Great rafting trip last weekend on the American River. Two day event, drove out to Lotus California on Friday - camped out overnight and hit the river 8a Saturday morning. So hot at times it felt like we were drifting downriver into a hair dryer. Still though, the water was icy cold and shocking when it splashed into the raft or (electively... usually) we jumped into the river. At one point we did manage to tip the raft and dump all 7 members of our raft into the water - but I'm pretty sure that was entirely by design on the part of our rafting guide.
This is the second trip a group of friends has made out to raft the American River. We did the South and more aggressive Middle forks, perhaps next year we'll get a bigger group like 20 or 30 people out there - or possibly get a smaller group of more serious rafters out for a more intense run.
Sadly the California forest fires of late prohibited any bonfire at night, but we did have fun anyway around a camp lantern Saturday night. A couple friends played guitar and a couple brought iPod's and speakers to play.
Just near the town of Lotus where we camped there is a tiny tiny town (literally one gas station and like three stores) called "Cool" California. SO great the general store there sells trucker hats that have "Cool, California" emblazoned across the front. Definitely have to get one of those hats next time I'm in "Cool" (which ironically is often 90 or more degrees in the summertime).
