Whitewater Rafting On The Middle Fork Of The American River

Looking back at the tunnel after everyone had been pulled back into the raft.

This tunnel was blasted in the 1890s to divert the river, leaving a long stretch of dry riverbed which provided a rich source of gold. The tunnel itself is about 200 feet long. On the opposite side under the blue umbrella you can see the professional photographers who will sell you photos of yourself as you pass through this moment of terror. That tiny yellow sign bears their URL. Of course the last thing you are doing as you crash through here is taking note of a web address. They do no other marketing to the rafters. Very poor marketing plan, I think.

Waiting for lunch.

On the river in a calm stretch.

The fish was extremely fresh!

They broke out this kayak for the first half of the second day when there were no rapids worse than class II.

They broke out this kayak for the first half of the second day when there were no rapids worse than class II.

Before riding the Class V Tunnel Chute Rapids, they let us get out and look at it from dry land. Good idea, because you go through it too fast to see anything.