Whitewater Wishes for 2009

Merry Christmas! I’m writing to you on Christmas Eve 2008, pondering those things that would make 2009 a great year. Here goes:

1. Great Water – The last three seasons have been below average in terms of flow on the New River.  In 2009 we also had reduced flows for Gauley River on every day but Saturday.  That said, we still had a great time out there all season long.  What I’d like to see is consistent flows throughout the summer without the bottom dropping out in early July.
2. Sun – Lots and lots of Sun.  In fact, let it rain like crazy at night and be sunny during our time on the water.  We have more framed lodging options at our new basecamp, so the rain shouldn’t present too much of a problem.
   

   Rustic Bunk Cabin at Wildwater's New Outdoor Center

3. More West Virginia Rafters – With all of this outdoor recreation at their fingertips and with a struggling economy, many West Virginians can look right in their backyard for vacation ideas.  Many West Virginia natives have not sampled the outdoor adventures that are only an hour or two drive away.  This is probably similar to the phenomenon of New York natives who’ve never visited the Statue of Liberty, been to the top of the Empire State Building or seen a Broadway show.  If ever there was a time to explore in your backyard, it is now.
4. Continued Lower Gas Prices – Although the lower fuel prices are reflective of the current economic situation, they would make it easier for people to travel if prices at the pump stay below $2/gallon.  It looks like there won’t be a rise real soon.  From an whitewater rafting standpoint, it is important that our guests feel like they can afford to drive to our destination.
5. More Family Time – As a father of a 3-year-old daughter, I know that my number one goal in life is to spend time with my family.  I want to see my daughter grow up.  I want her to know me.  I want to share the duties of parenting with my wife (tantrums aside!).  I must balance this priority with my duties as GM of Wildwater.  This article in USAToday tells me that I’m not alone in this endeavor.  One way to achieve this goal is to vacation in such a way that we actually spend time together, as opposed to vacationing where we are distracted and don’t really connect.  Needless to say, my ideal vacation consists of heading to the woods, setting up a tent and wandering around with my family, looking at fungus, leaves and water.  I think that’s one of the reasons I enjoy what I do.  Rafting, whether it be whitewater or floating, allows us to focus on the basics:  interacting with people, experience the outdoors, and being in the moment.  In fact, I wish I was on the water now.  It’s almost 60 degrees F outside!!
6. A Smooth Transition to Wildwater Expeditions’ New Outdoor Center – I’m excited to be in our new digs, but I know making the move will be a little nerve wracking.  My hope is that it goes smoothly enough that Wildwater guests get to enjoy all the benefits without enduring some of our headaches.
   

   Wildwater Expeditions New Outdoor Center

7. More of this!

Hope you and yours have a great holiday!  I look forward to seeing you in 2009!