RAFTING
By good fortune, I was able to raft down the Motu River in New Zealand twice during the last year. The magnificent four-day journey traverses one of the last wilderness areas in the North Island.
The first expedition was led by “Buzz”, an American guide with a great deal of rafting experience and many stories to tell of mighty rivers such as the Colorado. With a leader like Buzz, there was no reason to fear any of the great rapids on the Motu.
The first half day, in the gentle upper reaches, was spent developing teamwork and co-ordination. Strokes had to be mastered, and the discipline of following commands without question was essential. In the boiling fury of a rapid, there would be no room for any mistake. When Buzz bellowed above the roar of the water, an instant reaction was essential.
We mastered the Motu. In every rapid we fought against the river and we overcame it. The screamed commands of Buzz were matched only by the fury of our paddles, as we took the raft exactly where Buzz wanted it to go.
At the end of the journey, there was a great feeling of triumph. We had won. We proved that we were superior. We knew that we could do it. We felt powerful and good. The mystery and majesty of the Motu had been overcome.
Recommend0 recommendationsPublished in Senior Chatters
White water rafting looks so exhilarating , but I would not be brave enough to try it. But applaud those who do it. Good blog Tania
It was not me grandmaj lol
I have lived for 50 odd years in New Zealand and never once ventured or wished to venture into the world of rafting – so glad you visited us down under – you certainly saw much of the country I have not even visited!
drummer, sorry it was not me, I have never been to New Zealand.
Did you really go rafting twice at the age of seventy three tania ? !
No, Scorpio , I never went rafting , and I am not seventy three .. add another year.
I just thought because it said ‘ I ‘ in the post it obviously meant you did it and I checked your age in your profile and deducted a year as the post mentioned 2018.
Oh-right- my mistake!