Growing up, I was an accomplished swimmer. I would swim nearly every day and basically lived at our local pool during the summer. My family vacationed frequently at the beach as well so water has never presented any issues...until recently. Since moving to Colorado, I have had two frightful experiences on the river that have made me honestly dread water.
Experience 1: I am on the Arkansas River with a bunch of drunk raft guides in a ducky (see picture. that is NOT me, BTW). It is an overcast and stormy day. This is the first time I have ever really paddled in a moving body of water and the Arkansas ain't no lazy river at Six Flags. I am sucked up and under a rock, losing my boat an inhaling gobs of water. My boat is gone and I cannot free myself from the current. A raft guide in a ducky boat saves my ass. I abandon the ducky, jump in a raft and have a minor freak-out from the experience.
Experience 2: I am on the Colorado River with my Hubby in a canoe. Two other friends are with us, in sea kayaks. None of us have been on this part of the river nor have we scouted it out (= very stupid decision). Hubby and I get flipped out the canoe. It is also May so the river is exceptionally cold so, with every moment we are in the water, I feel more and more delirious. I have a "dear God" moment as we are pulled down the river, out of control. We end up sucked up against an old bridge that sticks out into the river. Friend with kayak literally ferries each of us out of the water while ambulance and rescue crews gather. The EMT folks tell us that a number of people have died in this section of the water because there are 1) underwater grates that suck people under and 2) wire lines in the water. We are both treated for hypothermia. I have a major freak-out.
Even just relaying these events makes me anxious so hopefully you can understand why I am not-so-thrilled about taking a kayaking class this weekend. The Hubby has arranged this excursion and the Cowboy and girlfriend are coming out from Denver as well. Deep breaths. WHY OH WHY? A part of me knows I should do something like this to get over my fear. However, the other part of me wants to hole up with my prescription of valium and swear off rviers for a lifetime.
Full report to follow.....
2 comments:
Good for you for getting back on the horse. However, if you should decide you hate it, no worries. As my good friend Angie said to me when I told her about freaking out climbing in Moab, "KT, not every thing is for every one. Just enjoy the things you enjoy and don't worry about the rest." She is wise, that one. GOOD LUCK!!!
P.S. Dig the highlights.
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