Skip to main content

Raft of possibilities

 As I blogged in my earlier writeup we continue to use our time as a family to go find new ways to entertain ourselves and see this world we live in.

In that vein another stumble led us to a National White Water Rafting Center near Charlotte. It is built along the Catawba River as an avenue for citizens to explore the great outdoors and is designed around artificial rapids that are used by the US Olympic teams to practice canoeing (which is a recognized competitive sport).

It is a sight to behold.  I have never seen anything like it.  Except perhaps Disneyland.  This is in similar vein as a theme park except dedicated to the sport of rafting on rapids.  Man made rapids.

Rapids are series of waterfalls created when river water gushes downhill over drops that vary from few feet to tens of feet. Severity of the drop and speeds of the rushing water defines the level of the rapids. I have done this many moons ago on a river in Pennsylvania.  Remember being able to paddle down over level four rapids.  And also remember I had taken a tumble mid stream and had to come gasping up for air.  Life vests are a must.

NWC is easily accessible by car. Today was a warm summer day to go exploring the woods and trails around this gargantuan facility.  Here are some visuals from that trip..








Young and old alike were enjoying the moment on rubber rafts.  Some would go on to take this rafting experience to participate in canoeing which is a single man or woman sport and more strenuous. Saw some brave folks practicing.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Of chocolates

I like chocolates. Godiva Dark with Almonds - not sure of the naked woman on the horse to be the icon of some choice cocoa based products but tastes good. Started in Belgium but now owned by some Turks. Cadburys - Fruit and Nut Milk Bars - awesome combination of dried fruit pieces along with a medley of nuts makes your toungue dance - started by a Brit now owen by Kraft USA. Lindt Hazelnut spheres - made by a Swiss confectioner are divine balls that melt in your mouth with a lingering nutty taste Ghirardelli Milk Crisp Squares - crunchy and light these milk squares are easy on the palate but pack some serious calories - all good I say! Originally founded by an Italian who moved around till he landed in SF Bay today also owned by the Swiss Lindt empire.
Post a Comment
Read more

Columbia SC

 The Palmetto state.  One of the confederate kinds. History dating couple centuries back.  We visited the capital yet again this time to take in the SC State Museum. Occupying the former digs (literally remodeled) of an erstwhile cotton mill this structure is an amazing piece of reimagination.  Four floors of excitement for kids and young at heart alike. Located on the shores of the Congaree River formed when the Broad meets up with the Saluda River, this edifice is approx. 60 years old.  The front of the building has a more modern planetarium that was added about a decade ago.  The museum itself has different areas of interest segregated on each of its four floors. The first floor has gift shop and a diorama of some of the local geography including the swamps and the state beaches with audio guides to help understand what fauna thrives locally. The second floor is all about natural history and showcases animal kingdom that may have survived on this latitud...
Post a Comment
Read more

Gab about Gaps

There are a number of news stories these days where conversation inevitably turns to discussing some sort of GAP - Gap between rich and poor is growing Gap is losing market share to other clothiers The Dow is Gapping Down (so is the NASDAQ) and the dollar is Gapping Up The guy who advised British public over the PA on dangers of tube travel with the phrase 'MIND THE GAP' has died There is a frightening Gap between our Debts and Savings Gap between Executive pay and Average worker salary is at an all time high All I am doing is listening to all this unfold with my mouth aGAPe. What me worry?
1 comment
Read more