Gauley Season is 80-plus days away and I am a nervous wreck.Part of my ACE New Year’s Resolution was to raft the Upper Gauley on opening day. What seemed like a creative, fun idea at the time has become a looming fear for me.
The Upper Gauley is the highest intensity trip that we offer at ACE. I know people come from all over the world for this whitewater. I know the Gauley is right in my own backyard. I know I should do it. However, rationalizing that to my consciousness is a totally different story.
I have a healthy fear and own that. I have devised a way for you, the readers, to ease my mind. I would love to know who you think I should request for my guide. I was going to include a short list of selections but thought better of it. You tell me. Is there a guide that you come every year to see at ACE? Did one of our guides give you the trip of a lifetime? I know there is a wealth of stories out there, so let me know.
I will take your suggestions under advisement and make my plan from there. Gulp. Class V+ rapids and a 14-foot drop are nothing to sneeze at. Gesundheit.
