Winter Rafting?

It was 24 degrees and overcast. The weather forecast predicted 35 mile an hour winds and my friends thought I was crazy. Crazy or not, I was headed out to raft the Sturgeon River, the fastest running river in Michigan's lower peninsula.

Now mind you, the last time that I had been on this flowing vixen it was a balmly 75 degrees. That day I was tossed unceremoniously out of my canoe, not once, but twice. I lost my cooler, my shoes and sunglasses and my pride was in serious disrepair. But here I was going again, in January this time, a time when I usually curl up with a good book inside the toasty-warm ski lodge drinking hot chocolate and watching my son and husband schuss down the snow-covered hills.

I had learned from the last experience (I pride myself on that) and worked with the wonderful folks at Big Bear Adventures for this winter outting. The rafts, I was told, are virtually impossible to tip. In fact, in 8 years of doing rafting trips, this company had never had one flip. Sure, I thought, I'll be the first! Dress warmly, I was told, but not too warmly that you'll be uncomfortable when you are paddling. Yep, this was no free ride....it you're in the raft, you're paddling.

Scott was our guide, a handsome rugged man who immediately put out little group of four (three women and one man) at ease. He told us what to expect on the river and not to fear! He did make sure we understood that if we felt like we were going to fall, we should fall into the raft, not out. He also assured us that should the unthinkable happen and one of us wound up in the icy waters, he'd have us out before we realized we had even fallen. I found this hard to believe given the temperature, but who was I to argue?

A short ride in the Big Bear Adventure van and we were about to begin our journey down the Sturgeon. It took just a few minutes to get acclimated to the raft as Scott was terrific at barking out paddling instructions. Soon all of us were at ease and in awe. The beauty around us was incredible . . . and it was so peaceful! The only sound was that made by our paddles as they dipped into the water. Up on the hill, six deer gazed at us wondering what we doing interrupting their day. And further down the river, wild turkeys voiced their concern over our intrusion of their world.

Wait a minute! Wasn't I supposed to be freezing? Wasn't the wind supposed to make my eyes sting? And what do you mean the trip's almost over? It can't have been an hour and a half already!

Don't worry about what your frinds think...try this fabulous trip. I guarantee the folks at Big Bear Adventures will take good care of you during your winter rafting adventure. You'll love it! If you're not quite that brave, keep in mind the rafting trips go all year round. No matter what season you choose though, don't forget your camera.