SCREAM Rafting Aug 2012

My dear friend Diede's sister and her hubby have been inviting us to join them for their annual river float on the Yakima, for years.  Jeremy and I did it once, before kids, but haven't been back since.  We decided to give it a go this year.  We felt the kids were old enough to enjoy it and we were comfortable with them being on rafts with life jackets.  Trixie and William are awesome campers and went to the campsite early to hold down the fort.  Diede handled the meals and was camp cook, while the rest of us pitched in with clean up and kid watching.  It was a hot weekend in Ellensburg, but being in the cool waters of the Yakima river helped alot!  Here are some pics of the fun.

 The kids and Gypsy, playing early in the morning before it was too hot.

 Diede and Trixie, getting breakfast going.

We did the 'long' float on Saturday, driving up canyon to a put in spot, just south of Ellensburg.  It took us four hours to float back to camp at big pines, with one stop at the half way point for potty breaks.

Diede and Eric, chillin.

 One of Derick's favorite parts was soaking us and other floaters with cold river water!

 Me, getting it from D-man.

Darla didn't like getting sprayed or splashed much.  So, if she was hit, I got some mommy snuggles.

Derick aiming for me and getting Trixie in the process.

 Me and the kids in the blow up kayak. 

Derick picked up how to 'steer' us by paddling pretty quickly.  W was impressed and Derick likes to impress the grown ups.  So, he did alot of paddling for us. 

 Diede with Darla and Lynn playing behind her in the SeaDoo.

 The girls had a really fun time together.

Darla, in her usual fashion, slowly warmed up to this whole rafting idea.  But once she was comfortable....she really enjoyed herself.  Before long, she was hopping from raft to raft and taking turns with the other kids in the SeaDoo. 

 Cousin Rhianna was along for the ride and Lynn and Eric definitely love spending time with her.

There are a few spots along the route that were slightly bumpy...one of them being this sheer rock cliff.  However, being in the SeaDoo while the raft got up close and personal with the rocks turned out to be kinda fun!

 Jeremy stretching his legs and getting some much needed sun. 

 The kayak was detachable, so W decided to take the boys for their own ride for a while.  Derick loved it!

 Returning safely to the main raft.

 Cute, crazy tired, silly kids in camp. 

Day two of our adventure had us packing up most of camp and then heading back up the canyon for the 'short' float.  We put in at the half way point and did a two hour trip so that everyone could head for home. 

My man, relaxing in the raft. 

We had a wonderful time on the river!  Thanks SCREAM crew for making it happen so smoothly.  We can't wait to do it next year!