Now that I am only about 12 hours away from the fifth rafting trip of my lifetime, I feel I must mention what a humbling experience rafting has always been for me. I remember my very first rafting trip, in June of 2008. I was quite excited mixed with a bit of nervous about this trip. I did not go on a lot of outdoor adventures when I was growing up.
But when we arrived at the Vermilion River in a small town in Illinois that afternoon, and I got a good close-up look at the river before our instructors/guides gave us some final rafting tips and instructions, I wanted to turn around and go back home. Looking down at that vast, awesome river from above, I felt so small, so in awe of the wonders of Mother Nature.
And when I put that life jacket on and was teamed up with some other students with whom I would share a raft, I realized this was for real, and there was no turning back.
Three hours and many, many screw-ups later, I felt like I could conquer anything. You see, I signed up for this rafting trip because it was something I had never done before. But I learned much about teamwork and cooperation, and got a look at nature the likes of which I never had before!
Tomorrow’s rafting trip will be the fifth of my lifetime, and the fourth at the Vermilion River. I’ve been telling people for years that I love that river, but the truth is I think what I really love is not so much the river, but the turning point in my life I experienced there. I think that’s one of the many wonders of nature-based adventures whether they be on land, air or sea: nature-based adventures test our limits, allow us to be taught valuable life lessons by the Master (that is, Mother Nature) and stretch our ability to take risks.
While we all want to do our best to ensure our safety on these wild adventure trips, perhaps a little danger is just what the doctor ordered!
theguywhosaysohyeah 