Yesterday I rafted the Nenana river with Denali Outdoor Center, the company I work for. A major perk of working here is the ability to jump in the raft if there is available space on your day off! I felt lucky to get on a paddle boat on the 'canyon' part of the river. This is where the white water rapids are located. (As opposed to the 'scenic wilderness' part of the river which is more of a float down the river.) There are different names for the areas on the river and each stretch of rapids.
This river is one of the few that runs from South to North, and is glacial feed. The water is now 35 degrees, which is why you are required to wear heavy layers and a dry suit. In the winter the river completely freezes over. Every spring, as it begins to warm, the river breaks up. There is even a local Denali betting pool to guess the exact time!
In this first picture I am paddling through a rapid. Thanks to Chad for guiding us!
In this picture I am 'riding the bull' which is where you sit on the front edge of the boat and hold on tight! The water was at the third peak of the season due to high water levels from a week of rain. This made the water fast and exciting!
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