A River Absolutely Runs Through It

From high above the ravine, the driver maneuvered an isolated highway descending steeply to the riverbed below. Far below! We seemed to drop down and down, with no end in sight. I did not LIKE how far below it was, the river waiting calmly down there for our truck to reach it. Warning signs dotted the roadway, "8% descent next 4 miles. CAUTION". 

You didn't need to tell us twice.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/29332014@N00/3875655426

Some of the time I covered my poor eyes, wondering where on earth the guardrails had disappeared to. But the driver was cautious, just as cautious as the signs warned us to be as we crawled ever lower until I could finally breathe again.

The Deschutes River, Maupin, Oregon

And the struggle was worth it, dear Readers! We reached The Imperial River Company just when I was beginning to wonder if we ever would. It is a riverside hotel that houses the adventurous - those who want to sit on a raft and go shooting down the rapids. I did not want to go shooting down the rapids but was kindly invited anyway. I opted for staying happily indoors. With the air conditioning at full blast. With food and drink and of course comfort at my beck and call. Riverside relaxation? Oh yes, please!

As the rafters pulled away and drifted down the current, I hiked up to and across a gigantic bridge. The structure overlooked the Deschutes River far below, and I could watch as the various and brightly colored rafts carried eager passengers peacefully along. Although it would be hot later on, the morning was crisp and full of promise, birds chirping and a fresh breeze chilling the wanderer. Following the river, I listened to an Alexander McCall Smith audiobook, hearing the many strange new things that were happening to young Bertie, who sometimes sings the blues. Time passed quickly.

The rafters floated on down, hoping for white water to overtake them - which it did, with dramatic results. Bodies flew about and one lady was thrown in but kept her head and lived to tell the tale. It was all rather exciting but all the same, I was glad I was not there. 

And the adventure ended in the nicest possible way, too. It's called, 'Death By Chocolate' and is enormous. It took some doing, but the SconeLady ate the whole thing and was NOT ONE BIT SORRY. In fact, everybody should experience a day like this one, next to a beautiful river, with enormous bridges, dramatic truck rides down ravines, and ice creams. 

But I still say Oregon needs more guardrails.

See you along the way!
the SconeLady

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29332014@N00/3875655426">Rowena looking fantastic with the haze from the Mosier forest fires</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>