Middle Fork American River Trip Dates 2015

MIDDLE FORK AMERICAN UPDATE via CA State Parks

Here are the rest of this season's Middle Fork American trip dates:

UPDATES (see below) as of 081115 / CA State Parks

AUG: sat, sun, tues, thurs, frid + 8/24 through 8/30th

SEPT: Labor Day weekend; sat, sun +  sept 1/tues, 9/6sun, 9/7mon, 9/12sat, 9/19sat, 9/26sat::

Call to reserve: 888.723.8938

DIY Reservations:
SFCB : http://raftwet-store.com/onedaysofoam2.html
SFG : http://raftwet-store.com/onedaysofoam3.html
MFTC : http://raftwet-store.com/onedaymifoam.html
MFCD : http://raftwet-store.com/onedaymifoam1.html


You know the drill.
Signing off until the next post...


Written by: Elizabeth Lopez
For W.E.T. River Trips 




Check our photos: flickr.com/photos/wetrivertrips
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/wetrivertrips
Tweet us: twitter.com/wetrivertrips
More pics: pinterest.com/wetrivertrips  

Talk About the Weather!

Holy smokes! We just had the hottest weather evah! 106 degrees in Sacramento and everyone in the valley just melted into oblivion; enjoying the heat and the rivers nearby. Summer has arrived with the hint of more heat blasts to come as the sun slipped behind clouds this morning and presented a lovely cooler day for all of us.

South Fork American River in June 2014

Whitewater rafting is now. We have regular summer flows everyday on the South Fork American except on Tues, Wed. And on Middle Fork American River, we have flows every single day through September.

Don't believe me? Well, check out the all the WET photos on WET Facebook facebook.com/wetrivertrips or on our photo site with Flickr at flickr.com/photos/wetrivertrips. All great shots of whitewater madness and happy faces in 2014. Oh, yes, we have been on the rivers since early March 2014.

Part of our crew is on the Klamath River and just ended a 4-day camping and rafting trip up in the Great North. We can't wait to see the photos of those Scouts on that trip. Klamath River multiple day trips are our crew's favorite! 4-6 days on the river... vacation! Wildlife, wilderness and plenty of water, Klamath River trips have the most bang for the buck.

A LIST of RIVERS to RAFT in 2014:

South Fork American runs everyday except Tues, Wed for Class 3-3+ (novice, min age 8yrs)
Middle Fork American runs everyday for Class 3-4+ (athletic novice, experienced, min age 12yrs).
Klamath River runs now through September everyday for Class 2-3+ (novice, min age 8yrs).

Three of the best rivers in California are still operating.
Where are you gonna be this summer?


Written: ~ EL
Photos: W.E.T. River Trips

VOLUNTEER, our country needs us!

For most of us, our local political circle is usually the most important. The local city councilman, the school board president, and the city manager make more decisions affecting your personal life than anyone else. Those local politicians can make your life good... or really bad!

Recently, this company, WET River Trips, invited members of our local Chamber to participate in a beautiful rafting trip called Middle Fork American River. This is the river that would have drowned under the Auburn Dam. Sharing this river and the beautiful corridor with Sacramento's finest business owners was a pleasure! They loved the trip and appreciated the whitewater and the glorious canyon.

What we hope is that they will spread the word about this incredible resource in our backyard. Maybe our local chamber and our community will appreciate that travelers from all over the world are impressed with this river and it's magnificent canyon corridor. Maybe our leaders will help us save this recreational resource as a possible revenue creator for local businesses such as restaurants, lodging and promotions.

One thing I want to stress, too, is the lack of transportation from Sacramento International Airport or San Francisco International Airport to places like Lake Tahoe, ski resorts and/or California whitewater rafting sites. International travelers complain about this every single year as they fly into California and wonder why traveling requires them to rent a car.

We have got to fix this! If not for the international traveler, but for the rest of us Californians! We need a way to travel to our favorite destinations without getting into personal cars. Why can't I hop on a bullet train to Tahoe? Why can't I get up to Squaw to ski without my car? And, the hundreds of thousands that come up to South Fork American every year... why isn't there a bullet train to Placerville, the gateway to South Shore?

The organizations in your local community are important, too. The neighborhood associations, the chamber of commerce and the art/social committees are so important for the quality of our lives. These are the groups that can make sure that we have clean parks, events in our city and an appreciation for the arts community which includes performance art and music.

This fall and winter volunteer in your community! Our entire state needs each and every one of us to pitch-in and help out our own personal places. Volunteer to help clean up your parks! Help the local community with anything and everything you can do. We are the best resource in helping our local governments with the best resource we can give: ourselves!

Going to volunteer now... Rose garden, rebuild our playground, read to kids at elementary school, and art community!

This post belongs to California Whitewater Rafting W.E.T. River Trips blog.
Thanks to Big Poppah Jah and Google images for their pics of volunteer photos. 
More WET River Trips photos are on flickr.com and Picassa.

PRIVACY

I got busted. I logged into my Google+ profile, and lo and behold! There was an account alert. "Please edit your profile to reflect your real name... blah blah blah..." Gee whiz. I was using this company name, WET River Trips, instead, but I did have in my profile, who I was, who I worked for and everything else that was completely real. Grrrr.

But, the sense of relief was a bit overwhelming. Whew. I don't have to hide anymore. Yes, I work for W.E.T. River Trips as their marketing geek, and I am the one who creates all the internet properties along with the other members in my team. But, to not have to hide is kinda unreal. Facebook already told me that, when I finally relented and entered their realm a few years ago.

I started thinking, "...why was I hiding?" Was I hiding from other marketers? Or was I just loving the anonymity of being on the net as my nickname or my company profile?

I read Randi Zuckerberg's missive on anonymity online. Randi says it 'has to go away.' She explains about harassment and cyberbullying. Hmmm... yes, I know our company, and I have been harassed on several occasions throughout our marketing campaigns over these 30+ years. Annoying and dangerous, we have fended off their arrows every single year.

So, here is what is out there now. I am Elizabeth Lopez both on Facebook and Google+. So, all you reading this, please check out our business pages for WET River Trips or W.E.T. River Trips. Then, click the "Like" or "+1" button, please. Otherwise, just keep clicking on the +1 button for me.

Last whitewater trip for 2012 is September 30, 2012 on both South Fork American or Middle Fork American!

Over and out for now...

E. Lopez
WET River Trips 

Thanks to http://hoax-slayer.com for their privacy image. All other photos belong to W.E.T. River Trips, Big Poppah Jah, and me!

This blog post belongs to W.E.T. River Trips and this California Whitewater Rafting W.E.T. River Trips blog.

California W.E.T. River Trips starts March!

Holy moly it is March 1st, 2012! Where did February go?

Three weekends lost to holidays and I took every weekend to heart. Oh yes, speaking of hearts... there was Valentine's Day in there, too. The LOVE day as we all like to call that special time.

The weather in California was superior to any February anywhere! Blue skies and not a drop of rain. Yes, it was dry, but today on March 1st, we got storms brewing in the Sierras and in the valley towns, too. 24 inches of snow just dumped yesterday and more to come!

Winter is finally here in California! Yep, yep... it's gonna be a great time on the rivers this year!

See you on the river,
WET River Trips
RAFTWET.com

raftwet-store.com



ps. First trip on South Fork American starts this weekend on March 2, 3 and 4, 2012! Special rate is here! http://raftwet-store.com/caradi.html 
Woo hoo!

X - California Los Angeles Band

Exene of X

Funny how time stands still in moments like this. I saw "X" on Thursday night at Harlow's on J Street in Midtown, Sacramento. Time came to a screeching halt as the band came out and grabbed their guitars and mikes. Los Angeles is where X comes from and their sound is uniquely theirs.

When I first saw them way back in the 80's, punk rock music was their calling. But, their punk was not the punk from Great Britain. There was more of a rockabilly stance then with Exene, Billy and John dressing so casual that one always felt that we were in their living room enjoying a wild night of music. X always respected their fans, and we always respected X.

Breathless by X

Three bands for the cool price of $32 beckoned us. First, we stopped for pizza and started counting our funds. Hmm... we needed two more tickets. The pizza parlor was near Harlow's venue, so we sauntered over hoping to score a couple of tickets.

The guy in the black truck... he had tickets and he was selling them cheaper then he bought them. Why? Because he scored X tickets for New Year's in San Francisco. Cool. Even cooler as I got to purchase those 2 ticktes for less than $50 bucks. Now, we were all set to listen and watch this sold out show.

We ran into Marcus and Chas on the way in and learned that it was Marcus' Birthday. They hung out with all of us as we found a view site from the bar. We could see the entire stage!

Billy Zoom of X - Mr Cool

First up was "Scott Wheeler and Zander Schloss" a twosome who wielded a big folk sound. I was taken to the isle of dreams as I sat their absorbing their noise. The music was tinged with a melancholy sound and had me drifting away in a silent revelry of my own place.

Second band was "The Black Tribetans" and they kicked their sound out to a roar of fan approval. They had a faster pace with rockabilly, psycobilly sound. I want to hear this band again... I think I might buy a CD of their music... listening to a youtube video of them right now.

Then "X" lit the stage. And I mean they lit it up with their charm and music. Gawd, I love this band so much! They are the best band that has ever come out of California! Every song was a power based riff of music and X-olator noise.

X - Los Angeles

A great time was had by all!

... wondering if I can get into the San Fran show tonight at Slims...

UPDATE: Yep, Los Angeles video was pulled! Yikes, we just replaced it with a "Los Angeles" live video... let's see if it survives.

This post and this blog belong to WET River Trips in California.

Photos by Big PoppahJah and video by youtube.com.

FOOD! on WET River Trips

I admit it. I am the food writer for FOOD! and camp recipes. How I got involved in that was kinda funny as I am not a great writer...

but I love food (oh, my waist-line).

I went rafting with WET a few years ago and really loved what they did to their albacore salad and how they made their pesto pasta. On the side of the river in a beautiful canyon, those young men and women provided a freshly-made menu that was both superb and filling.

The albacore had uniformly cut carrots, celery, and onions. The rafting crew added in the capers along with mayonnaise and a secret ingredient that made it the hit of the lunch! I had mine on whole wheat and added lettuce and tomato. Very tasty! And, then I grabbed a soft tortilla and rolled-up an albacore salad burrito. Geesh, I'm a pig! I still wanted more! (Apologies to all the porkers out there...).

When we floated back into camp that evening, the guides told us that hors d'ouevres and dinner would follow shortly. Come on, now, I expected some burgers and hot dogs for camping and instead received the most incredible food!

I had a grilled, juicy steak cooked to perfection, a side dish of fire-roasted red peppers and asparagus pesto pasta, a wedge of romaine lettuce w/ bits of tomato, capers and blue cheese and toasted, grilled French bread. OMG! I was so stuffed with food and drink that I could barely keep my eyes open around that campfire.

WET River Trips Food video:

Sleep enveloped me in whitewater rafting dreams and food! What a glorious two day trip on the river! Now, if I can only get the camp recipes...

FOOD Resources for camping

• WET Menus : http://camprecipes.blogspot.com
• Whitewater Rafting Menus : http://raftwet.com/menu.html
• FOOD! : https://www.facebook.com/FOOD.wet
• Camp Recipes : http://camprecipes.com/recipes

All photos, videos and this rafting blog belong to WET River Trips and their social media.

Kudos for Big Poppah's Picasa photos for this blog.

California Skiing and Snowboarding

Rain came like a silent warrior in the night. Just enough rain to wash the house, sidewalks and streets clean. But, then the next day... brilliant blue skies torturing all of us who love to go skiing! Fresh powder! Where is it?

Sugar Bowl in Northern California w/ GoPro

Ski resorts are best bets for friends and families this holiday season!

Here are the California ski resorts that are open now and those who will be opening next week:

Snow Country Info: http://www.snocountry.com/index.php/ski-reports/california

Associated Press just released a news report about more scattered showers are coming to California, "...Meanwhile out West, a low pressure system moves down the coast of California and will produce a few more scattered showers across southern California and northwestern Mexico. Snow may develop at high elevations of the southern Sierras..."

The site is a clean, no-nonsense list of open ski resorts, resorts that are opening within days, and more info about the resorts; including trail maps.

Take the family, your friends and enjoy the snow! Have that snowy, white Christmas! This holiday season, remember who you love, who loves you and what is most important to you and your life. Your family, your friends are the most important people in your life! Cherish them!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

WET River Trips

RAFTWET.com

raftwet-store.com

OCCUPY USA 2011

I am a bit late as a blogger to repeat or dissect the going-ons of Occupy Wall Street and the myriad communities that have jumped aboard the protest. My first reaction was, "Right on!" But, here we are months later and there are so many people who haven't heard or are ignoring the movement. Why? This is important info as all of us suffer through the slings and arrows of the current economy.

