The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: June third, white water rafting through the wilderness.

Rivers were mankind's original highways. Long before Huck Finn rafted the Mississippi, exploring mighty rivers attracted adventurous travelers. In the last 30 years, river rafting has become a popular option for travelers looking to escape hum-drum vacations. Floating along on an untamed stream through majestic wilderness can provide both a thrill a minute and plenty of time for contemplation. It can also be a transformational experience. Many first time rafters report returning home with different views of themselves and the world.

A wide range of outfitters offer guided expeditions down rivers of which most people have never heard, much less dreamed of rafting. North America's most rafted waterways include the Colorado through the Grand Canyon, Idaho's Salmon River, the Rouge in Oregon, West Virginia's Gauley and New Rivers, as well as the Youghiogheny in Maryland and Pennsylvania. But you can also raft the Usumacinta (seenta) in Mexico or the Tatshenshini and Alsek in Alaska. The Omo (o moh) and Zambezi are two popular African rafting rivers, but you can also explore the Rufiji in Tanzania. There are organized rafting trips to tempestuous tributaries in Europe, Asia and islands of the Pacific.

Wilderness rafting was once a pastime for those who liked to rough it, but the organizers of these trips have steadily removed the risks and rigor, while keeping the pleasure and thrills intact. Some even provide gourmet cooking. Air fares to distant rivers can be expensive, but river rafting trips themselves tend to be reasonably priced when compared with other vacation options.

FMI For a river outfitter, you can access the 2002 America Outfitters and Vacation Directory at www.americaoutdoors.org or 865-558-3595

 

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