Latest Update: June 5, 1997; 3:41 pm.

1997 Kern River White Water Rafting Trip Plan

Plan Outline

Participants

Cars and Driving

I have given up on attempting to coordinate a meeting place for Dinner Friday. Between unknown traffic conditions, people who want/need departure time flexibility, different departure sites, and the desire not to have anyone wait for hours; the task of trying to reliably get three cars to the same place at the same time 100 miles or so away from here is too daunting. As far as dinner goes, it's every car for itself! (The same goes for sharing fuel costs). The cars will meet at the hotel in Wofford Heights. (I will supply a local area map for each car.)

Hotel Accommodations.

I have spoken with most of you concerning accommodation preferences. I got various responses from complete flexibility, to "minimize cost", to "maximize comfort". I believe I have successfully organized to make sure everyone gets their wish. I have a reservation with the Adventure Roost Motel (formerly named the West Lake Inn). This is the only hotel in the area that still had enough openings to accommodate our group. I reserved 4 rooms. Two of the rooms have two Double-beds each, one room has 1 Queen-bed and - for an extra charge - opens to a second room with two "roll-out" (single?) beds, and one room just has a Queen-bed. The room rates are $60 (2 double beds), $55 (1 Queen bed), and $75 (1 Queen + 2 Roll-outs). I have 3 rooms reserved for Saturday night (The two double beds ones, and the suit. However, if we choose not to use the second room; it will be $20 cheaper - giving us some flexibility with the number of people). The suit comes with a mini-refrigerator, and for an extra $5/day I asked to put another mini-refrigerator in one of the other rooms. The reservations are paid for and secured against late arrival.

The West Lake Inn is in Wofford Heights, Several miles from our rafting meeting place in Lake Isabella. It features Cable TV, A/C, Pool and BBQ area. They will express-2-days--mail me a directions page, brochures, and area activity guide.

Rafting.

The outfitter we will be using is called Kern River Tours. It is not the same one we used last year (my mistake! I was confused by my own notes). They have a Web site at http://www.kernrivertours.com/. We are booked for the Gusto Run on Saturday, June 7th, 8:30 am. The operators request that we be there 15 minutes early. I have 8 spots paid for. The Gusto Run is described in their brochure:

The Gusto Run (Lower Kern)
13 continuous Miles.
Class III-IV (Portage)
This exhilarating White-water adventure,
winds down narrow, rocky canyons,
twists around giant boulders and charges
through tight gorges. Includes lunch.
Minimum age: 12

Cost: $145 per person.

After some back-and-forth, I was able to negotiate a 10% price reduction!

What to Bring.

If it isn't obvious, expensive stuff (like jewelry and electronics) shouldn't be brought.

As for Wet Suits. If you have one, bring it. I am not sure if the price we are paying includes the rental of a Wet Suit (if it's extra, it likely won't be much. Last year I paid $10). My guess is that a Wet Suit is not required, but if you dislike cold water (like me), it's a good idea.

Misc. Notes.

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