New Friends On The New River At ACE
Posted by: ScottP in Whitewater Rafting, West Virginia, raft guide, New River, ACE Adventure Resort on Jul 21, 2010
When I went rafting the other day, as we were on the bus heading to the river, all I could think about was who was going to be on my raft with us.
I think it is safe to say I have a big personality. And one of my oldest friends, Rett, was with me. He is 6 feet, 6 inches tall with the personality to match. I was nervous. Sometimes, we can be too much. Too loud. Too everything. As a staff member, though, I am always on my best behavior on trips. I even make sure all of the other guests have eaten lunch before I dig in.
When Rett and I get around each other, however, all bets are off. We like to have a good time and like to bring everyone else along for the ride. You either hop onboard the fun express or get run over by it.
Luckily, we met Brandon and Liz. They are a couple from Richmond, Va., who were at ACE Adventure Resort for a couple of days. They looked like a J. Crew ad. On the bus ride to the river, Rett and I were cracking jokes, being our normal selves. I look over and Brandon and Liz are laughing with us – not at us. Had I found a good match for us?
We exit the bus and I introduce myself. I ask them to be in our raft if they want to have fun. Brandon readily agreed while Liz seemed hesitant. Who were these strangers and what kind of adventure were they in store for? It was almost raft stalking.
Once in the raft, it was on like Donkey Kong. Rett and I are fine endlessly harassing each other. And our guide, Alyson, is very quick with witty retorts. Our new friends rode in the front of the raft so most of my river memories are of them staring back at us with shocked looks and laughing.
I underestimated Brandon because he got in several good zingers. This kid was cooking with gas. Once I knew he could dish it out, it was open season. We spent the rest of the day cracking jokes and had an amazing day on the river. Lest we forget Liz. Brandon warned us that if we made her mad, her eyes would bulge and she would get a fake, plastered smile. So I was on red alert for a Code Liz.
Honestly, I could not have asked for better raft mates. They were fun and enthusiastic, which balanced my cynicism and sarcasm. A New River yin and yang if you will. You never know who you will meet on the river or at ACE.
My arms are sore from paddling and my abs are sore from laughing. I really could not have asked for a better day. And there was no Code Liz.
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written by Margie, July 21, 2010
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