One couple had to fly back home the previous night, so we were down to 3 couples on the trip. And myself and another wife didn’t go on the second day of rafting, but we had our own fun (more on that later)!
The second day was a lot more intense! They went on a Class 4-5 rapid on the Middle Fork leg of the American River.
- CLASS 4 Rapids… Swift current with numerous obstacles and frequent rapids. Constant maneuvering required. DO NOT ATTEMPT without an experienced whitewater guide. Recommended for experienced rafters.
- CLASS 5 Rapids… Very strong current with many obstacles and long violent rapids. Scouting is mandatory. Expert maneuvering required. Only for experienced, healthy individuals.
There was one section that was a Class 5, where everyone had to get out of the raft and walk down on the embankment, while the guide maneuvered the raft through the rapids. Then they all got back into the raft.
But you can see the pictures of Day 2’s rapids! This was an all day trip and they traveled about 18 miles. They rotated places on the raft throughout the day, so you might see people sitting in different spots on the raft.
It’s not as memorable unless someone falls out!
Birthday Boy to the rescue!! I love how the guide is watching like – “You got this covered!”
Whew!! Back in the raft!
This Tunnel Chute” is a 90-foot tunnel that was blasted out of the mountain by 18th century gold miners.
Look at those faces!!! They loved every minute of it!!
Meanwhile….
As they shared an intense whitewater rapids moment, one of the wives and I shared some wine and relaxed at a local vineyard.
I was along for the ride, and didn’t know anything about the winery. It was out in the countryside, and the day was just beautiful.
The winery itself was super cute, and as it turns out…highly recommended!
The inside was just as cute!
We decided to do the wine tasting – and there were 17 wines total on the menu! (We spat most of them out after tasting) After tasting them all, we each found one we liked, ordered a glass and enjoyed the patio for a while. 
The ones on the rafting trip had a day of exhilaration and excitement, while I made a new friend over a nice glass of wine. It was a great day all around for everyone!
We all drove back to San Francisco that evening. On the rafting trip, Birthday Boy managed to meet up with someone who was able to get us reservations at House of Prime Rib!! 
We were all STOKED! It was the one restaurant we wanted to go to while we were in San Francisco, but it was continually booked and walk up reservations were 3-4 hours wait time. So by being his friendly self, Birthday Boy talked to a guy who knew someone who gave names to drop – so our wait time was 30 minutes!! And it was worth the wait! 
Prime rib, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, and Yorkshire pudding.
We all went to bed that night exhausted from rafting, bellies full of prime rib, and smiles on our faces!!
From Here to There - A Move Across an Ocean 