For me, I am concerned as a business owner and as a citizen of the USA. How did we get so low? Who did this to us? Why did it happen after years of economic stability? Was it an expensive war? Or just the stupidity of our government?

Naw. None of it matters at this point. None of it. We have such serious concerns in our nation now. What do we tell the people who worked all their lives, who saved exactly as they should, who invested in stable markets and never lived the high life? They have lost their homes, their money, and their position in a middle class society and community.

And, you wonder why so many Americans are supporting the youthful brigade? They support them because we are all in this terrible circumstance. There is no one immune except for the 1% uber wealthy... and guess what? Even some of those folks are desperate to get rid of the baggage and the title of "uber rich" so that they can just look at themselves in the bathroom mirror in the morning.

Now, I am starting to rant... again. This is an emotional issue for someone like me who watched as a little kid the shenanigans of the youthful brigades in the early 70's when Vietnam was on the horizon. I remember later reading about Kent State where the National Guard literally gunned down innocent students protesting at their campus. The video can be found on youtube and it is horrifying.

Is this what will change the mind of our leaders? "Tin soldiers and Nixon's coming; 4 dead in Ohio..."

Four dead in Ohio.

Wikipedia on Kent State Shootings : "At this point, at 12:24 p.m., according to eyewitnesses, a Sgt. Myron Pryor turned and began firing at the students with his .45 pistol. A number of guardsmen nearest the students also turned and fired their M1 Garand rifles at the students. In all, 29 of the 77 guardsmen claimed to have fired their weapons, using a final total of 67 rounds of ammunition. The shooting was determined to have lasted only 13 seconds, although John Kifner reported in the New York Times that 'it appeared to go on, as a solid volley, for perhaps a full minute or a little longer.' The question of why the shots were fired remains widely debated."

Rants from WET office staff belong to this California Whitewater Rafting blog for WET River Trips.

Many thanks to the folks at Wikipedia for sharing the little blurb above.

The Great Valley - Splendor in the Grass

When California is mentioned, the ocean, beaches and surfing are always a highlight of the conversation along with
the beach communities of Malibu. Los Angeles and the glitzy glamour of Rodeo Drive, Hollywood, Getty Museum and music at every club and lounge in that area are something to brag about when talking about the pros of California.

Then there is California's most famous city, San Francisco. Hippies on Haight Street, Golden Gate Bridge, the beautiful bay where whales, dolphins still visit the urban population reminding San Franciscans of the closeness of nature to the City by the Bay. Picturesque Victorian homes dot the hillsides in walking distance to world-class restaurants and culture. An artist and musician's paradise of golden inspiration at every corner of the city. Photographers can spend a lifetime here capturing images unique only to San Francisco.

And, California brags about their mountains. Spectacular Sierra Nevada with Lake Tahoe bordering both California and it's next door neighbor Nevada. Rivers and waterfalls flowing everywhere in the spring where the runoff from the snow brings a sense of urgency to California. Possibilities of whitewater rafting and flooding are paramount in everyone's mind during this time. And, the photo opportunities are legendary as photographers line up to visit Yosemite and other mountainous areas. The Sierras are legendary and draw recreationists, adventurers and explorers from all over the world.

California is my home. I would not live anyplace, but California. But, I want to talk about an area that Californians rarely brag about... and it is unfortunate, because it is one of the most spectacular places in the world.

The Nature Conservancy - Consumnes River, California

The Great Valley. California. The bread basket of the world. Soil that can grow anything. An expanse so huge, that it takes a lonely drive up Hwy 5 to really appreciate the place. Like John Steinbeck and Joan Didion, I have found the beauty and sadness here, too.

I had an errand to run, and I had to meet a friend in Lodi. Remember that old Creedence Clearwater song? "Stuck in Lodi" was a vision of hot, dusty agricultural gloom signaling a valley town that did not warrant a visit. Well, the place was vibrant with grape vines and cherry trees. Vineyard country with world-class wines and wineries and restaurants that support the agriculture there. We had an incredible lunch together at a local restaurant.

The Great Valley at sunset by Stephen L.

As I drove home the next morning, the sky was a swirl of blue and huge pink, gray, white and bluish clouds were filling the skies space. Massive clouds filled with rain and snow moving across the sky like a heavenly dream. The width of the valley was so apparent. Flat and wide, the valley's structure was quite apparent. A huge valley surrounded by mountains. So huge, that you could see the curvature of the earth when you scanned the sky with your eyes.

