Brooks Family Adventures

When we last left our adventuresome family they were planning a float trip down the White Water River.

Last spring Bri and Luke floated down this same stretch and had a grand ol time.

The other night the phone rang with a potential customer wanting information about taking a float trip with 16 people. So we decided to do a test run with our family and make sure it would be good.

Saturday morning we had our usual hearty breakfast burritos,packed the dry bags with lunch and water and headed out. Bri and the boys took the inflatable Mariner to our put in spot while I went on ahead to the recycle bin in Augusta and wait for Bri to meet up with me to take a vehicle to our take out spot.

Back at the put in place we waded through grasses taller than the average adult. Bri had Nathan on his shoulders. Settled in the boat,we happily go on our way. Luke and Bri navigate us around some logs,turn the bend,take some pictures, ooh and awe over the beauty.

The water starts to ripple up ahead. Careful of the rocks that are causing that pretty ripple. Not careful enough! All of a sudden,"POP". Air spews out of the side chamber and it quickly deflates. We find a place to pull over and figure the best way to go back. Climb the 5+ foot bank and walk back through the field? Wade back along the edge of the river? Everyone climbs back in the boat and all six of us sit on the remaining air filled edge and paddle back,against the currant. Praise God it wasn't very strong.

We make it back. The kids and Bri head back through the grass jungle while I try and pull the boat up the bank. Bri returns after getting the kids to a safe spot to wait. "Why haven't you got it up any further than that?!" Well the bottom was full of water that came in hole coming back against the currant. He drags it up a bit for me and we proceed to drain the water. Did I mention the bank was steep and muddy? I was so thankful for strong root systems on those tall grasses and small trees!

We load everyone and everything up in the car and head for home. We all spray off and enjoy our picnic lunch at the picnic table in the small barn. Bri patched the hole and the boat is as good as new. Need to call the lady back and postpone her trip till the river is a bit higher!