94 — Sunday, August 1, 1999 — North Shore News north shore news lunning the rivers in Sea to Sky country Deana Lancaster News Reporter deana@nsnews.cont WITH the onset of the hot weather, many of us experience somewhat feral urges to get a little reckless, a little wild and very, very wet. Pm not talking about a tip to the wave pool — although that can be fun, too — but for those summertime adventurers who wani to tap inte some adrenaline while they coo! off, river rafting’s the thing. . And the place to do it? Sea to Sky country. ” From Squamish to Pemberton, a network of unrestrained and turbulent river systenis run through thick, green forests — and provide the perfect kind of water for a wild ride. . Brian Leighton and Steve Anderson founded Whistler River Adventures (WRAD) in 1985, while the sport was still a young one. Now the company has grown to include a base office in Whistler, an Adventure Ranch in Pemberton and a crew of friendly, ‘fanny guides and administration staff. Most of WRAD’s gusts originate in far and exotic locales, but it doesn’t seem right that tourists have more fun in Super Natural B.C. than we natives do, so on a sizzling hot day in July, I zipped into a wetsuit, buckled on a life jacket and snapped into 2 helmet along with visitors from Oklahoma, Wales and Japan. On that day we were running the Birkenhead River, near Pemberton. Other tips include the Green River, and a full day trip on the Elaho and Squamish Rivers. summer it’s even more fun than usual — the high snowpack has resulted in more run-off, and faster running rivers. In mid-July the guides described the class 3 rapids on the Presen the ‘Crystal cog - Noverviber 19- Dec 1 Cruise India, Thailand & Singapore. Ask about the deluxe Taj Mahal package ary “Book now and saci OF © %, AIOOMIXW TOURS Travel by Canoe into a _.Nation’s History! We will-take you on a safe and scenic paddie on one of the Sunshins Ccast’s most beautiful and motor boat free iakes. Discover Coast Salish Culture, “enjoy the beauty of the lake and the surrounding coastal mountains. INDULGE YOUR. SOUL! 6 Hour Canas Tour Incl. guides and high quality canoe gear, box tunch, Shuttis to and froma the lake (paddling novices welcome! Traditional Coast Salish Selmen BBG ‘ . “at Slismmon Lake 2 Nights at tha exclusive, waterfront Ocean Beach Lodge, 2 ¢ -reakfasts duly to September October Db) $ 199.00 per Pars. $ 189.00 per Pars, “Sol s 258.09 per Pers, $ 238.00 per Pars. 4 ~809-345-1 112 * were.ayjoomixw.com Cangsing, Kayaking, Sailing, Hiking and more... C-64 RR#2 Sliammon Road, Powell River, B.C. VBA 423 Tel. (604) 483-4505 Fax (604) 483-7975 7-DAY MEXICAN RIVIERA CRUISE Nov. 7, 1999 Los Angeles ° Puerto Vallarta * Mazatlan © Cabo San Lucas ¢ Los Angeles -from 3999 com cruise only teener drape ty Lene RIVER rafting is a sure way to meet your adrenaline need while cooling off. Birkenhead as “pushy,” and a trip that usually takes 90 minutes took less than an hour. It felt like ten minutes, We raced down the rapids, bounced over explosive waves, and crashed over the drop-offs. Our guide, Joe, hollered directions as we paddled: “Right forward! Stop! Left back! Stop!” He must be listened to —- although rafting in B.C. has strict guidelines and a better-than-decent safety” record, falling out of the raft can have severe conse- quences. Peay While you're in it, you notice little beyond the push of the water against your paddle and the cold shock of the water when it hits your face. A!l you hear are your guide’s directions, the _rush of the river, and the occasional burst of maniacal laughter and excited whoops from the rafters. When it’s done there are high fives all around, My only complaint? It was over toc soon. If the thought of rafting and its inherent risks is not some- thing you're willing to take on, WRAD also offers jet boating. Although it requires less in the way of participation, it is by no means a sedate way of checking out the scenery. Jer boating was developed i in New Zealand, where the manoeuvrable cx3fts performed exciting stunts in the narrow gorges around Queenstown, zo the delight of thrill-secking vis- itors. In 1991, Anderson invested in B.C.’s first commercial jet boat. Since that time, jet boating has become one of the favourite adventure tours in the province. As well as 2 fast ride up and down cither the Green River or the Lillooet, guests get information about the area from the driver/guides. They also get wer. With a hard hull, che boats offer little flexibility 25 they bounce over the rapids. Boaters © must use their legs as.shock: absorbers, and when the craft hangs suspended after launching off a wave, be prepared for some “humidity,” as driver Eric calls it. From personal experi- ence I can tell you the seat behind the driver is a particularly effective spot to cool off. In addition to rafting and jet boating, the ranch has a stable of 17 horses for trail riding and haywagon tours in the Pemberton Valley. The ranch also caters to group and special functions. For more information, call Whistler River Adventures at (604) 932-3532 or toll free: 1-888-932-3532. Or send e-mail to raftnjer@whistler-river-adv.com. ~F The Ministry of Transportation and Highways advises travellers of a paving project : at various locations on the Sea-To Sky Highway 99. This paving. work is required to help ensure the continued reliability of this important route. Motorists should expect random delays between August 4 ard September 3 as. follows: ; Resurfacing work is under way at various locations from Porteau Camp ‘ 4 (23 km north of Horseshoe Bay) to Cheekeye River (10 km north of Squamish) & Motorists traveiling through all work locations should allow an additional - 20 minutes to reach their destination. Q Work will be performed around the clock to ensure timely completion. Weskend delays will be minimized as follows: There will be no work after noon on Fridays; and i Crews will maintain two-way traffic until 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. (construction delays will resume after 9 p.m.) Be Construction speed zones are in effect - watch for traffic control personnel, Please help keep our work zones safe. Fer further information contact the Howe Sound District Highways Office at 981-0042. The ministry thanks you for planning your travel around this important highway project. ee BRITISH COLUMB Ministry of DE tin and Highways ERE Sr Se aka eee oar 4-DAY WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE Nov. 28, Miami ¢ Playa del Carmen/Cozumel © Grand Cayman e Ocho Rios ¢ Miami from $869c0n cruise only Caen ae ed eel ne 1399 . 4 dBetare iGoen Wascouvés, pont Caarges. ad aie ates are addtional «Feces are per pation’ Hvaed enteqa daring ond aspect to evalabiiy af me of booking. +e 6 &