Inflatable Kayak Vest

Inflatable Kayak Vest

How I Learned to Go With the Flow

A good friend invited me to join her on a whitewater rafting trip, withdraw a flow of women. I never had a holiday like this before. I hesitated, "It was a lot of money,

and I was not sure about sharing my vacation with a dozen strangers in addition to to my friend. She twisted my arm, and enough, and I decided to try it. Little did I know then how much this adventure was an investment in my future.

I remember the first morning, anxiously waiting for the boat ramp for instructions about how this would all work: We watched as our leaders-all Women - packed everything we need, want, or for four days on these big boats. Sunscreen, sunglasses, armed, and a stylish jacket, climbed we are the boats and pushed himself into the current.

Our first stop was for lunch. The boats were pulled into a vortex, and we got out to a beautiful white sandy beach with some of Box Elder trees for shade, basalt, and a rocky promontory on the shelf, while the guides prepared our meal, including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. I sat staring at the Lower Salmon River, quick and clear. One of the other guests approached me and asked how I liked the trip so far. I replied it was beautiful, and I was glad that one of these strangers had put out his hand to say hello. Then I realized it was my friend Amy. I had never been without Makeup, much less with wet hair and a tight swimsuit, and I did not recognize them! We have been through the transition to the flow of time.

The first day was like a long way, but when we went to a campsite, we were rewarded with training in reflexology, and got on each others practice. Soon we were admiring the genius our leaders, who had at their stores magically whipped up a Mexican Fiesta dinner! Where's the cook pot was that? And chairs, an awning, real Plates and forks, too. Oh, and it was Strawberry Shortcake for dessert! In other than sleeping in a tent, we were hardly "roughing it."

The next morning woke up We call for gentle yoga practice. Although the day was very hot, were the early morning hours, much cooler, so I have some fleece, and the Group joined. The sand gave my asanas an entirely new sense of rootedness. I had some yoga studies, but our stay the river guru asked me a few new concepts and a style called "Acuyoga" Chinese medicine combined with hatha yoga. She was knowledgeable about nutrition, would also, and for the rest of the trip We chat and off we were swimming upstream. In the hands of our leaders, there was little to do, relax, enjoy the scenery of northern Idaho, and enjoy They each others company.

Some of the guests in the small inflatable paddling kayaks happened from time to time, and I've tried, but found it a little distraction from the relaxing rhythm in which I was responsible for the settlement of the first time in years, maybe ever. Although I had stored a lot, and had on a whitewater trip once had been, I never had such a luxurious vacation before, had never traveled before with a friend who had never traveled with a group - a group of women.

We were all always known, and had a very short time-sharing intimate secrets of our lives, a woman from New York, recently lost her brother in a car accident. Others told their struggles with marriage: "Should we try to ignite anything sexually, to the sparks?" A woman asked. Others in the group took a break in the afternoon to sunbathe au naturelle. It was easy enough to those who were more modest note, because the beaches were so big. I knew that I relax when I found I walk to far end of the beach.

Sometimes it will slide into the water to swim, and it was not only an essential part of a river to swim in experience, But it was also an essential survival strategy of August, hot afternoons when the danger of drying up high. We have learned that if you suddenly do not good times more when everyone else on the trip suddenly offends you, you're probably dehydrated. Drink water, and a bathroom.

Before we knew it we were our last night in camp, and were quite amazed to return to the skills and talents of our leaders in the preparation of a gourmet barbecue of salmon after a busy day rowing and navigating the rapids. Chocolate cake for dessert appeared, freshly baked in a Dutch oven.

The next afternoon we were landing Lubbers again. Had four days passed without a telephone, a computer, a car or a convenience store. It was was a piece of heaven. In a motel in Grangeville, Idaho We scrubbed out of the layers of sunscreen and sand (a very good scrub, no extra charge), and dressed for dinner. Some of our group planned to meet at Oscar's, a restaurant for a farewell.

Amy and I arrived, but not one of our new friends. Then she said - at a table in the front, several women dressed elegantly, fresh lipstick and combed hair. We had come to know our new friends from the inside - out.

My first experience on a holiday retreat inspired River Women me to a yoga teacher and massage therapist, and now, after almost ten years, I spend my summers working for the company to give back to other women the incredible gifts I have the opportunity to relax and renew, visit the River. I have made many friends over the years, both leaders and guests. Some, including Amy, have continued to accompany me on this adventure. Many are planning special events around these trips, invite female family and friends to a birthday, or perhaps a To celebrate daughter's departure for college or marriage. Others arrive solo, and an occasion for self-care that only offer the simplicity of the Free Riverside Spa can.

About the Author

Marlene Lambert - Holiday Expeditions Women’s trip facilitator, has been river rafting for over 10 years.

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