I was very happy to join the FA Rafters rafting trip with Splore again this year. It’s so inspiring to see families and individuals from all parts of the country join together for a common activity and cause. First and foremost, it’s just a great opportunity to join together as a group away from the normal routine and enjoy the restorative power of nature – there is grandeur all around and so many fascinating features and formations to admire and appreciate. Second and very important too, are the lasting friendships that develop while sharing new adventures and experiences with families who are coping with the challenges of Friedreich’s Ataxia.

It was wonderful to see old friends and it’s always great to meet new ones! Of course the Kittel family was there – Joe, Sue, Aaron, Mike and Allie – it was so nice to spend time with all of you again! But there was a bit of a twist this year – Mike was a river guide for Splore this summer and he was the guide for his own family – that was awesome! Mary-Lisa was back again this year too (minus her son for her sanity, she says!), who was kindly assisting Janet on the trip – I really enjoyed talking with you both. It was great meeting the Bartek & Andrus family – Ron, Raychel, Stuart, Keith and Byron. The support you provide FARA is quite remarkable and thank you again for your generosity at the meals I joined in on! It was a pleasure meeting the Young family too – Rick, Becky, Andy, Jamie, and Emily, plus Randy – you really seem to have a great family bond, very considerate and helpful too! It was also very nice meeting Mary and Blair – thanks for sharing your music, Blair, and I hope you enjoyed the rest of your road trip. I’m happy that Tom and Teri joined the trip too because I’ve known them for many years – but the death of Teri on the trip was very sad and upsetting. At least she spent her last day at a beautiful setting on the river with Tom by her side. I hope I’m so fortunate when my time comes.

Here are a couple comments for anyone who views the photos I took. You might notice in the group picture that’s already posted online that I have a wet shirt on, but in the group picture that’s in my group of photos, it’s dry. Here’s why: I blew my picture up life-size so it was easier to handle, then I took my shirt off and laid it out on a rock to dry, then I put it back on before the photos were posted! (Oh, Really!?!) All the other pictures after the group photo, except the restaurant pictures, were taken at Canyonlands National Park that Ron, Raychel, Mary-Lisa, Janet and I visited on Sunday. That was an enjoyable side trip and I hope everyone else found some interesting things to do too since the Westwater Canyon part of the trip was canceled. Thank you for letting me join the FA Rafters again this year – all things considered, the trip was another great adventure. I really had a wonderful and memorable time with you all, and I hope I’ll be able to come on next year’s trip, too!