Santa Fe Rafting Co. - DO IT

Closing out this epic road trip on a strong note, I decided it would be a good idea to do some rafting! Continuing with the 40-something and 20-something road trip comparisons. At 20-something, I just rolled up in all kinds of funny/crazy situations and went wherever the wind would take me.

At 40-something, I have a little bit more structure and sometimes it works out while others it does not.

I signed up for white-water rafting before leaving for Vegas. What I did NOT plan for was only 40 degree temps in Santa Fe on the morning we were scheduled to roll out. This is my: "I'm not so sure this was a good idea face..."

Recognizing: I don't like to be cold, I know nothing about rafting, and I don't have the proper clothing for this adventure ALL AT ONE TIME!

Enter Santa Fe Rafting Co. (https://www.santaferafting.com/trips)! All of my second guessing was put to rest immediately after arriving. The location was less than a mile from our super comfy hotel (Old Santa Fe Inn - https://oldsantafeinn.com/) and everyone was happy and welcoming when we walked up. Easy to find, easy to park, and happy faces...everything else would be smooth rafting (see what I did there, Austin? Seems like your kind of joke).

Note 1: You don't have to be prepared because they have everything you need! You can tell our attire was head to toe provided by Santa Fe Rafting Co. Whew, crisis averted!

Some things never change, I am ALWAYS prepared with a camera no matter what kind of event is going down. I've been the obnoxious girl taking pics since birth! If you've seen the movie Can't Hardly Wait, you know what character I am: "will you sign my yearbook?"

I am fairly certain NONE of these pictures will come out due to the quality of the camera and the water splatters on every lens while snapping away. What I DO know is there should be a warning label on that camera b/c at one point the elastic strap I used to hook it to my life jacket got stretched when I was switching from pulling to pushing with my paddle. It was very cartoon-like the way the elastic pulled to full capacity before untangled and launching the camera towards my face with a SMACK! Once I was able to stop laughing and check that I wasn't bleeding it was a good story to share.

Our new friend Rio drove us about 45 minutes away to get to the starting point while Austin gave us some history on the different towns we were passing through. I always enjoy being around people that do things they are passionate about for a living! We also had one other participant and two "guides in training" with us. Each person added a great element to trip and no one seemed annoyed by our constant cackles and foolishness.

Sadly, Rio left us here and at one point I thought he just missed us and found us on the course. Apparently he was not missing us at all and just getting some pictures of us rafting down the river. I will give him 5 stars for putting up with our shit, driving us and providing pics, videos and SNACKS!

This photo will FOREVER make me laugh. Jason and I always try to snap pictures of the human Bear doing things in action but we NEVER can b/c she can smell a camera on her and always turns to ruin the action shot with a smile or crazy face. She MAY have gotten that from someone...

This is us approaching the biggest rapid of the day and as everyone is team working together, I saw Rio with the camera and felt it MOST responsible and appropriate to stop paddling and wave. Whew...I swear if you watch the video it isn't as bad as it looks here!

Evidence 1: I'm paddling and at the right time. Myka got picked as the rhythm setter and I'm still a little sore about it. hahah just kidding, I'd follow Myka anywhere and clearly she is focused enough to stay on task!

It really was a great day and I'd encourage everyone to try this...it isn't nearly as intimidating as it looks and you get such great instruction at every point! Anyone could do it with the right attitude and Austin as your guide.

Look, not scary at all! Watch the wave, see, I wasn't neglecting my team duties. Maybe half a second...you be the judge.

Saving the best for last, how did I NOT get a picture with Austin? He was the best guide ever and I am sure there are some pics on the disposable camera. Austin was very knowledgable about the area, the river and dad jokes!

We were all laughing the entire day and I would highly recommend using this company if you are looking for an unforgettable way to spend a morning in Santa Fe. Clearly, Roberto has lost his mind, Austin deserves 5 stars for his work, attitude, jokes but MOST importantly he can teach you how to make the BEST duck call in Santa Fe.

Snacking it up and trying to unfreeze our toes after the half day on the Rio Grande Racecourse. Thanks Everyone at Santa Fe Rafting Co. for great memories and an unforgettable experience.

If you were wondering where Beast Mode was for the day, she had just gotten her fur done and didn't want to get it messed up in the water so she stayed back at the hotel (I know some of you were concerned)! Santa Fe Rafting Co. has a cool shop where you meet up and can buy some swag. Beast Mode got a hat to support the crew and feel like she participated in the adventure.

Already rocking the new goods in Baton Rouge!

For many of you worried about me on the road, I have already dropped Myka off in Dallas without a scratch on her and got myself back to BR as well. No need to worry anymore and hopefully I've encouraged some of you to get out there and do something out of the ordinary. The world is a lot less scary when you're actually in it doing fun things with great people.

I will leave you with my final 20-something vs. 40-something traveling comparison.

When you're worn out from your long cross country trip, in your 40's you'll get clean, return work emails and meditate on a nice clean bed. In your 20's you just drop on the concrete with dirty feet and an open wallet...I have no clue what was happening here and I don't need anyone that was there to clarify!

It's been another great adventure with Beast Mode and friends. I am so grateful to have a supportive husband and daughter that encourage me to go and live my best life on the road in short spurts where we can work it in with the family. Thanks to Myka for being an amazing human and great traveling bestie:) I can always count on her to have a great time, be flexible and try crazy things with me.

Cheers to the next time we hit the road. Peace and love to you all until we trip out again!