March 31, 2004 -- White water rafting isn't just for the hale and hearty any longer, though the rougher rides are more fun for people in the pink, as the Brits would say.
One of our favorite organizers of such trips, Warren River Expeditions (www.raftidaho.com), has come out with a new kids discount (25% for those under 14) this year, and is continuing its policy of offering trips to seniors at a ten percent discount, and of course, for groups. Since the snow pack is so good, about 115% of the 20-year average around Salmon, Idaho, Dave Warren expects really good river rides, with some "fantastic water all summer on both the Middle Fork and the Main Salmon," making for "a fun year."
Although they have plenty of trips for everyone, there's a special seniors-only promotion good for Lodge stays on seven dates this summer. You enjoy the beauty of the canyon and the thrill of the river by day, but have the comforts of home in the evening. Exploring the countryside might mean seeing old homesteads, abandoned mines, Indian petroglyphs and wildlife. On the river, you have a choice of three kinds of kayaks (hard, sit-on-top or inflatable), paddleboats and large oar boats. There's a guide to guest ration of about 1 to 3, they say. The dates are April 18 and 25, May 2, July 6, August 23, and September 1 and 8. A price for the seniors-only stays of six days is $1,975. All-inclusive costs for other six-day packages range from $1,500 to $1,975.
Contact the Warrens at 800/765-0421 or 208/756-6387 or e-mail them at salmonriver@raftidaho.com.
Other well-known western rafters include River Runners, who ply the Arkansas River in Colorado, in business for 30 years, they say. RR has half day, full day and multi-day trips, as well as guided fishing trips. Contact them at 800/525-2081 or at www.riverrunnersltd.com.
Raven Rafting, in business since 1971, takes on the Arkansas and the Colorado rivers lets you use sit-on-top kayaks or go "mild rafting," saying those are "perfect for first-timers." Contact them at 800/332-3381 or at www.coloradodirectory.com/ravenadventuretrips.
The Clear Creek Rafting Company offers free wetsuits for its runns on the Arkansas River at the Royal Gorge or on Clear Creek, the latter just 30 minutes from Denver. Contact them at 800/353-9901 or at www.clearcreekrafting.com.
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