“That’s right.”
The boy shook his head in envy. “Lucky. It’s wonderful country. Have you got a guide yet?”
“My father’s out arranging for one now,” Mike said.
“Hope he gets a good one. It makes all the difference.” He pronounced this judgment with so much grown-up seriousness that Sandy had to fight to suppress a smile.
“You’re right,” he acknowledged, “but it won’t make any difference to us unless we can learn how to shoot some of those rapids.”
“All right, let’s have one of your rafts.”
Sandy handed over his and watched carefully as Doug Henderson flopped it on the ground.
“Now the important thing to remember is balance. Sit in the middle of the raft with your knees wedged tight against both sides—like this.” He hopped in and demonstrated.
“Don’t tense your body but keep your legs firm. Make sure your middle is loose so you can turn your shoulders in both directions. You want to be ready to handle trouble no matter what side it comes from. Okay so far?”
Sandy and Mike nodded gravely.