Mike and his crew of instructors were giving us hands on demonstrations, first on dry land, then in a backwater cove, and if we ever graduated beneath Mike's watchful eye, we were allowed out of the cove and encouraged to celebrate.  Mike got more exercise than anyone, shaking his head alternately in terror, shame, and frustration at how well we were (not) doing.

He had put me with a strong, robust man who repeatedly exclaimed, "Hey, I was in the Navy.  I know how to handle a boat!"  After we went down for the third time Mike hauled me out and gave me another partner.  It was years before I cared enough to wonder what ever happened to the guy from the Navy.

Did I mention the flood?  

There was a female rain lasting all night before we got to Ponca.  And it turned into a male rain and kept raining all morning as we struggled to get certified as canoe paddlers.  The river was rising steadily.  But NOBODY was willing to quit.  

The nine students, long since certified, had huddled up under an overturned boat and listened to the struggles in the cove.  As I approached them one of them identified me by the sound of my boots.  "It's the cowboy.  I can hear his right boot hitting sideways."

Just as I got under the boat the heavens wept sorely.  It wasn't just a male rain any longer, it was more like the cavalry arriving with swords swinging.  When I glanced out into the cove there were only three canoes left that hadn't graduated, and a big, uprooted tree was cartwheeling down the Buffalo River at us.  The flood was rising.  Another foot and the cove would disappear.

Mike came over and consulted with Mary about the need to stop the canoe trip.  She shook her head.  "I didn't bring them out here to learn about quitting.  They came out here to learn they could handle anything.  My students won't quit until you say it is too unsafe for you to be on the river."

He grunted at the challenge, then grinned.  Rain was coming down in buckets by that time.  Mike went back to the river's bank alone and looked back up towards the bridge, gauging the height of the river.  More trees were coming down at us, uprooted by the storm and ripped out by the water.  

An hour later I waded out to where he stood to show him us cowboys didn't mind the weather either.  It was cold, and I was sopping wet.  Mike wore these gym shorts and a blue nylon t; there wasn't a goose bump on him.  "What did I ever do to deserve this?" he asked mournfully.  "I don't beat my wife.  I love my kids.  And I even smile nicely at people I don't know."

The water was like rippling mud.  More and more trees were hurtling by us.  Mike glanced one more time at the darkening sky and said, "I'll have to call it off."

Canoeing has been one of my favorite sports ever since.

Outfitters like Mike's BOC, will fit you out with all the equipment you need, and increase the excitement by taking you places you never thought to go by yourself, and make it safer and easier, like by moving your pickup vehicle to the end of the trail. 

Prices start at around $40 per day and worth every penny.  Even when you go alone as I usually did, you soon had friends on every side.  Families love the exciting trips invented by outfitters because it gives them the chance to totally focus on being together, plus, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. At the end of an adventuresome day the family is united more closely than ever.  Around the blazing hearth they can relive the day’s special memories with laughter and consternation too as the wet clothes whirl around in the dryer.

Roewe Outfitters:  We offer the best and most flexible hunting available in Texas and Oklahoma. We hunt on over 100,000 acres in Haskell and Throckmorton Counties of Texas and Jefferson and Bryan Counties of Oklahoma. Lodging and meals are provided on all locations for hunts. 

Newlands Lodge specializes in customer entertainment and development utilizing trout fishing outings on the White River in Arkansas. Newland's has the facilities to accommodate 50 individuals for Corporate business meetings, incentive trips, conferences, retreats and seminars. 

Mammoth Spring at South Fork is the major water source for the Spring River and it provides clear, cold whitewater for some major fun. This is a ride that challenges even the most experienced canoeist with thirty sets of rapids within a 12 mile trip. Many of the rapids are class II and class III ledge-type whitewater, with a couple of three foot falls and some adrenaline-pumping "S" curves thrown in (pardon the pun!) Come learn what most of Northeast Arkansas already knows. A Spring River Canoe trip is one of the most exhilarating canoe floats in the Ozarks! 

Let your dreams soar off into the wild blue yonder.  Fly Tandem with a professional certified instructor pilot by your side. Just imagine a bird's eye view of beautiful Lookout Mountain from 2,000 feet, soaring effortlessly with the hawks and eagles, you will be amazed by the grace of this aerial dance, tandem hang gliding is a once in a life time experience. Come and fly with the professionals who have more tandem hang gliding flights than any commercial flight park.

Wild Bill's Outfitter is the largest, full service outfitter on the Buffalo National River. For floating or fishing, we offer canoes, kayaks, rafts, jonboats, and tubes. We offer private shuttle service for those individuals that have their own boats. If lodging is needed, we have the best selection in the area. Motel rooms, scenic cabins, and a remote lodge are here at Wild Bill's. 

In California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Washington it is the American River Touring Association.  You can go rafting with ARTA on the Tuolumne, Rogue, Middle Fork Salmon, Main Salmon, Green, American, Merced, Illinois, Klamath, Selway or Yampa Rivers will be a vacation you won't forget.

Outdoor Chattanooga offers a robust menu of outdoor fun and adventure.

The Arizona Raft Organization can take you on a 15 day adventure down the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon or on the San Juan River in Southern Utah.  These adventures evoke a profound sense of place and connection with the earth. Bring your family, join your friends, or come solo to explore a world of adventure. Our 3-7 day San Juan Vacation may be more appealing if you are looking for a river that is swift yet friendly.

