People who are looking for outdoor adventure often go to Maine. This state in the northeastern
United States contains large areas of wilderness. There you can enjoy a new and exciting sport: white
water rafting. 8 But now, several outdoor travel companies offer weekend rafting trips. They
provide guide service, equipment, and even food and they invite people who have had no experience at
all. Thus, city residents, too, can get a taste of wilderness. All they need to bring with them is a desire
for adventure.
9 As the water fills with air bubbles, it looks white. The areas of white water are also the
most exciting areas for rafters—and also the most dangerous. In fact, rafting guides must always be on
the look for white water. And rafters must be ready to swim because the raft can tip over in white
water. For that reason, rafters should always wear special life vests that will keep them afloat.
Rafting is a sport that almost anyone can do. 10 Sometimes, at very rocky parts of the river,
rafters will need to walk for a while. They may also need to carry the rubber rafts at times, but these are
very light. Paddling the boats is easy because they are going down the river. The main activity is simply
to enjoy the wonderful wild scenery.
Most rafting companies offer overnight trips that combine with camping. 11 Several rafts of
people will start out from a base camp. Their food supplies, sleeping bags, tents, and other necessities
are sometimes packed onto the rafts. Or all the supplies might be brought by car to the next camp site.
The guide often is also the cook for the group of rafters and may be quite a good chef. After a day of
rafting, in any case, the food tastes good and sleep comes early.
【題組】10 (A) It does not require great physical strength.
(B) Fishing in the river, however, is forbidden.
(C) The companies always provide excellent service.
(D) It is practiced in many countries now.