Mission Accomplished!

Mindy Gleason, who has worked with and has been whitewater rafting with O.A.R.S. for nearly two decades, recently returned from the Upper Navua River in Fiji as the first person to navigate each river included in the O.A.R.S.’ Seven Whitewater Wonders of the World.

These crème de la crème whitewater rafting trips include:

• Colorado River through the Grand Canyon
• Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho
• Chilko-Chilcotin-Fraser Rivers in British Columbia
• Futaleufu River in Chile
• Klinaklini River in Coastal British Columbia
• Tuolumne River near Yosemite National Park in California
• Upper Navua River in Fiji

National Geographic Adventure magazine twice named O.A.R.S. as the Best River and Sea Outfitter on Earth and recently National Geographic Traveler recognized the whitewater rafting and adventure travel company’s Ultimate Fiji Explorer luxury adventure as one of their 2009 Tours of a Lifetime. As testament to the company’s outstanding customer service and expertise, Condé Nast Traveler magazine named Reservations Manager, Mindy Gleason, their Top Travel Specialist for River Rafting in 2007 and 2008.  It’s been a good year for Mindy, eh?

The Seven Whitewater Wonders was introduced as part of O.A.R.S.’ 35th anniversary celebration.  Many whitewater rafting enthusiasts call O.A.R.S. in search of trips on the world’s finest rivers.  The office staff put their collective experiences together – the office staff alone has done close to 1,000 river trips – and realized these seven rivers represent some of the most unique waterways in the world. Five years later, there are several other O.A.R.S. travelers who are about to complete all seven itineraries and join Mindy in the Seven Whitewater Wonders Club.

In an interview from the O.A.R.S. HQ, Mindy said, “I realize I am extremely fortunate to be the first person to participate in such a unique travel opportunity. I certainly will never forget sleeping in tree houses along the Futaleufu River in Chile or witnessing the nearly 75 waterfalls cascading from the Upper Navua River’s canyon walls on my recent trip in Fiji. I find it helpful to have first-hand experience on so many different rivers when I talk with people who call our office. I’m frequently asked to reveal my favorite river, although I can’t truthfully do that. I do, however, have favorite memories from each. I particularly enjoyed the remoteness of the Kliniklini River in British Columbia.  I love to fly and we utilized helicopters and bush planes to access the river, which was thrilling. I often suggest to our travelers to experience more than one river, as each one offers something unique and unforgettable. No matter the economy, it’s always a good time to invest in lifetime memories.” 

Congratulations Mindy – for becoming the first person to navigate all 7 rivers of O.A.R.S.’ Seven Wonders and for being recognized as a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler magazine!
 

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor