesn't push itself out from under me while I roll over the side and plunge into it. I need someone to hold the boat while I do this circus act. I'm fine while in it, wear a life vest, have my emergency phone on standby and fully charged, carry an umbrella in case it gets hot on my head, plenty of water, food and rest the night before.
I don't want to stop doing it and people will help me, but I don't like asking all the time and what if no one is there to help? I like spending 5-8 hours out there I get carried away and I love it....just the other day was a close call and I'm afraid I might make a mistake that will be my last.

I saw this other guy with a raft about like mine, doc and get out like it was nothing...he threw it over his back and walked up the ramp to his car.... I was envious and I know just last year I could of done the same, but right now I am just too unstable, especially doing a balancing act in water and/or carrying my own raft on my back...I'll fall so I don't chance it.

Anyways here is a slideshow of shots I took yesterday. Even with the getting in and out problems, it is so worth it!

http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/Vi...are/slideshow/