There were about 6 of us, one on each side of the rubber dinghy, paddle on hand while our guide barked orders.
What started out as a tranquil trip soon became a roller-coaster ride, as the rapids became even more violent. We were told not to open our mouths lest the river decides to shove several liters of river water down our throats.
But forcibly drinking the not-so-pleasant river water was the least of our problems.
The dinghy was swaying uncontrollably on the left side, as we tried our damn best to keep the course straight. Our dinghy, and its occupants, was being thrown like a rag doll from side to side, and we were getting soaked to the skin.
The rapids seemed hell-bent on testing the group's resolve.
The rapids raged on, as we saw one large vortex after another, with white foam brewing at the center of each vortex.
We tried to steer clear of the vortex, remembering that falling off the dinghy and getting trapped in the middle of the vortex is a high possibility.
We grit our teeth and tried to listen to the orders of our guide, who seem uncannily calm and composed.
We were shooting the rapids in a white-water rafting adventure in Cagayan De Oro.
We braced ourselves, knowing that the worst was yet to come.
From two-foot high swells, the rapids soon rose to about 4 to 5 feet. Some of us were shouting in joy and in terror.
We caught a glimpse of other groups struggling as we were.
The calm water up ahead seemed too distant. Muscles started to ache, and the repeated rowing became an effort.
After a few hours, we were soon home-free, with a long stretch of flat, calm water up ahead.
The water stood calm and for the first time, we had the chance to enjoy the scenery.
The river bank was carpeted with grass and shrubs, and tall coconut trees. The river seemed unspoiled. And the ride was soon over.
We were tired and spent.
But we still raised our paddles in unison, a tradition for those who endured, and survived, the rapids of Cagayan de Oro.