nowing this to be a ‘fun’ set of rapids, I wanted a shot of our sister raft, commanded by Captain Mac and Swamper Maggie against that shadowed wall, so I jumped into the ‘bathtub’ up front in my lead raft, commanded by Captain Al, covered my big camera and lens, and held on for dear life trying to keep the gear dry while I was in the spin cycle. Taking us down the edge of Shinumo Rapids, skirting the wall closer than most rapids, I felt enlivened and exhilarated, like a race car speeding bouncing out of control on the edge of the track barrier. The energy of it all nothing short of thrilling. Captain Al, got us through with lots of cheers by the others, except for me, as I was too focused on unwrapping my still dry camera, as we spun around and caught an eddy to hold position. Perfectly timed as I raised my glass, Mac and Maggie come rolling through. While seasoned in the care, operation, and safety of the raft, this crew had their hands full as the motor had just conked out on Mac. Milliseconds before, his back is towards the front as he bends over furiously trying to restart it. Maggie also fully aware, jumps up on the side holding ropes like a rider on a galloping stagecoach, putting herself in best position with eyes on everything to respond to any shifting gear or rafters. As the rear of the stalled raft breached up out of the water, the motor kicks in and Mac spins back to navigating. The rooster-tail spray of the motor spinning in the air added this wonderful effect in the backlit sun. Despite the problem, its just another wet and wild ride to these folks. When it comes to freedom, adventure and soulful explorations, its hard to imagine a better experience than being a paying rafter down the Colorado River, unless you’re a guide or a swamper, then that is the ultimate!