Kids Love Horses

“Riding horses specifically for therapeutic purposes has helped kids with diverse disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, eating disorders and substance abuse, according the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). Riding can improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, motor development and emotional well-being,” according to NARHA.

Trail Horse Adventures had a chance to participate in four, six-week pilot programs targeting underprivileged children, held at Rawhide in Scottsdale, Arizona. “Their response was overwhelming,” Tom Yoke, owner of Trail Horse Adventures, said. “Kids just naturally open up around horses. We are planning a program that will take place at Trail Horse Adventures in the fall, with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization of Cottonwood to provide the opportunity for kids to have an experience similar to the Horsesense program we just did."

With 45 of the finest trail horses anywhere, and our professionally trained CPR/First-Aid certified guides, we are the chosen outfitter for families, event planners and corporate groups throughout the United States. Our envied permits include the Tonto and Coconino National Forests.

Located in awesome Sedona, AZ these are guided horseback tours with the largest, most professional outfitter in the state. It's a great sightseeing activity for the entire family. A definite must on your list of fun things to do while in Arizona. If you are looking for recreation in Sedona, be a cowboy, reserve your trail ride today! Call 800 723-3538.  http://www.trailhorseadventures.com/

Because survival is so popular, in the outfitters section I'd like to introduce you to the BOSS.

When CBS wanted a real survival school to complement the Survivor mania on television, they came to BOSS. When CAST AWAY producers wanted a survival consultant for Tom Hank's tropical island scenes, they came to BOSS. When National Geographic Explorer wanted to film outdoor survival with industry experts, they came to BOSS. And when people feel the desire to learn traditional skills and explore the wilderness without a dependence on modern gear...they come to BOSS.

"Since 1968, the Boulder Outdoor Survival School —- known to most simply as BOSS — has delivered life-changing, wilderness-based experiences to adventurous people all over the world. We believe that as our society continues down the path of dependence on technology, it is critical that we maintain a connection with the legacy of traditional cultures and our heritage as humans." 

Experience the world of luxury adventure travel in lavish style with H2O Patagonia. Join us for an unforgettable adventure vacation on the breathtaking Futaleufu River in Patagonia, Chile - an experience you'll never forget! Our exclusive adventure trips are designed for travelers seeking heart-pounding adventure by day, luxury amenities and appointments by night.

Life Discovery Tours are week long escapes to some of the most inspiring, relaxing and magnificent spots in our country. A women's retreat -- traveling together, touring, hiking, riding and enjoying nature with Theresa Gabriel, expert guide and personal coach.  Travel to spectacular nature settings with a very small group of women, where you will hike, become refreshed and have the opportunity to experience your own personal life coach. Return home with a clear mind, a new focus, and with more balance in your life. 

Located in St. David Arizona, Lazy Horse Guest Ranch is in the perfect area for Trail Rides. The trails have some of the most beautiful views imaginable and you can't help but feel the sensation of the Old West. The history is everywhere. Step back in time as you visit old west towns such as Fairbank, Millville and Tombstone. Even visit a movie set resembling the Old West and stand where John Wayne once stood. 

From family trips on the Middle Yough, Whitewater Rafting on the Lower Youghiogheny, or Class V Adventures on the Upper Yough & Cheat River....Wilderness Voyageurs has trips for all levels of adventure! We are the oldest rafting company east of the Mississippi and have been leading adventures for over 40 years. Our knowledge, experience and attention to safety will make your day one you'll remember for a lifetime! 

Outdoor Odysseys in Friday Harbor, Washington has been offering one of a kind sea kayaking tours since 1986. Our one to five day ocean kayak voyaging trips incorporate whale watching, birding, fine cuisine, area history tours and more.  
We focus on specific locales in the San Juan Islands where whales and other "wonders of the world" can be seen. We've built a solid reputation for offering quality, hand-crafted kayak outings in one of the most extraordinarily unique marine environments in the world.

Since 1993 Sea Kayak Adventures has operated sea kayak tours to the premier whale watching destinations in Baja, Mexico during the winter and British Columbia, Canada during the summer. Our camping and lodge-based sea kayaking trips feature close encounters with wildlife, extraordinary wilderness areas and incredible cuisine. No prior experience is necessary and we provide all the equipment needed.

Whitewater rafting trips in Idaho, Montana and Alaska offer river trips that are right for all ages and experience levels...Middle Fork of the Salmon River family river vacations, wild and exciting river rafting, and pristine and remote river trips. WRO runs a wide variety of 4 to 15 day river trips as well as, hiking, mountain biking, ranch stays, and combination adventures.
People who travel with us love our adventuresome style with outstanding guides, flexible activities, small groups, and customized whitewater rafting trips. Findout what makes WRO special, then give Joe or Fran a call to discuss a river trip that is right for you...

Whatever -- and wherever -- you find your outdoor pleasure, there is an outfitter waiting to make your adventure one to remember for a lifetime.

the end

If your favorite outfitter is not listed here
send the web address to me, visitus@talewins.com.com 

About the author:  Lin Stone maintains a National Directory of the best health insurance companies on the web and a National Directory of the best car insurance companies on the web. Hundreds of his other articles are available for free reading on the Internet. Just Click HERE to see an index to his works.