THE first hint you're in for some- thing special is the fact the Green River runs north. Then again, Whistler has long flouted con " ventional wisdom, so it shouldn’: be any great surprise that the valley resort's rivers defy geographic laws tuo. One of the newer adventures in this four season destination is whitewater rafting. For years kayakers have explored the Whistler Vallev’s boun- tiful river sys- tem, but it is only recently chat rubber-boat laden trailers towed by colorful school buses have appeared on the Sva-To-Sky Highway. Kiver rafting is now big business in Whistler. Rental booths and kiosks are set up in all the major hotels, and one of the bigger whitewater outtits, Whistler River Adventures, commands a large space at the base of the Whistler gondola. Whitewater is as plentiful in the Whistler arca as gifts with “Whistler, B.C.” embla- zoned on then, and Whistler River Adventures takes full advantage, offering a number of options when selecting an adven- Friday, August 7, 1998 — North Shore News — 19 young rafters on the Green dry off when vou rerum: Ensconced in neoprene, your group makes for a strange sisht as vou cross the hot vil- Jawe square te doard che school bus for the 10 minute drive to Green Lake. But, never mind — tray fun awaits. Groups are formed ard paddles are handed oucon the banks of the chilly, glacier-ted lake. A leisurely paddle across the Jake affords vour guide plenty of time to con- vey your responsibilities during the 60- minute river ride. People can, and do, fall out of the rafts, but the on-board instruction, while at first searing the hell out of everyone, does cover all the bases and scemingly every possibility. Everyone on our raft seemed at case. Until we heard, then saw, Satan’s Washboard, the ripply entrance to the Green River as it funnels from the lake. For the next hour or so, the ride along the at-times rushing, at-times quict river, is a real, well, rush. The neoprene suits and booties keep you warm and dry, and the experienced guides make split-second deci- sion making seem second nature. A few kilometres up river, you paddle to the bank in a large eddy, pull the rafts our ture. BLASTING down the Green River is one of the best ways to 1 keep cootin Whistler = of the water, load them on the trailer and From a two-hour introductory-type ride during the summer. A number of comperies offer whitewater trips for ail fevel2. hop back in the school bus. Ten miautes “up” the Green River, through a daylong later you're back in the village. All ready river adventure on the Elaho/Squamish River Paddle, to a during a recent scorching hot day in the valley. Six people for lunch, and an afternoon adventure. Jetboat Dinner Cruise in the Pemberton Valley, the compa- along with a guide make up cach of the four boats on the For more iafo about Whistler River Adventures and the ny offers something for all levels (children are welcome but trip, which begins at the Whistler Gondola with a quick trips they offer, checkout their website at: www.whistler- must weigh over 40 kg to go rafting). change into wetsuits, booties, helmets and life jackets. river-adv.com The Green River paddic was a perfect morning adventure — Lockers are provided (it’s a good idea to bring a rowel to — Andrew McCredie ‘ve got places to go this summer. So my Goodwrench dealer nee made sure I won’t be NEWS Cindy Goodman ESTHETICIAN Nicole f . : ve . 5 ae 99 Ciark provides a pedi- Bag! MS rr eg FO , heels? cure at The Spa at wie ; , — . : : Chateau Whistler. to making them last as !ong as possible. Reso rt , SO ; ". As a result, our technicians are factory- rained and use only approved tools and pempers I , 7 Y . 7 : ep o ; - ; . a “e ". genuine GM parts. So we get the job done right, the first time, at exactly © guests : “ ie ¢ a ) poe - _ = 2 : fi - the price that you're quoted. That's Fron: page VS service you won't find anywhere pee ot . else. That’s Goodwrench Service. spa facilities and state-of-the- ; art services, including 14 ; treatment rooms. Anienitics come | a a inclade massage and Shiatsu RS RECEIVE FREE TIRE: RO: therapy rooms; hydrotherapy services; skin-care rooms; . ; . one-on-one fitness training; a oe ‘, AND SHOCK INSPECTIONS EVERY.10, 000. KM: skin and beauty analysis _ - Be ee ea nadd shiatsu - incredible savings on selected Michelin and Uniroyal t tires. therapists have the highest eel feo an | UNIROYAL $598 MICHELIN = North America. 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Oraler mry self for less, Vancouver and is accessible Limited Kine offer. Coil or see your loco! Goodwrench dealer for detente, daily by BC Rail and regular bus service. For more infor mation contact Chateau Whistler at 1-800-606-8244. The coll free number for the Sole wectney PONTIAC-BUICK CADILLA ,