Just north of Fort Collins, at Rocky Mountain Adventures, river rafting is still very much alive.

Sure, it's a dry year, but the water still flows well enough for a safe trip.

"At this time of year, we can certainly get in a full day. And we can certainly do a lot of nice half days, both beginner and advance runs," said David Costlow of Rocky Mountain Adventures.

It doesn't take long to get used to the cold water. In fact, it's welcome on a hot summer's day.

On the river, there's usually time for a little horseplay between boats, time to relax before the next set of rapids gets your adrenalin pumping and gets that raft of yours moving.

While you're on the river, someone's taking souvenir photos of you.

Most days, carrier pigeons bring them back to Fort Collins for processing long before you're off the river.

Too soon the trip down the river is over and if you're like most rafters, the only question you'll have is, "When do we do it again?"

This one tank trip runs about 180 miles round trip.

Bill's Travel Notes

Rocky Mountain Adventures is easy to find. From Interstate 25, take Exit 269B to Fort Collins. Head north on US 287 and it's about 3 miles outside of town on the left side of the highway. For more information on rafting and rates, call (800) 858-6808.

Rocky Mountain Adventures handles rafting and kayaking in other areas of the state but if you've never rafted the Poudre, they're the people to talk to.

Rates at rafting companies around the state are pretty standardized from region to region. A company that runs Brown's Canyon on the Arkansas, or the Colorado above Glenwood Springs, or the Poudre above Fort Collins, likely will charge about the same as other companies that offer the same packages.

Before you book with any company, ask around. If you need more information, you can always check with the Colorado River Outfitters Association at www.croa.org.

If you go to Fort Collins after a day on the river, you've got some great choices for meals. Fort Collins has distinguished itself in the world of microbreweries and there are several excellent brewpubs. My favorite stop in town is Austin's American Grill on College Avenue near Old Town.

The first time I stopped in, the place was so well run and the menu so good that I thought it must have been a small chain. Turns out Austin's is a Fort Collins original. The rotisserie chicken with garlic mashed potatoes, and the chicken chili with cornbread --- these are a few of my favorite things.

If you're making a half day of it, try going or coming by way of US 287. Take the Broomfield exit off US 36 and head north. It'll take you about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to get to Fort Collins. But the road is a good one, the scenery very soothing and you can make some fun stops along the way in small towns like Berthoud (A&W Root Beer stand is a natural) or bigger ones like Loveland where Colorado artists exhibit regularly.