But don't judge just yet. I do have my spurts of being adventurous, but I will admit they they are far and few in between. Most of them depend on my control issue. See I can handle some things if I have control of the situation. For example... Drive a jetski at over 60mph? Heck yes. Ride on a jetski while someone else drives at over 60mph? Not a chance. If they get over 25mph, I will scream like a fool and probably bail into the water.
Take all of this info into account and you will understand my weariness when my brother, Scott, asked if Trent and I were down to go white water rafting with the family for his birthday. (And it must be noted that Scott's birthday is May 27 and mine is May 28. Yes, we are a year and a day apart. Yes, how unique... I know, I know.) So it just so happened that the trip Scott planned was on Saturday, May 28. Exciting birthday fun for the McKenzie clan.
I was totally freaking out beforehand (thanks in most part to Trent and Scott), but thankfully we had an awesome guide that made me feel much better about the situation. If anyone wants to raft the Ocoee, book through High Country Rivers and request Nick Farr. He is the man. And he has a rocking beard, which according to Trent proves his reliability.
Pictures probably describe our experience better than any explanations....
This was Trent's stance pretty much the entire trip. Why is he acting like he is riding a roller coaster? I have no earthly idea. Meanwhile, I was holding on to my paddle so tightly, my fingers were cramping and I got a blister on my thumb. Sweet.
Thank you Trent for blocking my face in 90% of our pictures. Very sweet.
See the apprehension on my face? Also, Trent learned that if he leaned forward as we went down rapids, we got splashed more. Thank you dear.
Wooo look at all those smiles and our hard work!
Oh, Trent covered my face in the picture? You mean, again?
YAY! We are about to sink!!
And we basically drown. Dad and Noelle drank half the river on Hell's Hole (inspirational name given to one of the rapids).
I was totally freaking out beforehand (thanks in most part to Trent and Scott), but thankfully we had an awesome guide that made me feel much better about the situation. If anyone wants to raft the Ocoee, book through High Country Rivers and request Nick Farr. He is the man. And he has a rocking beard, which according to Trent proves his reliability.
Pictures probably describe our experience better than any explanations....
This was Trent's stance pretty much the entire trip. Why is he acting like he is riding a roller coaster? I have no earthly idea. Meanwhile, I was holding on to my paddle so tightly, my fingers were cramping and I got a blister on my thumb. Sweet.
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See the apprehension on my face? Also, Trent learned that if he leaned forward as we went down rapids, we got splashed more. Thank you dear.
Wooo look at all those smiles and our hard work!
Oh, Trent covered my face in the picture? You mean, again?
YAY! We are about to sink!!
And we basically drown. Dad and Noelle drank half the river on Hell's Hole (inspirational name given to one of the rapids).
All images courtesy hcrivers.com
So all-in-all it was a good day. Is it exactly what I would have chosen to do on my birthday? Probably not. But we definitely had a good time and I would for sure go again IF I could request Nick as my guide. No crazy guides for me. And I have already forewarned Scott and the rest of the fam that next year, we are all going to go see Phantom of the Opera on HIS birthday and continue my celebration through the 28th. It will be glorious.
