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Exuberance's third annual Upper Salt River Rafting trip began as last years, early on a chilly Sunday morning in the parking lot of Gold Bar Espresso in Tempe, AZ. After swooning over great Gold Bar coffee and Exuberance's signature delicious gourmet homemade breakfast treats, our group of seven left Tempe on our 2.5 hour drive to the Upper Salt River.

Upon arrival at the river company's "First Camp" (www.inaraft.com), which is about 45 minutes northeast of Globe, Arizona, we met with our trip guide, Glenn Goodrich. We were outfitted with wetsuits, splashjackets and neoprene booties, then the river company guides secured our life jackets and helmets. Glenn led everyone through a thorough safety talk and we boarded a (how shall I say?) "vintage" school bus for a one mile ride up-river to this season's put-in spot. Our group was fortunate to be all in one raft, expertly guided by Glenn, a 33-year veteran who has guided all over the US and the world. (Read about Glenn on his site, gauleylhama.com)

Under clear blue skies and the early spring sun, we learned six simple paddling commands and took off! Immediately, we were met by a fun Class III rapid appropriately called "Baptism." This section of the Upper Salt River meanders through over a dozen Class I, II, III and Class IV rapids; our group's favorites included Kiss and Tell, Grumman, Mother Rock, and the powerful waves of Exhibition Rapid.

With all but one rapid under our belts, we pulled off to the side of the river for a hearty hot lunch. Our guides swiftly prepared and set out fruit, chips and salsa and cold beverages under the "palapa" shade structure, then served a delicious meal of sizzling fajitas. Our guide, Glenn, led everyone on a short, verdurous hike to Travertine Falls, a beautiful waterfall tucked into the cliffs that preside over the Salt River. We all enjoyed this leg-stretching hike and were eager to return to the river.

The last thrill of our day was Exhibition Rapid, and it did not disappoint! All day, high, fast water resulting from ample winter rain and rapid spring snow melt contributed to a CFS (cubic feet per second) rating of 2100 - three times the typical CFS rate for the Upper Salt River! The heart-pounding fun came to a close as we loaded our raft onto the trailer and once again boarded the "vintage" river company school bus for a ride back to First Camp that was, as described by the guides, as "Class V ride home."

If you missed our river rafting trip this year, sign up for our eNewsletter and find our about more events and adventures to come, including our 4th Annual Upper Salt River Rafting Trip 2011!