As feet hit the warm sandy beach some scurry to be first at the volleyball net, while others head for a shade tree. The sun is starting to set, the welcomed, cool evening breeze overtakes the heat of the day, the volleyball championship has been settled. Some rafters are napping and some are enjoying a cool evening dip. The aroma from the char broiled steaks fill the air and then the dinner bell is sound. After a hearty river meal of fire grilled fillet mignon, sweet white corn, steaming homemade rolls, freshly tossed greens tinted with a river secret dressing, topped off with a pineapple upside down cake fresh from the Dutch oven, the rafters are lured to the majestical power of the campfire.
Plentiful conversation fills the air.
The sound of a strumming guitar accompanied by the softness of a flute carry through the trees and is heard by a couple in the distance privately refreshing themselves underneath their solar shower hung on a tree branch. As their bodies are touched by the evening breeze, they can see their rafting companions in the distance gathered around the campfire a slight beacon for them to use when they are ready to return to the others who have already drenched themselves with the words of the folk songs they sang as children. Together as a versed choir they sing in harmony a song from John Denver, Take Me Home Country Road, followed by Oh Suzanna and so many more. As the evening hours pass, rafters learn and share the musical talents of all the river runners. At times music is replaced with memorable stories and cultural dances like Cajun Clogging and Folk.