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Friday, April 14, 2006 

Rafting Anyone?

Queenstown is well known for its challenging white water rafting, so when opportunity knocked, we answered the door. Our guide bet Newt that we would tip before reaching the end of the rapids. Newt couldn't pass up the bet, so it will be an exciting day. When the ride is over, we will all meet back at the hut for a classic kiwi lunch of barbecued lamb chops, sausages, and of course burgers.

First we must get our equipment: wetsuits, helmets, life preservers, and a paddle.

Next we all pile into a bus that will take us to the top of the hill. Catch that view out the window!

The constant chatter slowed to a few murmurs and we stared down at the long, winding river, the bus slowly climbing the hill. The white foamy peaks were spinning and frothing around its rocky bed. The water’s movements made me dizzy, and I began to have second thoughts about the impending journey. My thoughts wandered back to the pub the evening before, when we met some people from Ireland, here on holiday. Anxious to make new acquaintances, we had no trouble convincing them join us for the day. But the gauntlet had been thrown - damn Newt and his bets! It was time to put up or shut up. The rapids below were waiting to be conquered. “I can do this,” I muttered to no one in particular. And though it was not an impossible task, the whole idea smacked of drunken bravado.