Rafting the Rio

Wild and Scenic describes the Rio Grande River of northern New Mexico. The Rio thunders in the depths of a precipitious gorge boxed in by sheer cliffs and has plenty of white knuckle rapids to excite and thrill rafters like us. If you are looking for an early morning rush (other than traffic) this is a great way to get your day started.

We went on a part of the Rio aptly named  “Racecourse”,

with big waves, fast water, and lots of action. That’s me, loving it, just in front of our guide (who is the only one in a black helmet).The setting was spectacular, about an hour north of Santa Fe in a sparsely inhabited area. It was a perfect day, warm and sunny. We knew we were going to get wet so we were grateful for the sunshine.

Our guide was a young guy working his way through college by taking adventure seekers through the rapids and moonlighting as a waiter. He had  a passion for rafting and made the trip all the more delightful. He shouted out paddling commands, many that were drowned out by the roar of the water. This was a first rafting experience for our two grandkids and such fun for us to share this thrilling experience with them.

If you’ve never been white water rafting, this is a wonderful place to try it out. The setting is stunningly beautiful, and there are places between the rapids where the river is fairly calm allowing you to really soak in the spectacular landscape, at least for a few seconds.  This part of the river is hemmed in by ancient lava flows to the north and quartzite cliffs of the Picuris Mountains to the south. Definately a sensory rush and a physical one as well.

When you survive the final and biggest rapid,

the legendary Souse Hole at the end of the trip, you come away exhillarated, exhausted, very wet  and ready for a really big breakfast.