I almost got vertigo driving and staring at the huge expanse of sky. Birds flew past the clouds, moving and darting among the wind and then landing along the freeway in the wetlands filled with nutritious food of algae, bugs and critters in the water. I saw egrets... snowy white egrets walking in the water right near the freeway. Picturesque, old barns and

landscape dotted with cows were as painterly as the landscapes that you would see at Crocker Art Museum's collection of old California art.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I spotted Mt Diablo in the distance. What an incredible perfect structure in the flatness of The Great Valley. You could see the coastal mountains off in the distance. The lush green pastures of the farmland and the swirl of the wild mustard coloring everything with a chrome yellow. Old Oak trees at least 100 years old or more were leafing out making each tree look as if puffs of sage-colored smoke were clinging to the end of their branches.

I could imagine wild herds of animals thundering through the flat expanse looking for water in the wetlands before civilization started building cities and suburbs in the valley. Indigenous people hunting the animals and praying to their gods for their skillful capture of fish, animal and birds in the valley. Even then, the valley gave the populations food fit for kings.

The Great Valley is beautiful. It is as spectacularly beautiful as any other place in California. I opened my car windows and sang

along with the radio. I had a smile on my face as I realized how incredibly lucky and privileged I am for living in this state. California has more than just beaches... it is a godly place of incredible beauty. Please respect this place and please help to preserve the natural places as best we can. Even the valley... wonderous... The Great Valley.


The Great Valley resources:

Golden Gate Bridge : http://www.goldengatebridge.org/visitors/

Sierra Nevada : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Nevada_%28U.S.%29

Getty Museum : http://www.getty.edu/museum/about.html

The Nature Conservancy : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbaJHeJ9j6o

California Writing Project's "Great Valley Writing Project" : http://www.californiawritingproject.org/In_The_News/index.html

John Steinbeck was born in Salinas, CA : http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/1962/steinbeck-bio.html

Joan Didion was born in Sacramento, CA : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Didion

World Wildlife : http://www.worldwildlife.org/wildworld/profiles/terrestrial/na/na0801_full.html

Fresno, CA - The Bread Basket of the Nation : http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/fresno-california-the-bread-basket-of-the-nation-1636814.html

Crocker Art Museum's California Art : http://www.crockerartmuseum.org/art/permanent-collection/california-art

Sacramento Art & Events : http://www.sacramento365.com/


Photo: Off the side of one of the WET River Trips vehicles in California.


This rafting blog and photos belong to W.E.T. River Trips; all contents are reserved.

Thanks to Stephen for his awesome pics and photos of the sandhill cranes.

Thanks to Great Valley for video and links!

California Rafting - 2012

WET River Trips has just finished their 2011 rafting season. What a long season we had, too! We started on the first Friday in March and kept going until last weekend. Geesh, what a year!


Learn how to guide the river in 2012 with W.E.T. River Trips! "Saving a Person in the River"

Here is the upcoming schedule for W.E.T. for this winter:

• Discounts and promotions for 2012 - this week
• Spring rafting - reservations are being taken now
• Guide school - March through June 2012 (only 12 people per session)
• Marketing our trips
  

Oh my! We do have a rather busy schedule...

Discounts are available and we will allow anyone to reserve on the 2011 pricing as long as they call/email us prior to end of this year. (You don't have to schedule your trip yet; but we advise contacting us about 2012 rafting trips prior to the end of the year if you want the 2011 rates!) That means our old customers and guests will get the best rates! Wooo!

Spring rafting will take place starting March 2, 2012 on Friday. Class 4+ North Fork American is usually flowing by then. Guide school program starts on the same day, March 2, 2012. The classes will go on through June or until newbies stop calling for the guide school information. Six (6) days of instruction or you can do the course in three (3) consecutive weekends.

Guide school is a fun, educational course for wannabe, newbie guides. We provide professional guide school information and execution for every student in our course. Most end up being professional guides for W.E.T. and our other associates.

Marketing continues as we sludge through all the media available to W.E.T. including social media. Yes, WET River Trips is on facebook, twitter, youtube, flickr and so many others that most of us are focusing on the day when all platforms are integrated!

Well... it's been a looooong time on the river for WET River Trips in California... and we look forward towards 2012!


