Tales from the Crypt ~ California Rafting

South Fork American River ~ Surfing the Chili Bar Hole

Our California rafting trips are in full swing.  On Saturday, we had various lively groups on South Fork American River. The crew is jelling nicely. Though on Friday, we had one mishap. 

A party of 2 were left behind at the campground and missed the shuttle. They had come all the way from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We had them placed with another group from Wisconsin. I answered the phone call that morning way past the designated meeting time. And, when I realized that the couple had missed their trip, I panicked. I felt sick to my stomach.

The crew said they checked in the other guests at the designated time at our kiosk. The waylaid guest had walked around the campground looking for the crew; never seeing the kiosk or WET. They parked at the top before you entered the campground. The headguide and the client just missed each other. Just missed the pick-up by moments... by a set of circumstances that waylaid the guest's trip.

Our SF driver picked up the missing guests and drove them to the put-in. They made their trip! And... a fun time was had by all! Yes! 

I love rafting. And when we can't give a client the whitewater trip, we were all very upset. Especially, when something this dumb happens. The guest was so cool. He was a former paddler from California. We've invited him back as our guest the next day. His gracious understanding just emphasizes why we're in this business. The people who love rivers are just that... the most gracious and wonderful people that you'll ever meet.

Ok... the rest of you... let's go! Let's go rafting! 'Cause, We Got Whitewater!

• South Fork American everyday except Tues, Wed
• Middle Fork American everyday

Over and out... Tales from the crypt.
~ EL



Written by staff member, EL.
Photo by W.E.T. River Trips