A Harehl Musman Production: 10 years doing White water rafting!

Wenatchee River, near Peshastin, WA

When I first meet Caroline at Red Lobster in Olympia Washington, one thing she told me right away was that she is a white water river guide and if I wanted to be in a relationship with her during the 5 to 6 months of the rafting season, I better learn to paddle.

Watching a different company arrive at a take out near Cashmere Wa.

She worked as the Trip Leader for the Northwest Adventure Center at the Joint Base Lewis - McChord (at that time it was just Fort Lewis) part time.

Long days and goofy guides.

After being just a van driver, gear hauler, and paddler for 2 season starting around 2002, I went to Guide Training school at a company called WaveTrek. I have been a guide ever since. I am now in my 8th year as a white water river guide.

Gearing up on a sunny day in Leavenworth Wa

I have had my ups and downs with this sport. I had a river swim on the Skykomish river that could have killed me (not a joke) (but I did the the great nick-name "Underwater Eric"), I have experienced many panic attacks over the idea of guiding or even being on the river sometimes, Caroline and I am have some big fights over all of it too. The last 2 years I have been finding myself growing more and more into it. This year I finally feel that I have come to love this sport.

Myself mugging for the camera with a wonderful guide and a great musician Ryan Yates!

The connection with the land and the water. The ability to control a raft in odd moving water and putting it right where I want it is a thrill. The ego joy of commanding a group of strangers who have put their trust and faith blindly into me is, well, a joy. The group movement and team work, the the feeling of success at the end of every day on the river is a blessing indeed.

Rafts in the water, crews ready to go!

The other amazing part that I have really come to understand that I have now volunteered for the same program for 10 years now. 10 years! I have never held a job that long! Amazing indeed!

Dudette or sometimes Zipper Girl (Caroline to you land lubbers) giving the safety talk.

Just another day at the office.

On the river!

I love working for the MWR! We work with all types of folks with in the life of a military base. From Soliders and their families to retired folks, to civilian folks who work on the base. While I may not agree with the politics of war, I do know the importance of supporting the people that make their lives to defend us and willing to die for it. This is my way of showing support, by showing them a get time doing a fin high energy sport.

Different view on the river.

This is my 10th year as a volunteer and a white water paddler and my 8th year as a white water river guide, and now this is my 4th year as a capitol T Tour Guide. I am very pleased indeed!