Dam Release White Water Rafting and Cook Out Not just a regular White Water Rafting trip, but perhaps the most daring and exciting visit to the rapids you may ever experience! Not for the faint of heart! Today, we introduce Rafting at the North Branch, a perfect step up from our Harpers Ferry beginner whitewater rafting trip on the Shenandoah. This run is continuous Class III-IV whitewater non-stop fun! This scenic waterway of rolling waves is being released for the last time this year, so don't miss out on this trip!!! Sections of calm water permit cliff-jumping, relaxation, and swimming. Trip length is seven miles and experienced guides navigate each raft. Our guides live for this incredible white water rafting journey…Join them! FAQ: (A) Where do I sit to stay dry? Answer: You are going to get wet. If you somehow manage to get through every rapid dry, someone is bound to take pity on you and dump a ( or likely many more than one,) bailer full of water on you. (B) Since I am going to get wet, is it at least OK if I wear my warm sweats? Answer: DO NOT WEAR COTTON ON COLD DAYS. Cotton wicks the heat away from you when it gets wet and will cause you to become hypothermic. Wear wool, or PolyProtm -- these will keep the heat in. Wear Spandex and wool. Sweats are most definitely out, until after you get back to dry land. Also, best to wear old sneakers instead of flip flops or new sneakers which could get ruined. (C) What can I drink to stay warm? Answer: Drink warm liquids. These will help you replace lost body heat and warm you from the inside. Please note that warm food will have the opposite effect. A good hot meal an hour or so before the trip would, however, give you energy reserves to keep you warm. (D) Do I have to wear a life vest? Answer: YES. Always wear your life vest. Not only does this add another layer to keep you warm, it also keeps you floating should you decide to leave the boat mid trip. We will provide you with an approved life vest, so please do not bring one with you. (E)) How do I know what to wear? Answer: Know the weather conditions. Being prepared is the best way to keep warm. Check to see what the water and air temperatures are. If you add the air temp, adjusted for wind chill, and the water temp together and they equal less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you are in prime hypothermia conditions. You must also wear shoes. (F) Should I bring my camera? Answer: Like you, your camera will get wet. Things also have a way of going into the river, never to be seen again. This being the case, we would suggest a sturdy strap. Instructions and basic lessons will be given beforehand, but beware. If you are looking for a nice, smooth leisurely rafting ride down the river, this is not for you. This is heart pounding, pulse racing, hang on tight adventures! Give yourself three to three and one half hours to get there (if coming from central DC). If you want TTD to help with a car pool, please let us know. Suggested Attire: +++WET SUITS ARE A MUST.--- If you do not own one, we can rent one for you for $12 a person. Upon registering, let us know if you need one. Know the weather conditions. Being prepared is the best way to keep warm. Check to see what the water and air temperatures are. If you add the air temp, adjusted for wind chill, and the water temp together and they equal less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you are in prime hypothermia conditions. You must also wear shoes. Directions: Take 70W to Hancock (or take 270N to get to 70W) Take 68W to Cumberland. Near Frostburg, exit onto 36 S at exit # 34. Continue on 36 to Westernport. In Westernport turn R onto Church Rd. (135 W). Follow 135 W into Luke. In Luke turn L onto Masteller Rd (Rt 46). Stay on 46 for approximately 5 miles or so and turn right at the sign for Shaw Beach: Howell run Picnic Area (Jennings Randolph Lake). Go approximately one mile, following the signs that direct you to Howell Run picnic area. 39 degrees, 25 min, 00 sec, .56 N and 79 degrees, 07 min, 22 sec, .41 W, 1578 ft above sea level. Someone will direct you on further to another area. To find out how far away you are, the closest town to mapquest it to is Elk Garden, WV, although the directions above do not send you directly through the little town itself. Cost: $89.00 Price Subject to Increase at any time. Limited Space Includes a tasty riverside cookout between the two runs. A guide in each raft. Shuttle transportation to and from the river and all equipment.		Saturday Oct 10, 2009 11:45am-5:30pm North Branch $89