Rafting and Family History

We showed up at Mild to Wild rafting, to fill out paperwork and be issued life jackets. The final count was 24 rafters from the reunion. After some standing around, we got on the bus, and were driven to the put in. The put in was a bit of a traffic jam of rafts and buses, but after a short safety talk, we got on the river. We had three boats, two were paddleboats, and one was an oar boat with paddle assist.

Our guides were good, and we enjoyed the ride, including a little splashing and bumping of boats. We heard a little bit about river history and lore, and soon we were approaching the notorious Smelter rapid. At 700 cfs, much below peak flow, the rapid was not very imposing. But our guides worked with us to surf the rafts. It was impressive to see that large a boat being surfed; the nose of the raft submerged and the people in the front got pretty wet. Our ride ended at Santa Rita park, right below Smelter rapid.

After the river trip, we adjourned to the park across from St. Colomba's Church for a picnic lunch. After lunch, the tour commenced, with Marianne explaining how she and other family members attended the church and school. When we went inside the church, we found a flutist inside, practicing. She was very interested in our group, and very chatty. The kids went up to the choir loft, and someone suggested that they sing, and that the flutist accompany them. And that is what happened, including a rendition of Amazing Grace, a kind of tribute to John. A very serendipitous event

Marianne showed us the stone school building where she and Eileen went to school, and we had our picture taken on the steps, in a shot reminiscent of the picture taken of the students when Marianne was a girl.

Our final history stop was at the old family home on third street. While we were outside taking pictures, the owner drove up and wondered what was going on. Once we explained to him that Marianne and her family had lived in the house, he became very interested, and spent some time talking to Marianne and the group. His wife even gave Marianne a tour of the house.

We headed back to camp, for our last dinner together before Judy and her family left Friday morning. Pat and Pete were able to join us for a little while, and Pat gave the kids pillows that she had made for them, as well as blankets for Richard and Marianne. Eileen's sons Charlie and Pat stopped by for a while as well. The evening ended around the campfire with talk and singing.