My first river rafting experience had the blood rushing through my veins and the people in my group. If you like adventure sport then you have to try it! I was part of a group of accountants who got together once a year for some serious team building. It was a good way to interact with colleagues outside of the work environment. I always thought that our Finance Conferences were boring and not as much fun as the Sales and Marketing conferences. Those guys knew how to kick-start a party.
The venue was exquisite. We were staying at the Stonehenge Africa Hotel and Conference centre in Parys, South Africa. For most part of the day we were locked inside the conference room listening to presentation after presentation. By the end of the last presentation we were looking forward to some fun in the sun.
A lot of my colleagues have never done river rafting before and that included me. We were told that the river here is not too bad and we will be going through one or two serious rapids. We had to hold on tight. Two guys decided last minute this is not for them and chickened out. We had to choose a canoe partner and were fitted with a crash helmet and life jacket.
The fun started. I was grouped with my boss at the time and had to sit in the front. I was not sure which was worse sitting in the front or having my boss check my back. At places we really had to paddle hard and the water took you through some serious rapids. Well, I thought they were serious, only to find out later they were rapid three´s!
I teamed up with a good partner and we never tipped or got soaked! We were led into quiet water where we laughed and decided this was not too bad! Unfortunately for us, we never did have the opportunity again to do river rafting on a Finance Conference. We had a wonderful time! I couldn`t wait to have the photos developed at printingamerica.com for overnight prints
An accountant joke (just to make fun of my old profession!)
If an accountant’s wife cannot sleep, what does she say? “Darling, could you tell me about your work.”
* I apologize for the quality of the photos. They were taken back in 2002.
Where: Parys,South Africa
When: November 2002
Sounds like an amazing time! I loved looking at the photos! I've always wanted to go on a rafting trip…I bet that detour from conferences was definitely refreshing! 🙂
I haven't tried rafting but is looking forward to trying it one day…. Is it dangerous though Nelieta? The currents are just wicked to see…. Cheers for a good fun! 🙂 x
It's so much fun river rafting, moments of calm as you drift downstream with the current, then extreme activity, crashing water, boulders seem to rush at you, fear of capsize…. then calm again.
as much as I want to try river rafting I'm alone on a trip most of the time so I haven't experienced that fun yet. Hopefully soon! thnx for sharing! Love the 1st pic by the way! 🙂
I love this especially the photos…man what fun that had to beeeeeeee… As always…XOXOXOXO
Funny joke Nelieta and what a great adventure.Cheers A
Hi A! I knew you would appreciate the joke! It was a great adventure.
Hi Bonnie, it was a lot of fun! Somehow these team building days do help to build morale.Glad you liked it Bonnie Girl!
Hi Gael, I have travelled most of my life alone. I agree sometimes it is more fun to interact with a group. Maybe you could join an excursion. They group you and you won´t even notice that you are alone.Ps.Does your blog allow for comments? I loved your latest post (27/3) about the local/tourist relationship. That was wonderful to read!
Hi Jorie, you have to try it! The one we did was in not so dangerous water. I have seen much worse in other parts in South Africa. I think ours was quite tame to be honest. Anyway I always feel why put yourself in danger in order to have fun? I am an adrenaline junkie but I also have common sense. The organized tours are very good and they prepare you before the time. Give it a go!!!
Hi Jim, very true! It is an amazing feeling but I am sure it doesn´t compare with your sky diving adventure. My daughter did it for her 16th birthday. I am sure it is the ultimate adrenaline rush!
Hi Jessica, so happy to hear you have enjoyed the photos. They are not great quality though. Oh you have no idea how refreshing it was after discussing new accounting standards etc. Believe me it could get very, very boring 🙂
Nelieta, man your life sounds so exciting! I have never done this. Not sure if I would venture out on a raft and attempt it, but I do love to watch someone else do it:) Your photos were just fine!
Hi Mary, I am not sure about the exciting part. Nowadays it seems to be quite boring..lol! Glad you liked the photos, I thought the quality could have been better 🙂
Good thing the water was not that strong and you all managed to keep your canoe on track. But when you encounter a strong water current, that's when you will literally feel the adrenaline rush and have your heart beating so fast. It is really a great diversion, since it is very different from our office life.
Hi David, thank you for the visit! I would love to give the proper white river rafting a try! That must be the ultimate adrenaline rush! I used to look forward to these annual activities away from the boring office life!