Summer rafting fun with WET River Trips in California's South Fork American

Visit us here: http://www.raftwet.com
Like us here: http://facebook.com/wetrivertrips
Follow us here: http://twitter.com/wetrivertrips
Buy now!: http://raftwet-store.com

All photos and content are property of W.E.T. River Trips for this California Whitewater Rafting W.E.T. River Trips rafting blog.

South Fork American for 2011

2011 South Fork American River, a photo by W.E.T. River Trips on Flickr.

Summer rafting and now into fall... South Fork American is a standard whitewater trip out here in the western United States. From early March through October, the whitewater rafting season continues out here in California through October...

or until demand wains!

Buy it Now!
Online rafting store
Like us!
WET Facebook
Visit us!
WET website

Spring Break - The Empty Nest - I Miss Them!

Spring break. The heart aches in the silence of the house. The kids have all moved away now. One is in college and the other just left to room with his buddies. The silence is deafening.

Those big feet that belonged to the male eating machine would constantly pound down the stairs in the morning yelling, "What's for breakfast?"

And, the sound of that incessant blow dryer as she would fuss over her hair for hours each morning, whining loudly, "I hate my hair!"

I miss it very much. The problems of teenagers, with their ever present drama and bad decisions taking a toll on the entire family, seem to be a distant insignificant blip. That entire episode of the teen years seem so harrowing... so incredibly important, then.

I miss them in the house. I miss their friends. I miss the mess strewn throughout the house of misplaced clothing, school books and spilt sticky juice on the counter. I miss it all.

We are an empty nest. A nice tidy home now with everything in its place. It's maddening. I hate this quiet place. The only sound now is our voices and the tv. Every little musical ding in the background, and I am checking my cell phone for their text messages. I seem to wait for their contact everyday.

We are connected by our cell phones and computers. We share our family pictures in the social networking sites like FaceBook. We text each other. Though I would prefer to talk in voice, they both claim that I am old-fashion and no one calls anymore. I miss their voices very much.

What I have done is plan a trip for our family this spring. We are going rafting and camping together. Amazingly, they both agreed and they were both excited. We used to take them when they were adolescents. The wide-eyed amazement on their faces made the rafting trips worth every minute of the hassle of packing them up in the car to drive the miles cooped-up together in the noisy metal box.

I told them to bring a friend with them. That's always fun as I love to watch them interact with their peers. The insights in their conversations tell me so much about their life now. I stopped interrogating them long ago as I discovered that teens and young adults really don't tell you what you really want to know. I know I never told my parents much... only what they wanted to hear.

Soon, they will be arriving only during special occasions with their own children. Soon, they will look at us fondly, and believe that we are wise beyond our years. That day is not here, yet. So, we grab each other on these special whitewater trips to bond and tease each other lovingly. 2011 Spring Break brings us all together again for a family outing...

I miss them so much.

Notes: W.E.T. River Trips honors our families. We now have multiple generations on our whitewater rafting trips. Some have been with us since the late 70's and bring their own children and grandchildren now. Bless all of you and may we enhance your family experience in the best possible way.

All photos by W.E.T. River Trips except for the Family pic at the top. Thanks to Google images for that one and thanks to youtube for the video parody of teens tolerating their parents.

All About the Attitude - WET River Trips

WET River Trips March 19 - 20, 2011 a photo by W.E.T. River Trips on Flickr.



No matter what you do in life, it all boils down to your attitude. A sour attitude with a big fat chip on the shoulder is a proven ground for a sad life of bitterness and dour relationships. An attitude born in enthusiasm, wide-eyed thirst for the unknown and a smile from ear to ear is proven to be a recipe for a happy life and fulfilling life.



Last weekend, we had those guests that come into life's hardships with a smile and a reverence for all things good. The flows were high... beyond 5,000 cfs. The rain came pouring down and the wind blew hard. But, the entire crew and the guests were pumped up and paid their dues to Mother Nature. And, Mom rewarded them all with an incredible day of whitewater rafting in the solitude of the river canyon.



Together, they were celebrating their best buddy's upcoming wedding nuptials. A group of old friends getting together for a memorable time on the river while challenging themselves to a taste of adventure in the outdoors. They were celebrating life and all the good things that go with a good life... friends, food, nature and adventure. A whitewater rafting trip to remember their last bachelor days together.



The accolades came in on Monday from the bachelor group. They had great things to say...

