Archive for the ‘Holidays’ Category

Winter at Songer Whitewater

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010

Winter has arrived here at Songer Whitewater. Oooops! It’s still two weeks away. Somebody forgot to look at the calendar.

Our first significant snowfall came this weekend and has decided to stay. We have 8 inches or more and temps in the teens and twenties. Yep, pretty chilly! Not too good for rafting now but it does bode well for next summer. Being true to the green movement, We Recycle Snow. All of this lovely snow melts and soaks into the ground and is released during the spring and summer months helping to create the big rapids on the New and Gauley Rivers here in West Virginia.

Snow day at Songer Whitewater

I am sure some of you wonder what we do this time of year. Well, we still are in the office thinking of our new brochures for 2011, planning trips to various cities to travel shows, talking to our groups about next summer’s plans and, oh yeah, shoveling snow.

Today has been fairly busy talking to people planning gifts for Christmas. Two people ordered gift certificates for rafting and other adventures for next May.

At home, away from the office, last night was putting lights on our tree for the holidays. Still need to put the big wreath up outside though.

What are you doing this week? Shopping? Decorating? Making travel plans?

Whatever you are doing, all of the staff at Songer Whitewater wishes you Happy Holidays.

Posted in Behind the Scenes, Holidays, New River Rafting | No Comments »

How to Have the Best 4th of July in the History of the Earth

Monday, June 28th, 2010

So how do you have the best 4th of July in the history of the world? You spend the weekend with us!

Lawn chairs and snow cones. Scavenger hunt and cotton candy. Families and candy apples. Some things go hand in hand. Songer and fireworks have been a great combination for the last 7 years. We take perfecting our Independence Day celebration very seriously.

The lawn at Songer is turned into a play ground for the day: inflatable games, dunking booth, door prizes, scavenger hunt and music all afternoon and evening Saturday, July 3rd. (yeah, we know it’s a day early but Saturday is the best day to pack in all the fun. You can rest on the 4th).

Independence Day Celebration at Songer Whitewater

Independence Day Celebration at Songer Whitewater

So in addition to all the games and fun, we are still hitting the river, watching trip videos & chowing down on a southern style cookout. Watermelon anyone?

It's not complete until you have a slice of watermelon!

It's not complete until you have a slice of watermelon!

One of the key characters to the weekend is DJ Judd. Not only does he bring all the games and the cotton candy machine, but he MC’s the afternoon keeping all the activities rolling right up until the fireworks show.

The evening will lead into two fabulous, well known, local bands tearing up the High Water Lounge. Don’t be surprised if they dance barefoot.

So we have some whitewater, we have some games, we have some prizes to just give away (all you have to do is sit there) and we hope to have you!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Holidays | No Comments »

Summer Season Kick Off: Memorial Day in West Virginia

Monday, May 31st, 2010

Spring is rolling into Summer, quickly.  Memorial Day is here and starts the summer season, and our country honors those service men and women who have fallen by celebrating our freedoms.  Because of their sacrifice, we get to relax and enjoy living in the most wonderful country ever created.

So, what are doing for Memorial Day? Vegging on the couch? Watching the grass grow? Does not sound like much fun to me. You either? Get out have some fun! Enjoy the outdoors!

New River Gorge National River

New River Gorge National River

Where can you go to have some early summer fun? The New River Gorge offers lots of options. Rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking in the national park, bass fishing and whitewater rafting are just some the activities you have in West Virginia. Why the New River Gorge? Here’s why I like to utilize the park.

Rock Climbing has beginner routes for a true novice like me. Yes, I am a true goober at climbing. Each time I have tried climbing the guides have shown me how to get to the top of the wall. Coaching me on hand and foot holds every inch of the way. Once on top, I have been known to shout, “I am King of the World!” Well, not really, but that is how I felt.

