River Rafting in Utah (River Day 2)

Tuesday, Jun 23

Up early. I looked through all my bags to remind me what was where. I think for the most part I have the groupings worked out, so I know where to go to get what I’m looking for.

The guides had put out “pre-breakfast” fruit and such, so my tummy was “pre-prepared” for the day.

Once I decided what to wear for the day, I got my other things together and packed up.

Jean and I struck the tent and got stuff distributed to the right places for loading onto the rafts. In this case, all these things were carried down individually. Going downhill was easier, of course, so that worked pretty well.

We were served a great breakfast by our awesome guides, then activity shifted to getting everything collected and loaded.

Another day of flowing with the river. Most of us are switching which raft we’re in, so we end up with a different guide and raft companions. Miche was the guide in the raft I was in today. We were in last position going down the river. This is the “sweep” position and it’s responsible for ensuring all the rest of the group is intact and nothing is amiss. Miche said this position is generally the second most experienced of the group after the first raft, which makes sense.

We stopped at another sand bar for lunch, then were on our way again. We’re trying to do about 15 miles a day in total.

Shortly after lunch we did a short walk to a petroglyph. I’m looking forward to studying the photo I took so I can zoom in on more details.

We’ve been moving along being passed by and passing another group–a father-son group of Mormons. They don’t seem as organized or cohesive as our group, but who know? They’re camping at different places, though close, so we’re pretty on pace.

Afternoon on the river was pretty sedate, with beautiful views.

Our camp for the night was kind of an expanded sand bar, so we were dealing with softer, finer, sand.

We’re getting our routine down, now. Same fire-line for moving equipment and with one day of practice under our belts and everyone pitching in, camp went up a bit faster tonight.

We had our sharing circle activity, then dinner. After dinner I did my “bath.” There was more sharing after dinner that I missed, but Jeannie W. forgave me. 😉

It was a pretty early night. I actually had time to start reading the book I borrowed from the rafing company’s lending library. It’s “The River of Why.” Funny so far.

As it got dark, Jean came to the tent. We had a nice conversation, then both drifted off to sleep.

Tonight’s Sharing

Heather gave us a couple of things; a poem (one poem with two titles–“To Break a Promise” and “To Make a Promise” by David Whyte), and a paragraph from a book titled “For the Women” by Donna Ashworth (heading was “Flowing With”).

We were given time to write in our journals if we wished. Here’s what I wrote tonight:

I promise to be present. To acknowledge that my every thought comes from Divine Love through me to the world.

As one link in the chain of ever present being, I promise to not sully this experience with willfulness, hate, criticism, or sorrow.

The river flows, as do I. I promise to leave this experience with more good than I entered it with. To leave human consciousness a little bit better for my having been here.