"Just wanted to send a follow up email to our trip this past weekend... We spent 2 nights and 2 days, surviving the elements of wind and rain, and conquering the high water... We all had an awesome time and will have plenty of memories to share for a long time. Our bachelor, J., especially had a good time. I wanted to give a special thanks to our guides Justin and Steve... We could not have asked for better guides to introduce us to whitewater rapids. These guys are the best and deserve some recognition! From cooking up our meals, to guiding us on the river, and just plain showing us a good time, Steve and Justin did a fantastic job. We hope to organize another trip during the summer, and will definitely recommend WET to all our friends. Many thanks again!

Joel B., trip organizer"



And this is why we do what we do... whitewater trips for our guests!



It's all about the attitude.



All photos and content belong to WET River Trips. Blog and pictures uploaded by WET blogging staff. All photos also uploaded to WET Flickr site. Visit W.E.T. on Facebook.

North Fork American starts March 2011

On my way down Hwy 80 after a day of snowboarding to enjoy the fresh powder of "Snowmagedon" (the latest and most amazing snow storm in a decade that dropped 2 feet of snow at 3,000 ft. and over 10 ft. on the Sierra summit), I drove down to the Iowa Hill bridge to check out the flows on the North Fork American River.

I found snow at the put-in and a rising river that will be more than ready to deliver solid class 4 whitewater that should easily last through May.

Information on the beautiful North Fork American can be found at several resources including:

• C-W-R (California Whitewater Rafting) info site
• RAFTWET (W.E.T. River Trips) WET's official website
• CACreeks (All kinds of creeks and rivers) private rafters and kayak site
• Rafting Online Store (Buy Now!) for WET River Trips

Get your friends together and come on out for California's best river trips this spring. The river is ready and so are we as we start our whitewater trips starting this weekend on March 5, 2011!

All photos by Poppah Jah from his Picasa album and uploaded from W.E.T. River Trips blogging staff for this blog, the official California Whitewater Rafting blog for our company.

RAFTING : middle fork guests at safety talk

middle fork guests at safety talk
Originally uploaded by W.E.T. River Trips

New Video! ~~~ group rafting trips!

Time for whitewater rafting!

Get your groups together and give us a call to plan for a whitewater trip this season. You can have your friends reserve online or by phone. Make it easy!

Looking over the top of Rucka-Chucky Falls; the portage on the Middle Fork American.

Middle Fork American is a wilderness rafting trip in California. We pull over onto the beach and make camp there. Peaceful and quiet, the canyon's only sound is our laughter.

W.E.T. River Trips has two wilderness trips on the American River: South Fork American and Middle Fork American Tunnel Chute run. Are you surprised that we said the South Fork? YES! Both rivers have a wilderness camp and both have an ambiance like no other.

Group rafting trips: Reserve them now!

All photos by W.E.T. River Trips for the oldest rafting blog in the world! California whitewater rafting is a must-do. Join us for 2011!

Rafting for Groups

The calls are coming in requesting pricing for group rafting trips. The scouts, families, bachelors, companies and friends are calling for the yearly fix of whitewater rafting. We don't sell sorrow; medicine for illness or a service to make you lose weight. We don't sell drama; fixing your car after an accident or counseling you during a divorce. We don't sell a vice; providing you with tobacco, alcohol or gambling.

We sell joy, happiness and adventure. We sell a personal journey. Our trips make you feel good without compromising your beliefs, religion or way of life. You come to us to share a joyful time in your life. We provide the means to do just that safely.

Not many of us in business have this privilege of selling you a dream or personal challenge. The ski industry does that, whitewater rafting companies do that, and most of the adventure travel industry do that everyday somewhere on this earth. We are the lucky ones.

The profit margin is low, but the joy we feel when you share your words, your photos or your friends and family with us is the greatest reward that any company can receive. And, we want to thank you all for that. Now, here's to 2011 and a great whitewater rafting season!

W.E.T. will be on the water on March 4th / Friday. Both rivers will be available at that time; South Fork American and Class 4+ North Fork American Chamberlain Falls run. Come on out... wetsuits are on us!

W.E.T. River Trips

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1.888.723.8938

Note: More videos can be found on WET Youtube channel

http://youtube.com/wetrivertrips

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Happy Thanksgiving, Happy California

At the headwaters of our South Fork American River, 175 inches of snow has fallen this season at Kirkwood Resort...108 inches of luscious California snow fell in the last 72 hours! Oh, 2011 whitewater is looking mighty fine.

Thanks & Praises.

