River Running Is a Whole-Body Experience

October 20, 2008.

O.A.R.S. Idaho Adventure Consultant, Azz Azzarello, had the opportunity a short time ago to share time with her brother on Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River. It was the first Middle Fork trip for both, and though Azz is a seasoned whitewater rafting pro, it was her brother’s first multi-day river trip.

Azz reported to us that watching her brother experience a river’s magic for the first time was sheer joy. It took her back to her first trips where her sensory overload translated into true bliss and a lifelong passion – river running.

As Azz stated, “River running is a whole-body experience that makes you feel truly alive in the moment.”

These are some notes she jotted down while enjoying time on the Middle Fork with her brother…

SEE
- reflections in water especially coppery
- changes in light
- geologic features
- walls "move"
- wildlife
- heavens and constellations
- phases of moon

TASTE
- first cup of coffee, tea, or chocolate in morning
- food tastes better outdoors
- truly sense the thirst-quenching properties of water

FEEL
- warm sand underfoot
- flora – fuzzy or stickery native species
- soothing warmth of hot springs
- mist of waterfalls
- bracing blast of water through rapids
- comfort of sleeping bag at night
- warmth of campfire

SMELL
- sage and pine scent in the air
- yummy scents from kitchen
- smoke from campfires
- rain on dry earth, sand, or ground

HEAR
- wildlife calls
- white noise of rapids
- incredible and credible stories from guides and guests around the campfire