The New River Gorge has been home to mining, timbering, and railroading for over a hundred years. Now it is protected as a great natural resource for future generations. Roads left behind from these activities make cool mountain bike trails. My personal favorite trail is from Cunard to Thurmond. Old mining ghost towns of a bygone era offer a glimpse of long abandoned homes and businesses. As I travel along this trail, the New River slides by on its journey to the sea. I like to take time to stop at Surprise Rapid to watch the rafts blast the big waves and listen to the shouts of excitement. Taking a fishing pole along to catch a bass or two has produced a dinner of fresh fish (you have to know how to cook ‘em). Don’t forget a license.

Over 30 years ago, I discovered whitewater rafting on the New.  I’d been canoeing for years on the Upper New on the easy parts. When I got to Thurmond, we were told you can’t take a canoe past here. “So what do you do?” Have to take a raft. “Ok, cool. Uh, where do you get one of those?” Well, found one of those and after one trip… hooked!

After all these years, I still love the New. I really like big waves and holes. No bigger water than the New River. Surprise, the Keeneys, Dudleys Dip and Fayette Station always get me pumped.

So you hanging on the couch this Memorial Day? Watching the grass grow? Not me, I will be somewhere in the New River Gorge. Hope to see you there!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Holidays | No Comments »

5 Ways to Celebrate West Virginia Day

Friday, May 28th, 2010

We love our West Virginia and it all boils down the fine folks that reside here.  Great hospitality, adventurous spirits and selflessness are what you’ll find in a good West Virginian.

So let’s look at some ways to celebrate this great place and these great folks:

Like this, but with white water rafting.

Like this, but with white water rafting.

#1 You’ve just gotta wear some blue and gold.  It will be mandatory attire for our river trips the weekend of June 19th & 20th! (the 20th is the official WV day).

#2 Hillbilly games in the yard at Songer.

#3 Cookout. Don’t forget the moonshine.  (Kidding!)

#4 Take a tour of the Exhibition Coal Mine in Beckley, WV.  This is a HUGE part of the history of our state.  The tour takes you into a mine shaft and a museum of mine relics.

#5 Come on up where we are and celebrate in the mountains with wide open views and clean air. With your family and with ours.

We have a special place here.  It’s amazing how it revives your soul to be immersed in Mother Nature.  (yeah, I know it sounds cheesey—but you know what I mean).

West Virginia: it does a body good!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Holidays | No Comments »

The Secret to Going Rafting in West Virginia on Memorial Day

Monday, May 24th, 2010

If you are a secret sharer, are they still secrets?

I don’t know the answer, but there are still some good ones around the New River Gorge.  Like, well, like how you can go white water rafting on the busiest day of the year and have the river to yourself (totally true; put on early or late- you’ll see.)

Sweet!

Sweet!

But what about for Memorial Day?  Let me give you some secrets about whitewater rafting in West Virginia on Memorial Day weekend:

#1: Raft on Friday or Monday. Less crowded and a lot less expensive: Half price Mondays: $47.50

#2: Stick around for lunch on Monday, we always have a cookout on the porch.

#3: It’s a great idea to add in another activity for your Saturday and Sunday. I would suggest a bike ride, horse back ride (don’t you just love the smell of a horse?), or climbing/rapelling on the tippy top of the 1,000 ft New River Gorge.

#4: Songer Olympics on Sunday afternoon: no training required. To put it simply, an obstacle course with teams of four. Rally your friends now!

#5: The Camping Package: we like simple and are sure that you like simple too, especially when it comes to planning logistics for you and your friends.  Package includes: two nights camping, country breakfast buffet, full day raft trip with lunch & BBQ chicken dinner.  We like making it easy for ya.  Use this package as a starting point and then add on any extras individuals might want: cabin, another breakfast, other activities.

#6: Live music at the High Water Lounge Saturday night (on site): 40 lb Snapper.  Get your party on!

So, those are the specials, the extras, the goodies.  But here’s the real secret:

Rafting on Memorial Day is way more fun than a cookout with your cousins.  Sorry, it had to be said

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Holidays | No Comments »