In these times of economic recovery, a gift of ski-able, board-able snow creates an opportunity for our brothers and sisters in the ski resort industry to get a great start in providing a quality experience for clients as well as creating thousands of jobs at the resorts and in the service sectors that support the movement of skiers and boarders in and out of the resorts.

Thanks!

As that snow piles up, the whitewater rafting enthusiasts wait ...knowing that the melt will come in the early spring!

Thanks & Praises!

Today, in my neighborhood, I was visited by four wild turkeys. Living in an urban environment with cars, street pavement, sidewalks, and hydro-seeded lawns; yet, these wild turkeys came to visit and munch bugs and seeds in the side yard. I guess they didn't know their cousins were on the menu this Thursday.

Praises & Thanks!

The newly fallen snow in the mountains right before this Thanksgiving holiday is a true gift to us all. The Sierra snows are essential to not only farmers and energy producers, but the recreational aspects do not escape me. Skiing, snowboarders, rafters, kayakers, fishermen, swimmers, hikers, gardeners and the ecosystem are rejoicing in Mother Nature's gift.

At a time when we renew our connections with family and friends at Thanksgiving, the knowledge that the California, Tahoe and Sierras Nevada's are healthy and wrapped in snow with a promise of much needed water. Thanksgiving provides a palpable sense of peace and anticipation of the upcoming California whitewater rafting season.

The renewal of our valuable resources begins with our reconnection with family and friends and continues to spiral outward to our environment and the essential elements of air and water that nurtures, challenges and entertains us.

Thanksgiving is this Thursday and it feels right; snow in the mountains, rain in the Valley, water flowing in the creeks and rivers, the family coming together, and turkeys running wild in the yard.
Don't waste these gifts: family, friends, health, snow, and ...yes; whitewater. Everything comes together.

Thanks & Praises...Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks to Big Poppah for this Thanksgiving post.

Note from editor: we wanted to share the Byrds' version of "Turn, Turn, Turn" but the arm of power (rhythms with bony) came down on us and said no. The video we ended up with was so heartfelt that we thought you would enjoy it purely for the sentiment. And the other one is for the lyrics... Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones! Stay safe on the roads...

RED CROSS Hometown Hero Awards for WET Guides!

RED CROSS Hometown Hero Awards for Alex, Jason & Nate
Originally uploaded by W.E.T. River Trips

On a beautiful June in 2010, our guides were preparing a lunch on a South Fork American river trip for our guests. One of the guests started yelling, "There's a person in the river! He's not moving!"

Alex, Nate and Jason ran down to the river to see a lifeless child moving fast in the swift water. They jumped into a tethered raft, paddled as hard as they could and quickly reached the child.

Life saving measures were executed by these trained professionals with Red Cross training in First Aid, CPR and also Wilderness Responder.

The three guides, Alex, Nate and Jason, brought the child back to life. Alex then ran an adrenalin-pumping one mile up stream over trees, boulders and river to see if there was anyone else in jeopardy. He found the child's parent and their friends and let the Dad know his son was alive and safe.

The Red Cross heard about the rescue through the whitewater rafting community. They verified the story with the regulatory agencies on that river... and then they called our office. As the story unfolded, the Red Cross representative asked our company to submit the information in behalf of the guides.

A Red Cross award ceremony hosted by KCRA TV showed a film with an interview of the guides. A beautiful luncheon accompanied the ceremony honoring Alex, Nate and Jason for being Hometown Heroes!

All three guides have worked for WET for over 10 years or more. They are professionals that put their lives last when it comes to providing a safe environment for our regular commercial guests. They have done river rescues in the past where they have faced death and lived to tell about it.

This rescue saved the life of a young boy who now has an opportunity to share water safety and life saving measures with his friends and family. We hope Joseph has a wonderful future of life, love and prosperity!

Congratulations! to WET River Trips' guides for their incredible rescue that day. Hats off to Alex, Nate & Jason for putting their own lives at risk to save another.

For those of you who dream of becoming a professional whitewater guide, here are some resources for you wannabes:

• Red Cross : First Aid and CPR; advanced training available
• Wilderness Responder : wilderness rescue techniques and life-saving measures
• Wilderness EMT : highest level of wilderness medical training
• White Water Guide School : professional whitewater rafting guide school in California
• Swift Water Rescue : rescue on fast-moving rivers and water; university approved
• Technical Rope Rescue : river bank and vertical scenario rescues