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Show HILL TOP TIMES Page 14 August 31. 1979 II - v . l 4 ft." If Fighter Squadron members ample white-wate- r float trip. The Green River provides 16th Tactical excitement during FT aafig-- ,' day-lon- g jmin UMii muni Kawy i munii wmimimmm i ioi vrjssmmaMiuvm-psutrvmmmm'xmm- : -t 7 i'rs" JjRt -- .xfT '..iiinai;-i& 7. rrzrze f Jl gyr-TsL'- . fr.&ti(is&t? Floating the river through Northeastern Utah, members and dependents beauty. -- xs-4- f fitw&a - fa's. Some segments of a river trip are relaxing, as when the river gently carries the raft between rapids. downstream enoy scenic White water rafting unique unit activity Story and Photos by Capt. Michael B. Perini 388th TFW, 01 The boatsman called it "Lower School Boy." The name came from rivermen who had used this set of rapids as a "pass or fail" lesson in river running. For members of the 16th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, this stretch of river would be the most treacherous in a long day of white water rafting. Scenic drive sets tone It was a four-hotrip by car to Dinosaur Monument National Park, near Jensen, Utah. bus ride followed along winding A one-honarrow dirt roads past ancient hieroglyphics n rafts would be to the site where the launched. Those timeless rock paintings would set the tone fof this unique squadron ur outing against the backdrop of the colorful Green River in northeastern Utah. Our guides for the trip were professional boatsmen. Several had navigated the Colorado River. For most of the 25 adults and children who had signed up, the trip would be a new experience. All were excited, and many somewhat anxious. We donned our life jackets and climbed into one of the five awaiting Havasu rafts. Bailing boxes for cameras and buckets, water-proo- f watches, and an extra set of oars served as vivid reminders to those who wondered what dangers lay ahead. ur six-ma- Their answers came soon enough. As the GreenRiver took the initial turn, roaring water against jagged rocks announced we had arrived at our first rapids. With two narrow . passages to choose between, our boatsman steered us to the right. Our raft pitched with the swells. We made it through that first set of rapids, though many of us got wet. As the river wound its way between n towering cliffs, more rapids with rocks sent churning water into even larger swells. half-hidde- . Rafts were pounded The rafts were pounded by walls of water soaking those inside, again and again. One by one, rapids with appropriate names like "Save Our Boats," "Upper and Lower School Boy," "Moonshine" and "The Tunnel" were challenged and run. The Havasus flexed as they were designed to, holding together like steel ships in a violent spring storm. It was not all rapids; there were stretches of the Green River that were calm. During these times, we were allowed to reflect on the beauty and wonder of the majestic landscape we passed. For more than five hours, the five rafts floated down the river. Lunch was followed by a refreshing swim in a natural warm spring. When the trip was over, only eight miles it seemed more like 20. had been covered Tired and wet, this writer safely planted his feet on dry land again with the firm conviction that he'd do it again. There are two four-da- y trips, I was told. Rafting recommended If is - looking for do, I would something recommend white water rafting with professional guides and quality equipment, of course. It's exciting and fun. All you need is yourself, a day, and some dry clothes! your organization different to |