For Ronda Hartzel, rafting the Gauley River resonates as a simple but powerful reminder of what it means to be alive.

The Gauley River . There's nothing else like it. Maybe it's the limited availability of full flows or the unique configuration of rocks and water. Whatever "it" is, it goes beyond the physical. The experience lodges in your mind and stays with you forever.

If you've had the pleasure of thundering into Pillow Rock on the Upper Gauley, or punching through wave after wave at Canyon Doors on the Lower Gauley , then you know. If you've never met the Gauley face-to-face, try it on for size with ACE next fall.

Can't get enough? Check out these Gauley stories.

Jeff Fischgrund: 14 Years of living the dream and Jeff never tires of the Gauley's song, bringing friends to share in the adventure year after year.

Clay Wright: Self-proclaimed kayaking addict, Clay can't get away from the Gauley and that's by design.

David Hall: David and his buddies were looking for adventure, but their highway of choice is made of water and rocks rather than asphalt. And they plan to ride it as long as they can.