Our Arkansas River expedition started on in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, class II-III rapids. The views were remarkable- and we finally saw some Bighorn sheep before lunch.
After lunch, the real rafting started- in the Royal Gorge. The landscape changed. Steep, impassable cliffs lined both banks as the river narrowed.
During the trip, our guide introduced us to hydraulics- river phenomena that allow the raft to "surf" the water. We also experimented with a maneuver called the helicopter. Pretty much, everyone gets in the back of the raft, the left side paddles forward, the right side paddles left, and the bow gets higher and higher. The boat then assumes a 90 degree angle, dumps everyone out, and collapses over our heads. It was very fun.
The river flowed under the Royal Gorge Bridge, the tallest bridge in North America at 955 feet. Views up the gorge were magnificent and truly stunning. The landscape down there is secluded quiet, serene, and secluded. History is everywhere- from the "Railroad Wars" of the wild west to the 100-year-old wooden water pipe ruins that lined the bank. Adrenaline, education, and recreation. What more can you ask for?
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