The white water rafting trip was held over the September 18-20 weekend.  We travelled to Asheville, NC and stayed at Camp Daniel Boone of the Daniel Boone Council.  The scouts slept in 4 man cabins with real facilities and hot showers.  The campsite is one of the newer campsites for this camp and can sleep up to 81 scouts at the site.  On Saturday the 19^th we awoke early and traveled about and hour or so back through Asheville to the French Broad river.   It is one of the only rivers in the US to run north to south.  Our trip was hosted by the guides of the French Broad Rafting Expedition.  Following a safety briefing, helmet and lifejacket check, we loaded a bus to the launch site.  

Our original plan was to raft for a 5 mile; 2-3 hour trip in Class 1, 2 and 3 rapids.  As our trip progressed down the river it was becoming more and more evident that the scouts were having a great time and did not want the trip to end in a few short miles.  So at the half way point we asked if we could extend the trip to the 9 mile, 4+ hour trip.  Thanks to some heavy rain previously and great scheduling by the outfitters we were able to extend our trip for the extra 4 miles.  In addition to the extra mileage and time on the river, the boys were able to experience 2 class 4 rapids.  The weather cooperated and we had a warm and dry day on the river.  We did get wet but not from the rain.  Everyone did extremely well.  We were complimented several times by the guides and tour leader for the exceptional behavior and manners of our scouts. 

We could not escape the rain in that part of the state for too long and as we slept in our nice, dry, tin roofed cabins, a driving rain continued well into the morning.  Our pack up and trip home was wet and long.  The weekend was a success from the moment we stopped at CiCi’s pizza until we arrived back at Apex Crossing.   

I want to thank all of the ASM’s and parents who attended the trip.  Thanks to you, our trip was safe and exciting.