Denali National Park, part 2

Friday morning 8/23, it's 41 degrees and raining.The forecast is for a high of 52 and occasional showers all day. This is our scheduled day to go rafting on the Nenana river.

 Of the 44 people on the tour only 25 were up for river rafting on this day

This is a hardy lot and all these people from the Fantasy team are ready to rock and roll.

On to the river.

Next step was to suit up. We were given very specific instructions an how to put on these $1000.00 dry suits. It was a bit of a struggle but both Beth and I got everything where it was supposed to be. The Nenana river is glacial fed and very cold The dry suit is an absolute must no matter what time of year.



 

Once suited up down to the river we went, there
were nine of us from Fantasy plus the guide. The guide told us there were two ways to get down the river. The first was to skirt the rapids and take the "smooth" way or go for it through the class 2 & 3 rapids. There was a quick unanimous vote and the class 2 & 3 rapids won.

For the Fantasy group  the youngest was 60 and the guide was in his early 20's. I think he was a little surprised we voted for the rapids.

This is us as we approach the first class 2 rapids.

Boom! "Glacial Facial" Not only did I get it in the face I had my mouth open giving a big Hoot and got a mouth full of river. Man, It was cold but a real thrill.
 

As we continued down the river we went through a series of class two and three rapids. As you can see from the pic's everyone seems to be smiling and having a good time.

                             

Glacial Facial, this time I had my mouth closed this time.

The trip lasted just over three hours. Physically it was pretty demanding. I'm not used to paddling that hard for that long.

I have not been river rafting for a long time and it is something I have wanted to do for awhile.
River rafting Alaska in Denali NP was just frosting on the cake. The trip was thrilling, exciting and the scenery was spectacular.