The sunrise on our last day at the Peumo Lodge (our last day rafting on the Fu)

After a nice breakfast, we loaded up the vehicles and headed back to the  Futaleufu for our “grand finale” on this spectacular whitewater river. Since it was our last day on the Fu, the guides wanted to be sure we had a full day of whitewater excitement. It was also a beautiful morning. We took a few minutes so all of us could get a few group pictures.

We paddled over a dozen major rapids, including a couple good ones we did for the second time. We finished the day with 2 big  Class 5 rapids, Mas o Menus and Casa Piedra. And I’m happy to report that since Nancy and Ralph had built up some confidence during the week, they both decided to stay in the raft for these last two rapids. And when I say they decided to “stay in the raft”, I mean it….. both just sat down in the bottom of the raft, held on, and enjoyed the ride!  It was fantastic last day on the powerful Futaleufu River in Patagonia, Chile……

After we finished the last rapid, we enjoyed another hour or so just floating down the Fu surrounded by stunning scenery, included lots of clear blue sky.

When we got to our take-out spot, we all changed into dry clothes, loaded up in the van and headed for the Yelcho Lodge. This is the same lodge we stopped at on the first day to arrange a replacement vehicle). Yelcho is primarily a fishing lodge… but it is also fairly close to the Futaleufu river and several other world class trout rivers and streams. If we ever go back to fish, this is where we would probably go. The Yelcho Lodge offers a beautiful setting on Yelcho Lake, comfortable accommodations, the best local guides, and great food.

Later that evening we had a great farewell dinner, and then repacked our gear to be ready for the next day’s early morning departure to the Chaiten airport.

Our trip to go rafting on the mighty Futaleufu river was everything we thought it would be and more. But it was the people that joined and supported us that made it so memorable. Many thanks to all of you. And a special thanks to my wife Nancy who supported me on this trek to check this item off my bucket list. You’re the best, I love you Nanc!

This was our put-in spot on the last day

Below: Left to right, standing – Rick, Nancy, Lou, Ralph, Bobby, Finn, Humberto and Tyler.                                                                             Left to right, kneeling – Cade and Emily

Our van driver Macarena (I know, I questioned it too!). She was always on time to move us from place to place.

Getting ready for our last day on the Fu…

Bobby and Finn were up front on the last day so he wore my GoPro helmet.

Our lunch spot today…

Our last take-out location….our time on “The Fu” has come to an end….😔

Packed and ready to go to the Yelcho lodge for our last night

There are no words to describe this trip. It physically challenged both of us to our “comfortable limits”.  Nancy was unbelievable….I couldn’t be more proud of her. I’m not sure if I could have done what she did even if my ankle was 100%…..but I might have died trying! :).

The next day, we packed up and rode to the Chaiten airport to begin the long journey home…..