This week's trip takes us south to Colorado Springs, then off onto State Route 115 toward Canon City. From downtown Denver you can expect this drive to take at least two and a half hours, longer if there's road work going on.

Echo Canyon River Expeditions is about eight miles from downtown Canon City on US 50, between sign posts 270 and 271 (just before you get to the Royal Gorge turnoff).

Andy Neinas, the owner, is also the head of the Colorado River Outfitters Association, the group; that includes every serious river rafting company in the state. You can call in advance for reservations and information at (800) 748-2953. Or you can start by e-mailing them at www.raftecho.com.

There are plenty of rafting companies along US 50. If you choose another one, it's a good idea to make sure they're a member of the Colorado River Outfitters Association, and adhere to its standards.

River rafting can be a great adventure, but it is not without SOME risks. You need to be aware of them before you go and you need to pay attention to your river guide, the boat captain, both before you go into the water and while you're rafting. If you've never been whitewater rafting, it's a good idea to be realistic about your physical limitations. Better to start easy, get your feet wet, so to speak, and then escalate from Class 2 and 3 family-style rapids to something a bit more adventurous.

To make our trip in one day, we had to cut some corners coming back. That meant no leisurely stop for lunch after a brisk day on the Arkansas. Instead it meant a quick stop at the Bacon and Burger stand in the middle of Canon City, where $13 bucks bought photojournalist Steve Coppin and myself each a large double cheeseburger with all the trimmings, a jumbo Diet Coke, and some awfully good freshly cooked french fries.

Are there better, fancier, more relaxing places to enjoy a good meal in Canon City? You bet. We just didn't have the time to try any of them.