"it's just 'RAFTIN'"

Day two in El Prado and I felt my energy level rising like the morning sun. You can feel the solar power as soon as it hits your face. Warm, fresh, and a new. For some reason, I always notice it is a new day in Taos. Back home I just wake and begin my day. Jonathan had a high energy day planned for us. It was his daughter's seventh birthday, and as a celebration we were going to raft the Rio Grande.

I think the following song should be playing in the background as you read. I was humming, whistling, or singing it out loud all day long...

The Rio Grande grinds down through the mesa West of Taos. Almost as soon as it enters New Mexico from Colorado, it begins cutting down into the bed rock. It makes for some awesome rafting. Now my rafting partner, Perry, had to straighten me out about rafting. I kept calling it "white water rafting". All the "rafting" trips I have taken in my life, have always been "white water rafting". There were class III to class IV rapids involved, sometimes even some FIVERS. The chances of death are always in the cards. Every year some person does die in "white water rafting" mishaps on the Appalachian rivers . They just call it "rafting" here. When raging, you might get some class 2.5. It has been very dry in New Mexico, and the river is very low. So Perry, it is just "rafting".

So here is our crew, except for Leslie. Sasha, the birthday girl, is in the center. Jonathan in the white was our guide. Birch, standing to the right was along as was his daughter Adelaide. What a great bunch to spend the day with.

Perry and I got to take the kayak. Perry kicked butt all day long never slacking on the paddle. For a five year old, he put out a very impressive performance. He was also an excellent help at reading the class I rapids.

Halle was strictly along for the ride. Going for a ride down the river suited her well.

Sasha and her best friend Adelaide, sure enjoyed the ride too...

Occasionally the girls were asked to paddle. But pretty much the entire trip involved relaxing ..."across the Rio Grande O, across the lazy river"...

Our hosts. So much THANKS to both of you!!!

The whole family was a glow after the trip. What a way to have an awesome vacation. It is only half over. Life is real good in Northern New Mexico.

.."across the Rio Gande O, across the lazy river,. across the Rio Grande O, Across that lazy river"...