Last Thursday, 7/18/19 we had the experience of a lifetime during an afternoon WW rafting trip. With Hunter as our guide to navigate through what turned into near- hurricane force winds, we could not have been......ready? HAPPIER! What was going to be a fairly routine 1/2 day (as routine of an experience as WW rafting can be, that is) on a gorgeous river, turned into a much more challenging and technical experience than we could have imagined.
Not long after we set out, the wind picked up and we were faced with the strongest winds they had seen on the river so far this season (according to the guides). And I don't doubt it!! Paddling into the head winds and winds coming at us from the side, Hunter and the other guides in the other boats (that were on the same 1:30 pm trip that day) had to communicate and work together to decide when and how to take on the rapids with their boats full of novice but willing paddlers.
First, I must say that our entire boat (7 in our family group and an additional couple) agreed that Hunter was beyond amazing in how he handled us and the raft. He was personable, professional and made us all laugh at just the right times when a bit of humor was needed to get us through the particularly challenging times. We felt 100% safe in his boat and trusted that he would get us through the rapids and wind combination that none of us expected that day. He was confident and calm and I have no doubt that he worked much harder than he ever let on when we were making our way through what turned into what must have been considered a challenging rafting situation with a boat full of rookies!
We felt the team spirt in our boat when we listened to Hunter's clear directions and worked through the rapids and wind - and when we did our 'paddle high fives' after every challenge, we knew we had even more reason to celebrate.
Once through the particularly challenging moments and the wind died toward the end of the trip, we took in the absolutely stunning scenery and information that Hunter shared with us about the history of the river and the area. It was even more glorious to float a bit and appreciate not only the beauty of our surroundings, but the skill and professionalism we witnessed that day by Hunter.
Even if we had had a more 'routine' experience on the river that day, we would have been just as impressed with Hunter, the other guides and staff and the Glacier Raft Company in general. Everyone along the way was courteous and professional.
I/we highly recommend this as an incredible experience not to missed. I stress that from what we understand -- our experience on the river was highly unusual - but a true test in regards to the quality of their guides (HUNTER!) and training.
THANK YOU Hunter from the Dream Team family of 7 - what a memorable trip that we won't soon (ummmm- won't EVER forget!).