April 4th, 2010
After a long, snowy winter we’re excited to finally get back on the river this week. It’s where we belong, after all. There’s something indescribable about the New River in spring. Naked trees reveal the depth of the gorge, as well as ruins of coal towns from the past. Nature renews itself as wildlife and wild flowers slowly start to emerge. And the sound of rushing whitewater is music to the ears. A rafting adventure in the spring is all this and more.
More than being outdoors in a place called ‘almost heaven’ is the feeling of excitement, anticipation and adrenaline as you experience another big rapid. The bond among your group of friends on this adventure just got tighter. Your sense of wonder just peaked. In fact, all your senses completely overload when you’re on the New River in spring. You just have to be here to truly get it. We hope you’ll join us and see for yourself just how amazing it is.
Tags: almost heaven, nature, new river gorge, scenery, spring rafting
Posted in River Expeditions General | Comments Off
March 21st, 2010
Each year we look forward to spring, which coincides with the beginning of a new rafting season. This year brings even greater anticipation of milder temperatures and the chance to finally conquer cabin fever and go outside and play. Without a doubt, this has been one of the toughest winters on record and we’re ready to cut loose this spring!
Spring Break, March Madness and Easter are just some of the highlights of spring. And for many whitewater junkies Ice Breaker Weekend – the opening weekend of rafting season, also makes the list of events we look forward to each spring. This year, the anticipation of high water is palpable as snow melt and spring rains fill creeks, streams and rivers. There’s nothing like rafting the New River when the leaves are off the trees exposing the steep, rugged banks where coal towns once flourished. Not to mention the sheer volume of water constricting through the narrow gorge. Then there’s the wonder of seeing wild flowers and trees starting to bloom and bud, plus the chance of a glimpse of indigenous wildlife.
So, if you’re ready for a good time in the great outdoors, get to West Virginia this spring and discover the thrill of early season rafting and big volume water. And if you’re a veteran rafter who wouldn’t dream of missing a spring whitewater run, then you can help initiate a new class of rookie rafters. Cheers! HJO
Tags: easter, high water, march madness, new river gorge, rafting, whitewater rafting
Posted in River Expeditions General | Comments Off
March 12th, 2010
Our trip to Ohio for the Boy Scout Show was SO much easier this go around. We had clear skies and clear roads all the way there. Even though we left a little later than originally planned this trip was way less Stressful.
We want to thank all the Scouts and the Scout Leaders that came by our booth on Saturday, March 6. The Boy Scout store had the booth next to us this year and we enjoyed talking with Adam and Andrew. We asked a lot of questions about the new National Jamboree and the location in Mt. Hope. Everyone seemed very excited about the Jamboree and what all it will bring to the scouts. The day could not have been any better. Good weather and good people always make for good times. We made new friends and met with some long time friends that have been rafting with us for a number of years. Look forward to seeing everyone on the River in 2010. SG
Tags: boy scouts, national jamboree, rafting, whitewater adventures
Posted in River Expeditions General | Comments Off
March 4th, 2010
After record snow falls this year, today we are finally getting a break in the monotony of shoveling our way out just to go anywhere. It is March and Spring is just around the corner (despite what it may look like outside). So we are starting the processes to get our basecamp up and ready for everyone to come visit us. We have new construction going on for our cabins, as we speak. We are trying our best to listen to the customers, and give YOU what you want. So I am looking forward to seeing the finished product. We have been meeting with our t-shirt vendors and ordering new apparel to stock our Outfitters’ Store. Not to mention, we will have changes in the Red Dog this year. So there is a light at the end of our snow tunnel. Spring is ALMOST HERE! So let the adventure begin…see you on the river!
Tags: deluxe cabins, luxury cabins, new construction, outfitters store, red dog river saloon
Posted in River Expeditions General | Comments Off
February 26th, 2010
We have been busy at work this morning and getting ready for the weekend. I don’t think I need to check the weather forecast to see what it is going to be like out—MORE snow showers, blowing & drifting, windy & COLD! Hopefully not enough snow to cancel the 4th Annual Central WV Hunting and Fishing Show this weekend Feb 27-28 at the Summersville Armory. A lot of the younger kids and older “grown up” kids are looking forward to getting out, especially with so much cabin fever this month.
Speaking of shows – Sue and I will be heading back out next Friday to North Canton, OH for the Buckeye Council Boy Scouts of America Show March 6 at the Kent State Stark Campus. Hopefully this trip will be better than the last and no major blizzards are planned to hit. If you are in the area please stop by and see us. We are so excited about The Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in Fayette County. We are looking forward to meeting a lot of scouts next weekend and inviting them to stop by River Expeditions this summer to earn their whitewater merit badge.
To everyone that has cabin fever and is tired of all the snow, storms and winter in general, there are only 23 days until SPRING. – SS
Tags: Boy Scouts of America, cabin fever, fayette county, rafting merit badge, spring whitewater
Posted in River Expeditions General | Comments Off
February 15th, 2010
Recently my friend related this story I thought was worth sharing. His son has been teaching kids to snow ski for the past several years. This young ski instructor told his dad he has discovered why some kids don’t make much progress in developing skills while skiing.
He said there is one factor above all else that prevents them from developing like the other kids seem to develop. The kids who don’t develop their skills are afraid of falling. Their goal while skiing is, “I don’t want to fall.” The kids who develop very quickly are the ones who are not afraid of falling. They try the techniques that are being taught, they ski hard and yes, they fall at times because everything is new.
