13 Comments

I've read your other articles about rafting, and looked up the company you mentioned. Oregon is the only state I somehow haven't been to, nor has my wife. I talked her into learning how to fly fish this summer and we had a blast. I'm thinking river rafting next.

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So many choices. I did the Rogue twice this year and I love O.R.E. for their extraordinary variety. I’d suggest the Owyhee but it’s brutal, only in spring and wickedly unpredictable. The Rogue is just so gorgeous. And you can either camp or lodge; as you know I’ve done both and they are both fabulous. Anything I can do to support your thinking. I love these guys and I really trust the guides.

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Next summer is a long way off so we have some time to look at things. Also have to think about daughter's summer camp, etc. Cause you know she's going to want to go with. It'll be fun to look at things and dream over the winter. I know who to ask if I have any questions though.

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Julia, I loved reading this post, and your other ones about river rafting. It's amazing that such an experience can turn the terrified to ecstatic so fast. You are right: we in our society "overvalue having instead of being." Things -- material possessions -- are not important compared to having valuable experiences.

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Thank you as always for the kind words, Beth. I’m seeking as many ways forward that are positive, and this is one of them.

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I'm definitely giving myself the gift of rafting in 2025--it's been way too long! I love that you wrote about it again.

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Brilliant idea! When I was a teenager I went on a school canoe trip down the Ardeche river in France . The memories are still so vivid and I’m 63! I may sign my husband and I up for an adventure next year! Thank you for this.

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For his HS graduation, my son chose to go on a 7-day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. It was the incredible trip of a lifetime, mostly docile waters, big stable raft with guides. The meals were banquets fit for a king and delicious, cooked on sandy beaches that we also slept on, under the stars. It was fantastic. Great West Expeditions I think the company was, but it was about 20 years ago.

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I am a huge fan of rafting, Billy. Last year really opened up a brand new world.

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recently I was able to accompany my daughter and her family on their Colorado vacation and one of the events was river rafting -- So. much. fun -- for every single one of us from the six year old to the 76-year old. The beauty of your critical question of having or being is that being provides both the be and the have -- as those memories keep on giving, Thanks for that great review of the ORE adventures.

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I’m now looking up such holidays in Europe! All suggestions for this side of the pond are welcome.

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Looks like a blast! I agree on collecting moments, not things. Amazing experience!

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What a great idea for a gift!

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