We met the rest of the group at the visitor centre where we were sized up for wetsuits and footwear and were then driven 11 miles up the Clearwater River to the place where we'd begin.
We were told at the start that if we wanted an easier ride we should opt the bigger of the two boats. We chickened out and decided to do this... unfortunately when it came to split the group up, we accidentally found ourselves in the smaller group and ended up with the small boat anyway!
We set off on the water and our guide trained us in the commands he'd be giving us as we went down the river. Including how to stay in the boat when things got rough. This ended with telling us how to pull each other out of the river, which ended with a practical demonstration... meaning we had to throw ourselves in! Apart from a short sharp shock, the river was actually quite warm (thanks in part to the wetsuits).
Finally we set off to the first of the rapids. This actually started with the highest rated of the entire run - a part they called Sabretooth which is classed as a Class 4 (one off Class 5 which is the highest traversable rating).
It perhaps wasn't the best start as soon as we rode over the first big wave and plunged into the churning water, the boat almost flipped over and most of the boat - Jamie included - went overboard. Only Becky and another woman stayed aboard. Even the guide went overboard! It turned out the guide had hit his paddle on a rock which meant he couldn't steer us through properly!
At about the halfway point, we reached a stop off to collect lunch. For this, they laid a tabletop in the middle of the raft and we eat whilst floating down a gentle part of the river.
The next part of the river was a Class 6 (impassable) part of the river so we had to get off the boats, load them onto their trailer, and be driven past. We also got a chance to walk down to view the part we were missing... and were very grateful we were!
We continued down the river through more rapids (now class 3), but apart from getting absolutely drenched every time the boat dived back into the river, there weren't any incidents. It did start to rain briefly, which was odd because the sky was basically clear blue and without clouds. The rain was freezing, and was certainly the coldest part of the day. Even moreso than what'd come next.
For the final part of the river, we were given the option to jump in and go down some Class 2 rapids ourselves. This was fun, though between us we probably swallowed a good percentage of the river water after gasping for air at the wrong moments!
At the end of the journey, we were given the option of one final 'challenge' - a 6/7 metre cliff jump into the river. Foolishly, we were among the minority that decided to give it a go. We immediately regreted it on reaching the top. There was a scramble up sharp rock to get to the top, and from there was a steep slippery slope that lead to the tiny area of grippy rock from which we were told to jump. Neither of us performed gracefully.
Becky went first. After making her way to the jump spot and mustering the courage to jump, a moment of hesitation meant her legs buckled beneath her and she slid off the end into the river! Thankfully it was a sheer drop so no injuries.
Jamie next; determined not to do the same made an awkward leap which meant he entered the water at an awkward angle which led to a very sore behind.
Having spent enough adrenaline for the day, we ended up almost back in Clearwater. We were transported back to the visitor centre where we got to see the photos taken by the guides. None particularly flattering.
After this, our reward was fast food, a giant ice cream, and an early night.
(Photos to follow once we have received them!)
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