The more they keep working hard at the techniques, the more they fall. The more they fall, the better they become and of course, they eventually fall less frequently. That is the formula for success. Everyone has a choice. Fear stops progress, but being willing to fail while learning creates skills which of course turn into success. It’s a choice! What fears will you conquer this year? Hjo
Tags: fear of failure, learning new skills, snow skiing, stay motivated
Posted in River Expeditions General | Comments Off
February 12th, 2010
Well, what else is there to say but “When will Spring be Here?”. For the first time that I know of the Boy Scout show in Ohio was cancelled due to bad weather. Our trip to Ohio was an eventful one to say the least. The four hour trip took us over seven hours. The snow and cold temperatures made the roadways nearly impossible to travel. But with determination, luck and a lot of prayer as we travelled mile after mile, we finally made it to the hotel. This was an exhausting trip that put my driving skills to the test. We passed many vehicles in the ditch or in the median facing the wrong direction.
As we made our way to dinner it was apparent that this was going to be an adventurous weekend no matter what the weather. The snow was about 6 inches deep and still falling with winds that were very strong and bone chilling. After dinner we made our way back to the hotel to only find out there was more snow to come and much colder temperatures on the way. We could hear the snow blowers working hard outside our window trying to clear a path for travelers. At a glance this did not seem to be a good sign for the morning ahead. The snow blowers were being bogged down due to the large amount of snow on the ground.
Once up and about and not really wanting to look out the window, we discovered that there was about a foot or more of snow on the ground. This led to a plan of action that meant getting ready and then attempting to clean of the vehicle with the snow still coming down. The vehicle was hidden under a blanket of snow and ice. It took us a few minutes to get to the vehicle due to the snow being about shin high and then to get the door opened. It was difficult enough to get the vehicle door opened and the vehicle started and now we have try and remove the snow. It is amazing the amount of snow that fell over night. Once this task was accomplished we returned to the hotel to warm up and get some warm drinks. Now, we have the task of making our way to the Kent State Stark Campus and unloading the show items.
To our surprise the parking lot is just now being plowed and there are no lights on in the building. There are only a few cars in the parking lot and no one is unloading. A gentleman with the scouts came to the door and informs us that the show has been cancelled. What a bummer that we have made it all this way through the snow and treacherous roads and now no show! So, we make the decision to head back to West Virginia due to radio announcement that there is more snow on the way. West Virginia here we come ready or not. During the trip home we can only hope that the roads are better across the state line and wishing for a break in the weather. SG
Tags: bad weather, Boy Scouts of America, travel show, West Virginia travel, whitewater rafting
Posted in River Expeditions General | Comments Off
February 4th, 2010
This week we are busy running around getting ready for two travel shows. Ensuring not only one van is loaded with show stuff, but two vans our loaded. We will be attending the The Buckeye Counsel Boy Scouts of America Show in North Canton, OH, as well as the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA. We will be at the Kent State Professional Education & Conference Center, Stark Campus, Canton OH, Saturday, February 6, 2010. The Harrisburg, PA, show runs from Saturday, February 6, 2010 to Sunday, February 14, 2010, at the State Farm Show Complex.
If you are in or near these areas please stop by. Meeting us at shows are a great way of having one on one contact to ask questions for those who have never rafted before or been to our area. We have a picture slideshow and rafting video for you to view so you see exactly the adventure we offer. We also offer special rates and offers to those who stop by and visit us at the shows. So take advantage of these special offers while you can.
Tags: boy scouts of american, eastern sports and outdoors show, travel shows, whitewater specials
Posted in River Expeditions General | Comments Off
January 29th, 2010
It’s hard to believe it’s the end of January already. Time seems to be flying by. I’m sure if I blink a few more times it will be spring (which I know everyone is looking forward to). After watching and reading the news this morning, it looks like winter continues here in West Virginia and across the country. I’m sure most of you can’t wait to wake up in the morning to see what Mother Nature will bring tonight. It seems like this winter has been a little harder than we’re used to. It is definitely going to help me enjoy the fun that the sun and summer will bring later! Until then, I hope most of the storms will go around us so we can get in some high school basketball games! SS
Tags: high school basketball, snow skiing, summer sun, west virginia rafting, winter storm
Posted in River Expeditions General | Comments Off
January 22nd, 2010
As cabin fever is in full swing this winter, don’t put off planning your vacation because you’re worried about the financial aspects of getting away for some well deserved FUN. You can still have fun on a limited budget. It just takes some know-how.
The current economy has yielded one positive: plenty of travel deals! You can save on everything from airfare, car rentals, hotels, restaurants, attractions and yes, even rafting. River Expeditions is proud to announce that we will not increase our rafting rates in 2010, despite rising operating costs. And the earlier you book your trip, the more money you can save.
Visit tourism websites for the states and cities that interest you and look for valuable money-saving information, coupons and even a list of FREE activities. Happy Travels and Happy Bargain Hunting!
Here are FIVE THINGS YOU CAN GET FOR FREE at River Expeditions:
- FREE trip with every 15 people paid
- FREE continental breakfast for full day rafters
- FREE beverages after full day rafting
- FREE use of our Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub for campers/rafters
- FREE wireless access
Tags: budget travel, cabin fever, no rate increase, vacation deals
Posted in River Expeditions General | Comments Off
