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.

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