SUMMER PLEASURES

For novice
rafters or skilled
river buffs,
adventure is
guaranteed on
a rafting trip.

To experience the
Upper Gauley in
the fall, rafters
must be at least 16
years of age.

Wilhite-Water Fun

M

other Nature has many of these trips. There are trips rectly with an outfitter, a compa-
provided rivers where the guides are completely ny that specializes in camping and
with jagged rocks, in control of the rafts and others rafting. Most have prearranged
swift currents and trips where guests help out with trips that take place over a set
number of days, and a few will
treacherous corners to challenge the paddling."
The cost of a white-water raft- customize the trip.
an adventurous spirit
Similar ranges of planning take
"One of the wonderful things ing trip depends on the location,
place
with nonprofit organizations
about white-water rafting is the length of trip and accommoda-
many different packages that meet tions. There are trips for all pock- such as the Sierra Club or the
Wilderness Society, or even the
just about any budget or time con- etbooks.
There are options on how to Smithsonian Institute, all of whom
straint," says Lori Horowitz, trav-
el consultant at Wolfe Travel Corp. plan for a white-water rafting trip. offer special tours for members
A travel agent can help with and non-members.
in West Bloomfield.
Some resorts, usually ranches
"What's more, you don't need arrangements for flight, lodging
any expertise or experience for and tour. Or travelers can work di- or lodges, offer guided white-wa-

RUTHAN BRODSKY SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

ter rafting as part of their ameni-
ties.
"It's important to find a river
and a trip that meets your needs,"
recommends Joyce O'Brien, trav-
el consultant at Fisher Travel in
Southfield. "Rivers are rated from
the easiest, Class I, to the most dif-
ficult, Class VI. And depending on
the time of year, the same river
can be extremely rough, as dur-
ing the spring runoff, or very
smooth, as in late August when
the water level is down."
The length of white-water raft-

ing trips can vary. They can last for
weeks, a weekend or an after-
noon.
Beth Robinson Keliman of West
Bloomfield joined a one-daywhite-
water rafting trip while camping
and hiking in Pennsylvania. "It's
a sure thing that your shoes will
get wet, so wear sport sandals or
an old pair of tennis shoes,". ad-
vises Beth.
Most outfitters who lead raft-
ing trips furnish all the equipment
If part of the trip includes camp-

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