So for the last three years I have gone on a 3 day river trip with a group of about 20 girls. It is a random smattering of people mostly connected through my work friend Kelly. I always question if I should really go for it, but every year I end up saying yes and walk away with no regrets. And this year was no different.
A few stats
*19 total girls, 3 newbies and 16 repeats
*4 handsome but slightly stinky river guides
*4 boats
*Theme nights – Night 1 – Tutus and Tiaras Night 2 - Safari
*River – The Green through the Gates of Ladore
* 19 thirty packs, countless “juice boxes” and our fair share of brown water
Every year I am reminded that the river has some great advice:
*Go with the flow
*Immerse yourself in nature
*Slow down and meander
*Go around obstacles (but don’t forget sometimes it’s necessary to hit them straight on)
*Be thoughtful of those downstream
*Stay current
But of course there are always a few extra lessons on these trips
*Glow sticks and connectors will work for a limbo stick in a pinch
*If 18 girls ask you to wear nothing but a hat over your junk as a costume most boys will do it.
*Theme dressing combined with copious amounts of alcohol will turn you into your costume. Every Time.
*Being truly disconnected is one of the best things you can do for your well being
*watching someone forget to wash their hands before preparing your meat will make it not taste as good
*If you forget to remove your Chaco’s you will look like a hippie for the rest of the summer thanks to the lovely sun tan you just acquired
*A 30 pack a person is not enough for a three day/two night trip
*Dance parties in the sand will leave you a little sore in the am
