Rafting and Running

I (Eric) just got back from my fifth trip to the place that inspired the hit song "Country Road", Fayettville, WV and the Gauley River. This is a trip that I first took in college with four friends and now has turned into four straight years of madness. The Upper Gauley is one of the Top 3 commercially rafted rivers in the United States and the #1 on the East Coast. It is only open for rafting for 22 days in September and October with water being released from Summersville Dam***. If you are ever looking for an unforgettable rafting experience and great camping, check out http://www.songerwhitewater.com/

***Side note on the dam...almost always, dams are named for the town that was flooded. Unfortunately the name of the town under the lake is called Gad. The residence thought it would be a bad idea to name the dam, Gad Dam (True Story...Google it!).

The river is a combination of about 80 rapids with five of them being considered Class V rapids, which are at the top of the rapid scale. This is not for the faint at heart! We all survived again with the group only being "violently ejected" once. Almost everyone fell out at least twice during the day with some daring rescues that followed. The trip always includes a great trip to the New River Bridge which is one of the highest bridges in the world and closed each year for Bridge Day where BASE jumpers and bungee jumpers come from all around the world.

Check out the video I put together of our trip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hETIe7kH58



New River Bridge


The Group with our trustworthy guide


A great picture of Pillow Rock and the second Class V rapid

Additionally this weekend...
I am proud to announce that my mom completed her first Half Marathon in Philadelphia at the age of 59! She has been running for 30+ years now, normally running 3 miles 4 or 5 days a week. She challenged herself this year and set a goal to do her first half marathon. What an inspiration to many! Awesome job mom!!!

Rollin'...Rollin'...Rollin'....

Our days of a stationary baby are almost over. Anna decided to roll over today. I'm already putting "baby gate installation" on my weekend to-do list for October.

YUM!

YUM!

My first taste of some solid foods!

I think I might like this stuff!

Labor Day Weekend

Day 1: Our future UDee!

On Saturday, Eric and I stayed optimistic at the idea of taking a 4 month old to the Maryland vs. Delaware football game. We successfully made it through the tailgate. Anna loved meeting all of the loyal Delaware fans and even took a snooze in the back of Scott's car. After taking the mile walk to the stadium we quickly got together for this family picture of us cheering on Delaware, we watched the kick off and......



this is where Anna and I spent the rest of the game! We slept, we played, all under the shade of the concourse. Anna was a trouper as we avoided the heat of the sun and waited for Daddy! What a good little girl!

Scott and Daddy visiting us at half time. Anna's a little upset to hear that Delaware is losing!

Our view from our hotel! Daddy's spoiling Anna already!

Look! I'm as big as the Washington Monument!

Day 2: Meet my Aunt, Uncle and Cousins!

The group picture taken especially for DeeDee!

Anna's personal pusher! Thanks Maggie for the ride!