DAY 18 - RAFTING

We were warned a few times about the Kern River but with it being well into the middle of summer, I didn't think the water flow would be too strong - and I was right. Water flow levels were 1,380 CFS (cubic feet per second), which is very low compared to the 7,000 CFS (average) which was seen earlier in the year. Nonetheless, it was still a fun time!

White water rafting was one of my top activities and was also the main reason for visiting Sequoia National Park. During a brainstorming session with my friend, we both got really excited when rafting came up, especially since neither of us had ever done it before.

We decided to do a double split run, which had us doing the first run twice. The rapids were hardly "roaring." I think we both were in agreement that the next rafting adventure would have to be more epic.

We had watched quite a few rafts the previous day. Having witnessed several people falling out, I anticipated the same would happen to us. We cheered as people would get tossed out into the water (safely). Luckily that was the end of their run and they drifted slowly into a large opening in the river. 

The short bus ride brought us six miles up the river. Our guide seemed pretty mellow while explaining the basic commands. Perhaps he had such a calm demeanor because he knew it was going to be easy. 

The other people in our boat were a family of four. The teenager seemed like he wanted nothing to do with this activity. He was very concerned about getting his watch wet. Oh teenagers lol. And in typical fashion, the family's father cracked a few dad jokes. He continually mentioned his sons' names, endearingly asking if they were having a good time. It reminded me of my own family trips, except without the rapids... Or life jackets... Or any outdoor activity whatsoever lol. 

After two rounds, we finished our paid trip and headed back home. 

Did I mention it was 104 degrees??? 

When I got home and told my boyfriend Hue about our trip, showed me photos of a rafting trip he took in Costa Rica. If I could do a side-by-side comparison, I would say that our trip was a cute little puppy yapping and his was a pit bull barking and foaming at the mouth. 

Next time I'll be taking it up another notch! 

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DAY 18 - Rafting at the Kern River [COMPLETE] 

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My thoughts? It was fun but I expected more of a rush. 

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Would I do it again? Yup but definitely a higher class next time.

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Did we fall out of the raft? NOPE! We did, however, get stuck on a rock haha.

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What did I learn? BUY WATER SHOES/SANDALS. I used my hiking boots and they're still drying out today (it's Tuesday). A GoPro would've been pretty cool to have. Also, I might consider paying for photos on the next trip. Invest in a dry pack. My friend had one. Not only did it keep her keys and phone completely water free, it also acted as a buoy.