Float

 When looking for an activities for the Cousin Crew I have to weigh a number of factors, including cost and the age of all of the participants. It is really hard to find activities that please and excite individuals aged 9-19 without completely breaking the bank. When I found a Groupon for floating down the Shenandoah River, I thought I had stumbled upon the perfect summer activity.

After all, it was blazing hot so splashing in the cool water sounded inviting. I know that the kids are adventurous but not necessarily physically active, so floating in a tube was going to be preferred to a rapid experience where they would have to work. I've never done an official float, but it was advertised as the best lazy river of your life, so I figured it would be my speed. I signed us up and our adventure began.

Now obviously I knew that the float was in the river so I anticipated dirt and some random creatures. I was woefully unprepared for the number of rocks. Despite the amount of rain we have received this summer the river was low. It was so low that we ended up beaching ourselves on rocks throughout the 'float.'  Between being stuck on rocks and the low water level, we only moved if we paddled and kicked or walked with our tubes.  Our 45 minute float took us 2.5 hours!

Paddling quickly tired out my arms, so I opted to hold onto the raft and hop through the experience. That was a mistake of epic proportions. I was completely unprepared for the slippery and precarious river bottom. I was constantly losing my balance and scraping/cutting my legs. About 1/2 through the experience the suction on my leg broke leaving me even more compromised. I was now struggling with trying to keep my leg on while balancing on invisible, slippery and sharp river rocks.

Exiting the river was an experience I hope to never repeat. To say I struggled would be an understatement. I was slipping and fell on my knees and side on several occasions, leaving me even more bruised and bloodied. I was disappointed that none of the staff even attempted to offer assistance, but I suppose that should be a story for the Groupon review. 

The Cousin Crew had a great time on the float because they have fun regardless of the situation. They really just love doing things together and can make anything an adventure. I feel like I have been put through a paint can shaker. Every single part of my body hurts, from my fingertips to my foot. 

I think I'll keep my floating to a pool from now on.