2009 White Water Rafting Adventure & 40 oz Porterhouse Steak at McNally's

2/14/09 Update: Looks like a no go again this year for me, I injured my back a month or so ago and don't want to risk reinjury. If anyone wants to take over organizing this event, please let me know, I'll help organize it for you, but I cannot go rafting at this time. 05/08: I've been too busy to put this event together in a timely fashion and now the water has dropped too low. Some people have asked for a 2 day trip as well. So, unfortunately, there's no way a 2 day trip can happen, the Upper Kern water levels will soon be too low... within the next 5-10 days. The Lower Kern is still running so the 1 hr runs are and will still be going, but I think it's best we pass for this year and we'll plan early and go on a two trip next year around May or June. I've always gone on the two day trips where we'd camp right by the river and it will be many memories of a lifetime instead of simply a short thrill ride you won't remember after a few months. A two day trip will also bump up the cost to around $360 with everything included. We might even be able to offer both 1 and 2 day trips and the day trippers just meet up with up on our day 1 or 2, so I'm going to un-rsvp everyone and those that might still be interested for next year, please be sure to answer the question of 1 day or 2 days and this way we can plan accordingly. So please ignore the below writeup, that was geared towards just a 1-3 hour thrill ride. We will carpool Saturday morning up to the Kern River (3-3.5 hr drive) and will camp out along the Kern River. We'll try to find a free camping spot, failing that, we'll check into a campground that will cost about $10-15/person for the evening. Once our lodging is setup, we'll head over to Johnny McNally's for some world class cow. 40 oz porterhouse steaks, 24 oz filet mignon's or 32 oz porterhouse monster steaks. I've downed the 32 ouncer before no problem a few times but I've never attempted the 40 oz slab of cow, it just looks too huge! Maybe 2-3 people could share it. After a gut busting dinner, we'll head back to camp and party like it's 1999. Well, let's not overdo it too much, we don't want a nasty hangover for the rafting trip. If you've never done it before, you are in for solid adrenaline rush! I've rafted the Kern River about 4-5 times, but not for a long time. In the morning, I'll cook up some breakfast for the troops or we might go out to eat and then we'll meet up with the river guides for orientation. You'll have your choice of oar boats, paddle boats or splashyaks. At this time, it's all tenative including the date. Figure on the cost to be about $275 for the river portion of the trip and another $40 for car camp fees, rideshare gas, breakfast, etc so about $300-320 should about cover the trip and allow about $10-45 for dinner depending on what you order. So this trip could max out at about $360 for the works. http://www.chuckrichards.com/river/images/titlebar_pics/chuck7.jpg You will be required to paypal an advance deposit that will be fully refundable if we can find a replacement member if you cannot participate. So the more advance notice the better. To sign up for this event, rsvp MAYBE until you have paid your deposit. Then after making your deposit payment, move your rsvp to YES. If you've been rafting before or not, please tell me what your experience level is. Personally, I was one of the first to try out the Splashyaks 20+ years ago and I have rafted in both the paddle and oar boats, I've also taken over for the guide piloting the oar boat? that was fun! But definitely the splashyaks are my fav, but you should be experienced in rafting, without experience, I'd recommend the paddle boats definitely. http://www.chuckrichards.com/river/images/photos/General/will3.jpg Do not make the payment to me right now, there's a lot of factors? number of people, water levels, weather, campgrounds, etc. The date might also be changed as well, so no use in collecting a deposit this early. I will notify all interested parties once we have the particulars nailed down enough make it happen. http://www.chuckrichards.com/river/images/photos/General/HariCari1a.jpg