1984 Log Royal Roads MIlitary College

Page 128

WHITE WATER RAFTING ~" You want Adventure Training? You got It with RRMC on the Thompson and Fraser Rivers The Thanksgiving standdown saw 29 merry voyageurs float down two of Canada's most famous rivers through whitewater described only as awesome. The first Annual Fraser Whitewater Rafting Expedition was deemed as a success as things flowed our way; from the weather to the water, to Lady Luck and her water buckets (eh, boys?) A long and rowdy bus triP saw the group dumped at 0100 hrs on the stony banks of the Thompson. The first day was used to get the feel of the rafts and getting over the spectacular scenery and ended at a fabulous campsite on the banks of the Junction of the Thompson and Fraser rivers. Clear, cold nights dawned to beautiful days for the whole weekend Following the tracks through history of Simon Fraser, the Western Indians, gold miners, trappers, outlaws, engineers with the CP and CN railways and thousands of tourists on this precarious section of the TransCanada Highway, our two rafts glided with the fast and deep current The rafters were tested on several occasions with wet, cold gear and driving winds and a pale sun. Team work was required many times cooking on the open fires for the hungry crews, then cleaning up after them (perish the thought), loading rafts and dOing miscellaneous tasks that never seemed to end The hardy bunch was undaunted In all areas, however Arriving In Yale, soaked thoroughly from Hell's Gates' rage, saw the gang pile on a bus and rack was the order for the day Wet clothes, the tang of woodsmoke In the air, not even the snoring at the back kept eyes open Senses stimulated, taste for adventure found and soothed, exclte- ment, danger, risk and brief fear discovered, dreams realized and new doors opened, ask a rafter he'll tell you about It - the rest is history MilCol's not Just inSide the stone walls, It has now reached the Fraser River Canyon and Simon's trail Watch for It next year It'll be yours to discover

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