White Salmon River Rafting Trip @ IEEE BEEEP

Susan Federici, PhD

On July 9, 2011, forty-one Oregon IEEE engineers and their families enjoyed a rollicking rafting ride on the White Salmon River in Washington. The river was running high and wild then. The day was sparkling clear with the temperatures in the mid-70^os.

There were two trips down the river that day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The afternoon group included the most IEEE members. Everyone understood instinctively what to do. They arrived by car, walked around to the gathering area, identified the other engineers there, joined one of the small groups talking together and made themselves at home. In no time at all, we had a big party going!

Our river guides were Zoller Outdoor Odysseys (www.zoorafting.com) located in BZ Corner, just twelve miles north of the town of White Salmon. Not only does Zoller have more than thirty years of experience as professional river guides, but the company’s facilities are excellent, too.

Zoller is unique among White Salmon River guides in that the company maintains its own dock on the river bank. All participants are outfitted with wet suits, booties, life jackets and helmets for safety and comfort. There are even private dressing rooms for suiting up appropriately and changing back afterwards. Besides these necessities for the activity of white water rafting, Zoller’s facilities also include a deli for food service, an extensive picnic area and off the road parking.

The day after the trips, Barry Kennedy sent a poem he had written to express his happiness with the experience. Three days later, another message came asking if we could do the rafting again next year? The answer is an enthusiastic, “Yes!”

“White Water Life”

Our guide said paddle

The water said go

My body stretched

The paddle dipped

The water splashed cold

The raft spun

The river flowed

White water rafting

Can be like life

If I can be so bold

I dip my paddle