Unique Experiences

Marcus is a formally trained White Water Rafting guide and has been rafting over 25 years. He has been down 12 different rivers on 3 continents including a trip on a bamboo raft in Thailand, gondola style, and a First Decent down a river in the Philippines. He's been down the South Fork of the American River well over 100 times in the past 25+ years which is where this rafting trip will take place.

The South Fork is rated as a Class III/III+ river; you'll get wet from head to toe, but helmets are not required.  “I took my daughter Sakiko rafting when she was 3 and she has been down the full 13-mile stretch several times over the past 8 years. There is also a 5-mile point where some can get off the boat and experience Class I/II rafting as an introduction to this wonderful exploration of ‘The River’.”

One trip is being offered for auction this year.  You will need to choose one of the following dates:

Either Sunday June 21st or Sunday June 28th

NOTE: Due to family obligations, these are the only dates available for the rafting auction this year.

You will need to notify Marcus by April 18 (earlier if possible) on which date you would like.  Once a date is chosen, it cannot be changed (unless Marcus agrees).

The boat can hold the guide and up to 9 additional adults.  If children under the age of 12 come, group sizes of up to 8 adults and 4 children (ages 5 to 12) or 7 adults and 6 children, in addition to the guide, can be accommodated. (Again, with the “5-Mile” option, children younger than 5 can be accommodated.)

This auction includes all rafting equipment, including life jackets, safety gear, & river permits, but does not include food, drinks or camping equipment if you take up the option to stay overnight.

Note:

This experience will also include 1 night’s camping for 1 large site, big enough for several tents) – this is typically $120/night/group.  If you wish to stay longer, you will need to pay the extra fee separately directly to the camp ground.

This auction does not include food while camping or rafting nor does it include any camping equipment.  It is recommended that you bring all your food with you.  The nearest Safeway is 30 minutes miles from the campsite. However, there is a store at Camp Lotus that has basic essentials as well as fresh sandwiches and muffins in the morning.

Important additional information you should consider before bidding on this item;

• You should plan to arrive the evening (or late afternoon) before the day of the rafting trip, camp and raft the following day.  If you have time, you may wish to camp an extra night. Because Marcus will be running rafting groups all week, there is likely to be an overlap of groups camping on a given night. To accommodate this, he has reserved 2 side-by-side campsites that can accommodate his family and yours with space and comfort.
• Rafters will arrange to meet Marcus and his family at Camp Lotus, in Lotus, CA (El Dorado County). This trip is for either The Chili Bar Run: 9 miles/4-5 hours, or The Gorge Run: 13 miles/5-6 hours.

South Fork information: http://www.theamericanriver.com/river/sf/

Camp Lotus information: http://www.camplotus.com/index.htm

Special Notes: