The trade winds carry upon them the sounds of swaying palms, drum beats and crashing waves. High above in the islands' interior, jungle-green mountains stand in soaring relief against the sky, their peaks protecting the vast valleys and sheer cliffs below. They slope down towards the coast, where white sand beaches embrace perfect lagoons and tranquil seas.

These real-life images are reason alone to visit this paradise in the South Pacific - but certainly not the lone reason.

Fiji is a cultural crossroads, a blend of Melanesians, Polynesians, East Indians and Micronesians, not to mention Europeans and East Asians. This wide variety of cultures brings surprising diversity to the Fiji Islands in the form of food, customs, language, and much more. Fiji is the most prosperous of the South Pacific island nations, largely due to the hospitality of the locals who - along with the islands' beauty and diversity - make tourism a successful industry here. Most visitors claim that Fijians are the world's friendliest people; the locals' warm and welcoming ways are always a highlight of a trip to the islands.

Best of all, Fiji is the South Pacific's premier adventure destination. Host of the 2002 Eco Challenge, Fiji offers dozens of outdoor activities in a breathtaking tropical setting. Lush rainforests hide deep river gorges, scenic hiking trails and seldom-traveled mountain bike routes. Surrounding blue-green seas are ideal for sailing and sea kayaking in calmer sections, yet also feature extremely popular surfing spots. Fringing coral reefs teem with an unbelievable array of aquatic life, making Fiji a world-renowned snorkeling and scuba diving destination. The breadth of activities and landscapes in this small archipelago is endlessly impressive; according to David Stanley, author of the Fiji Islands Handbook, "such things are duplicated on continents such as Africa, but over there you'd have to travel weeks or months to see what you can see in Fiji in days."

This special Highlands to Islands Yoga/Spa Adventure combines the magic of Fiji with the numerous benefits of a spa and yoga retreat. Imagine the daily practice of yoga on white sand beaches, meditation in the shadows of the tropical moon, massages, foot soaks and shoulder rubs under the swaying palms. This exotic paradise transforms itself into an Adventure Wilderness Spa where you can explore the uncharted territories of your being as you challenge and nurture your body, mind, and adventurous spirit.

Why Adventure Spa?

• Like adventure travel, yoga provides the opportunity for personal transformation, not just of the body but of the mind and spirit. On a river journey, one feels at peace, energized and in harmony with nature. Each day is unique, enlightening and exciting. As we do our yoga, we discover that our bodies and emotions are also changing daily. Taking the time to explore internally through yoga and meditation, we are able to integrate on a deeper level the essence of the ancient Fijian cultures, the richness of environment, and the transformational opportunities of this trip. The yoga and massage also helps us to keep up with the level of physical activity involved with our paddling, hiking and snorkeling, and we will return home stronger and more supple than when we came, filled with a sense of gratitude for our bodies, breath, and increased endurance.

Why Highlands to Islands?

Highlands to Islands is a multi-day exploration of Fiji's best water-based adventure destinations. This vacation includes river rafting, sea kayaking and snorkeling by day with Rivers Fiji - O.A.R.S.' branch in the Fiji Islands - and nights spent at the oceanfront Pacific Harbour International Resort.

"The World's Best One-Day River Trip"

• Perhaps the most unforgettable part of your Highlands to Islands adventure is a day spent rafting or kayaking the Upper Navua River. The Navua has been called "the world's best one-day river trip" by professional river runners who have rafted everywhere from the Grand Canyon to Zambia's Zambezi River. Flowing through a mind-blowing tropical gorge that's over 50 meters deep and in sections only 7 meters wide, the Navua is one of the most unique and beautiful rivers in all the world. You'll raft or inflatable kayak through a magical canyon where sunlight illuminates sheer volcanic rock walls, lush rainforest vegetation, and deep, crystalline pools. Waterfalls plummet all around you - depending on current rainfall, anywhere from 20 to 100 cascades can line the gorge. Best of all, the Navua's fun Class II-III whitewater makes this incredible canyon accessible to paddlers of all experience levels - even complete beginners.

  Ecotourism in Fiji

• In an ongoing effort to promote responsible tourism in natural areas, conserve the environments that we visit and sustain the well-being of local people, we are proud to have established the Upper Navua Conservation Area (UNCA) on the island of Viti Levu. With the help of several Fijian landowning groups, a logging company, and the Native Land and Trust Board, Rivers Fiji created the UNCA, a 17-km conservation corridor that protects the land along the Navua River from future logging and gravel extraction, maintains the pristine natural state of the river canyon and guarantees natural capital for the indigenous landowning groups that border the area. We are proud to operate our Upper Navua River trips in the UNCA.

  Inflatable Kayaking on the 'Luva River'

• Journey into the spectacular Namosi Valley for a two-day kayaking adventure on the 'Luva River. The Luva's consistent Class II whitewater is fun and easy - the perfect opportunity for beginners to learn good paddling skills and intermediates to fine tune their techniques. Plunge through exhilarating rapids as you explore a river canyon of exceptional beauty. Discover exotic plants and birds, verdant grottoes, a hot water spring flowing from the canyon wall, and deep pools of clear water, perfect for swimming. Camp in Nakavika - an incredibly quaint and hospitable village along the river - enjoying an evening yoga session, Fijian music, story telling, and a locally inspired feast before falling asleep under the stars. The next day, after morning yoga and an invigorating pranayama (deep breathing session), we'll paddle to an 80-ft waterfall, the kind that you thought only existed in movies, and take an invigorating dip in the pristine pool below. This wilderness spa setting is a perfect place to learn to give your partner, or a new friend, a fantastic foot massage. Or sit in quiet meditation as you absorb all the scents and sounds of the jungle. Your river journey ends with a motorized boat ride out of the canyon and toward the coast.

  
  Fijian Culture in the Namosi Valley

• In conjunction with your 'Luva River trip, you'll visit the stunning Namosi highlands for a unique Fijian cultural experience. A scenic drive through thick rainforest brings you to the ridges of the Korobasabasaga range, which offer outstanding views of the ocean and surrounding islands. Dropping into the magnificent Namosi Valley, you'll marvel at the sheer cliffs all around you that soar thousands of feet towards the sky, framing a lovely and peaceful tropical valley that few visitors have ever seen. In this valley lies the timeless village of Nakavika, a place unchanged by the modern era, where inhabitants live life much as they have for centuries. This is your campsite for the night, and immediately upon your arrival, friendly villagers welcome you with a traditional kava ceremony, a lovo feast and a tour of their home.

  Beqa Island - Snorkeling and Sea Kayaking

• The waters around Beqa Island are perfect - calm, warm, brilliantly azure, and an ideal playground for a day of ocean exploration. In stable two-person sea kayaks, you'll paddle along white sand beaches and dramatic cliffs, over elaborate coral gardens and through a hidden tunnel in a mangrove forest. Reaching the renowned Beqa Lagoon, you'll trade in your kayak for a mask, snorkel and fin, and head beneath the surface to float in a liquid jewel-like world of colorful fish and vibrant corals.

Sample Itinerary

Days 1-2

• En Route to Fiji
  

Day 3

• Arrive at the Nadi International Airport early in the morning. After clearing customs, you'll board our private coach for a transfer to the town of Pacific Harbour and your home base for the next several days, the Pacific Harbour International Hotel.
• Spend the rest of the day receiving your welcome massage treatment and otherwise relaxing in your room, at the pool or on the beach. If you're ready to begin exploring, join us for a sea kayaking excursion along Viti Levu's Coral Coast. Paddle through the intricate mangrove forests that thrive in this coastal area, keeping your eyes open for resident mud lobsters, herons, harrier hawks, kingfishers and fruit bats. Here in what's known as "the ocean's nursery," these animals live until they are old enough to leave the nest and head for their more permanent home in the Beqa Lagoon. After lunch, we'll chart our course for the open sea, where we'll explore coral gardens and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. The final leg of our paddling adventure will take us back to the white sand beaches of Pacific Harbour.
• We'll end the day with a group yoga stretch and relaxation meditation in preparation for a good night's sleep.
• Meals included: lunch

Days 4-5

• Today begins your 2-day 'Luva River and Namosi highlands adventure. After some energetic yoga and "Breath of Joy" pranayama, we'll board our private coach for a breathtaking overland journey into the stunning Namosi Valley. Climb through dense jungle to the ridges of the Korobasabasaga range, enjoying incredible views over the rainforest and out to sea. Dropping into the Namosi Valley, you're suddenly surrounded by sheer, magestic cliffs that soar towards the sky, framing a paradisiacal tropical valley that's likened to Yosemite in its natural magnificence.
• Winding further into this idyllic valley, you reach the Wainikoroiluva (or simply 'Luva) River, where we'll launch the inflatable kayaks for your first highlands adventure. After a thorough safety talk, some shoulder stretches and basic kayaking instruction, you'll quickly gain confidence and comfort with paddling your own boat through fun Class II whitewater. Plenty of rapids - wave trains, rock mazes, and swift chutes - interspersed with large, glassy pools offer just the right blend of excitement and relaxation. What better way to enjoy a whitewater challenge, yet still meditate on the breathtaking tropical valley through which you're traveling.
• The Namosi Valley has long been fabled by Fijians as a place of fierce warriors and intimidating landscape, where most islanders fear to tread. Indeed, Namosi warriors of the past proved to be strong and ruthless, securing freedom for their land in times of foreign invasion and inter-tribal strife. But despite their history during the islands' more troubled times, today's Namosi villagers are warm-hearted, hospitable, and eager to welcome you to their pastoral home. A highlight of your adventure today is a visit to the charming riverside village of Nakavika, which will be your camp site for the night. As you disembark your kayaks, friendly locals enthusiastically welcome you with a tour of their village, a traditional kava ceremony and a delicious lovo feast. Nakavika is unlike any village you'll see along the more populated coastal areas, and one that very few visitors to Fiji ever experience. Its lack of tourism and limited contact with more developed parts of the island have left Nakavika relatively unchanged for centuries, adding to its uniqueness. Several of your Rivers Fiji guides are natives of this village - in fact, the head guide on your 'Luva trip is the son of Nakavika's chief - and are pleased to share stories and information about their home. Your evening in Nakavika will likely find you gathered around a camp fire, listening to age-old legends of giants, river serpents, and fierce warriors that once roamed the Namosi Valley. After some Warrior Series Yoga Postures, we'll snuggle in our warm, soft sleeping bags for a special Yoga Nidra (mind yoga) session where we guide ourselves into the alpha state. Here, we just might experience glimpses of or visitations from the spirits of this ancient warrior culture. The thick ground pads make a cozy outdoor bed, and after our session, you'll drift off to the sounds of a crackling fire, the whispering river and other peaceful night noises of the highlands.
  
  

• The next morning, arise to an invigorating yoga session, a hearty breakfast and the anticipation of another day's adventure. Despite your hesitation to leave Nakavika and its friendly villagers, the 'Luva River calls and you board your kayak for the next leg of your journey. More discoveries await you downstream: cascading waterfalls, verdant grottoes, a hot water spring, and perhaps a glimpse of a resident parrot, whose electric blue, red and yellow feathers catch your eye from the branches above. Otherwise, your attention is captured by the thrill of running rapids.
• Soon the canyon walls begin to close in and rise towards the sky. Twisting vines and lush ferns soften the black volcanic cliffs. A jungle canopy allows only dappled sunlight inside this divine garden grotto, providing a welcome reprieve from the tropical sun. Silence prevails; only an occasional bird call and the echo of water dripping in a small cave break the canyon's serenity - or rather enhance it.
• Leaving this magical canyon behind, it's not long before you discover another enchanting site - an 80-foot waterfall plummeting down the face of a sheer cliff. A short walk from the river brings you to the base of the falls, where a deep crystalline pool makes a blissful swimming hole. Perhaps we'll give one another soothing back and neck massage as we laze in the warmth of the sun, or pay homage with a series of Sun Salutations. Make sure you take plenty of pictures and an extra moment to gaze at this beautiful work of nature - this is one of those rare, perfect places that you only experience once in a great while.
• Soon you'll see signs of human habitation: plantations, an occasional horse, and the first structures of this region's elaborate villages. One of the largest, Namuamua, marks the point where you leave your kayak and board a motorized longboat for the remainder of the journey past the confluence of the 'Luva and Navua rivers. Winding through another lush tropical canyon complete with cascading waterfalls, sheer cliff walls and exotic birds, you'll enjoy yet another glimpse of the little-known beauty of Fiji's hidden interior. Mountains fragrances mix with salt air and the setting sun provides a fitting end to your remarkable journey. Return to the Pacific Harbour International Hotel for a hot shower, perhaps a massage, a cool drink and a delicious dinner. At evening's end, we'll gather on the beach for a quiet, meditative yoga session and slip into a state of deep relaxation with Shivasana.
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner on Day 4; breakfast, lunch on Day 5

Day 6

• Today you leave the highlands behind and head out to the islands for a day of snorkeling and sea kayaking. Board our private charter boat in Pacific Harbour for a scenic ride across the Beqa Passage. Behind you, Viti Levu's mist-shrouded mountains tower above a white, palm-fringed coast line; in front of you, Beqa and its neighboring islands rise from the blue-green sea.
• Just short of Beqa, near the uninhabited island of Nunuka, the boat anchors and the crew helps launch your sea kayaks for a morning of discoveries. Explore Nunuka's white sand beaches and extensive coral gardens, gracefully paddling your way through calm, clear waters. You'll find that sea kayaking is an easy and natural way to explore the shoreline - even in the shallowest waters - and more open sections of sea.
• Head to shore for some stretches to relieve our paddling arms and shoulders, followed by a satisfying lunch of deli-style sandwiches, fresh fruits and veggies, cookies and cold drinks. Relax in the shade of a palm grove, or sink into the soft sands of the beach and catch a few rays before continuing your adventure.
• After lunch, you'll head to Malumu Bay and paddle along the cliffs of Lawaqalevu Island, home to hundreds of fruit bats. Tides permitting, you'll paddle to the apparent end of the bay, only to discover a secret mangrove tunnel that leads to another vast stretch of blue on the other side. You have reached Beqa Lagoon, one of the islands' best scuba diving and snorkeling locales. Now that you've skimmed the surface of Fiji's azure seas, it's time to go deeper - disembark your kayaks and get ready to snorkel. Explore the magical world that exists underwater: brilliant soft corals swaying with the currents, mysterious urchins and other invertebrates hiding in small chasms, and fish in every color of the rainbow - plus shades that you didn't even know existed in nature. Fiji's vibrant corals and their aquatic inhabitants are like a crystal in the sunlight - they reflect every possible color. The vivid hues that flash before you, the unique tranquility of being underwater, the freedom of floating along, weightless, all combine to deliver an exhilarating and memorable experience in the Beqa Lagoon.
• The sun begins to sink towards the horizon as you board your charter boat bound for Pacific Harbour. Relax as you cruise back to Viti Levu, watching the late-afternoon sun illuminate the islands you just visited and keeping an eye out for playful dolphins jumping and spinning in the distance.
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Day 7

• Arise early this morning for your second journey into the highlands, this time for the much-anticipated descent of the Upper Navua River. A ride into the islands' lovely interior displays miles of lush rainforest, hidden to all but the highlands villagers and those lucky enough to visit the Navua. Enjoy a mid-morning snack of home-baked banana bread, then take a short hike on a scenic jungle path to the put-in.
• Your paddle rafts await you at the river, and after a brief orientation talk and some preparatory stretches, your adventure begins. The scenery is immediately spell-binding as you find yourself in a narrow gorge where black volcanic cliffs are covered by a tapestry of verdant jungle plants. Scattered patches of bright sunlight turn the pure water to a deep azure color; otherwise the river and its surroundings are refreshingly shaded by the rainforest canopy overhead. You'll have some time to relax and enjoy this mesmerizing scenery before your attention is captured by the approaching whitewater.

• Moce Falls, an excellent introduction to the Navua's whitewater, is an exhilarating chute that quickly puts your paddling skills to the test. We'll prepare ourselves for the fun by stopping to center and invigorate ourselves with "Breath of Joy" pranayama. Completely saturating our lungs with air, we'll laugh with glee as we wholeheartedly and confidently descend through the rapids with joyful exuberance.
• The subsequent combination of lively rapids - boulder gardens, wave trains, and swift chutes - and stretches of flat water keeps your day constantly exciting while still giving you plenty of time to concentrate on the profound beauty of the Gorge. Floating down a narrow canyon, between cliffs that soar to a height of 50 meters, you'll pass cascading waterfalls, fern-fringed grottoes, crystalline pools, and riverside beaches. One such beach will be our lunch spot; here we'll stretch out our paddling arms, bask in the sun or take a swim while your guides prepare the afternoon meal.
• As the journey continues, keep your eyes out for a colorful parrot that's alighted on a branch near the water, or a heron or kingfisher flying low over the water. Take advantage of the flat-water section to jump out of your boat for a refreshing dip, or save your swimming for one of the day's highlights: a mighty waterfall, impressive even for Navua standards, that you can walk behind or "shower" beneath, surrounded by a perfect swimming hole.
• As the canyon widens, you'll find yourself floating past rolling hills, fertile farmland and tiny villages. Villagers who've come down to the water's edge - men and women to gather water, children to splash and play in the shallows - watch with curiosity as you pass by, waving and greeting you with calls of "Bula!" Soon you reach the take-out point at the village of Wainidiro, where the kind locals welcome you with the warm hospitality for which Fiji is famous. Here, you'll board our overland carrier for another scenic ride back to Pacific Harbour.
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Day 8

• We'll begin your final day with a warm and inspiring group farewell yoga celebration. Your final day in Fiji is free to enjoy your choice of activities, including a visit to Fiji's capital city, Suva. Suva is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the South Pacific, a lively crossroads of trade and tourism. Colorful markets and numerous local shops display the local Fijian flavor, while imposing colonial buildings, wide streets and manicured parks recall the days of British rule. For aesthetics and a bit of history, visit the Thurston Botanical Gardens to see vibrant tropical flowers and, on the premises, the Fiji Museum. Renowned for its maritime exhibits, the museum also has an interesting display of Fijian war clubs and an expanding history section. The Government House, Parliament of Fiji, and the University of the South Pacific are further points of interest in this impressive city.
• You may prefer to spend your day snorkeling and sunbathing on the beach, sample the South Pacific's best golf course right here in Pacific Harbour, or perhaps try a new activity like windsurfing or deep sea fishing. Either way, our group will reassemble one last time this evening for a farewell dinner, then transfer to Nadi for a late-night return flight to the U.S. Our trip is over, and with stronger, more supple bodies, we will return home, enriched and in gratitude for our experiences, garnered with new skills to enhance our well-being, and filled with visions of our next adventure!
• Meals included: breakfast, dinner

Why Visit Fiji?

Many Highlands to Islands guests extend their stay in Fiji to experience the wealth of beautiful destinations and exciting adventures that the islands offer. If you're interested in staying a while longer, here are just a few activities to consider:

• Perhaps the islands' most popular activity, scuba diving is the major attraction to Fiji for many visitors. Known as "the soft coral capital of the world," Fiji offers the largest variety of fish and coral anywhere in the world. Terrific dives abound only 10-15 minutes offshore, visibility is extremely high, and the waters are warm. Good scuba facilities exist along Viti Levu's Coral Coast, throughout the Mananuca Group, and on dozens of other outer islands. Particularly notable are the islands of Kadavu, surrounded by the Astrolabe Reef, and Taveuni, home of the famous Rainbow Reef. Numerous dive resorts and several live aboard dive vessels offer great packages throughout the islands. First-time divers will find certification courses in Nadi, Leleuvia, Kandavu and Taveuni.
• Fiji's calm waters, warm trade winds and scenic islands set the stage for premier sailing adventures. One popular experience is a safari on the Spirit of the Pacific in the Yasawa Islands. Days will find you exploring the islands, snorkeling in stunning coral gardens, hiking, swimming, and sailing. Spend your nights on land in traditional Fijian bures, enjoying ceremonial feasts with friendly villagers and native dance performances.
• Many of Fiji's smaller islands coastlines are sprinkled with charming private resorts that combine atmospheric accommodations with abundant outdoor activities. The following are just a few of our favorites:

  Treasure Island Resort - This tropical dream island is surrounded by a marine sanctuary, which offers a variety of water sports and activities for the entire family. Traditional bures sleep up to three people with a spectacular seas view; each one is only a few steps from the white sand beach that circles the island.

  Vomo Island Resort - Once the retreat for the high chiefs of Western Fiji, Vomo Island still offers a luxurious escape in paradise that's fit for royalty. This picturesque five-star resort has numerous amenities, including tropical gardens, several restaurants and a cocktail lounge, live music in the evening, a beauty therapy clinic, and demonstrations such as coconut tree climbing, lei stringing, coconut weaving, and traditional kava ceremonies. Rooms are beautiful and well appointed, and a long list of outdoor activities is offered.

  Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort - This is one of the South Pacific's most internationally appealing, exclusive and romantic resorts. Nestled in a once-flourishing coconut plantation amidst Fiji's azure waters, this heavenly escape offers excellent underwater adventure options. An intimate and elegant choice for adventure travelers, family vacations and first or second honeymoons.

Why an O.A.R.S. Trip?

O.A.R.S. has been in business for over 30 years and that is no accident. Great trips on the best rivers are the recipe for this success. Always focused on our clients and their vacations, it is our genuine - if not biased - belief that river trips are extremely valuable life experiences. That said, we have committed ourselves over the years to providing the best trips available, always with an eye on improvement. Though we're always interested in your opinion on the matter, here are a few things we believe set our trips apart:

Staff

• As anyone who has been on an O.A.R.S. trip can tell you, our guides and support staff are the best in the business. Their knowledge, skills, demeanor and attitude are qualities of which we are very proud. From our professional, well-informed Adventure Consultants, to those behind the scenes, to the guides on your trip, all of our staff strive every moment to exceed your expectations. Your river guides are gourmet chefs, entertainers and teachers all rolled into one-and so good at their jobs you'd think they were born on the river. Each guide on your trip offers a different perspective on this canyon and why they've made it their workplace, their home, their passion. Our employees are the number one reason O.A.R.S has repeat customers-take a trip with us and you'll see why.
• Hannah Johansen, owner of Alpenglow Adventure Spa at Big Sky, Montana, leads the staffing for our special Yoga Spa Adventures. With her 23 years of experience in yoga, massage and public speaking, she teaches and shares fun, educational, and life-affirming skills that help our guests fully integrate the thrills and exhilaration of the river with the healing qualities of the great outdoors. They return home with stronger, more supple bodies, as well as new skills to continue to enhance their ongoing health and well-being.
• Hannah's connection with adventure travel groups has allowed her to lead and participate in yoga and massage programs while rafting the Grand Canyon, trekking through Nepal, sea kayaking in Baja and scuba diving in the Maldives. She has recently returned from a tour of the Caucus region of Central Asia where she shared her massage and yoga skills with an international group bringing concerts to refugee camps. She received her Kripalu Yoga Teacher Certification in 1990 with further certification in 1997. In 2004 she received her 500 hour Amrit Yoga certification and is currently a masters degree candidate in Yoga through Hindu University.

Equipment

• O.A.R.S.' river gear and boats are top of the line and are rigorously maintained. Rest assured knowing that we use only the best and most reliable equipment. All river-related gear is included and we offer many accessories to ensure your comfort on dry land as well. Sturdy tents, warm sleeping bags and thick sleeping pads give your camp by the river most of the comforts of home.
• We ask our guests to bring with them the following massage and yoga items:

  Personal massage sheets - 1 set twin sized sheets with 1 pillowcase (fitted bottom, flat top)

  Yoga mat and yoga strap - We recommend a thicker yoga mat since we will be doing much of our practices outside on uneven ground.

  Baseball cap - to protect your eyes from the glare when doing yoga in the sun, and stay on your head when doing inverted postures.

  Yoga practice outfit - Layers of loose, comfortable clothing, so we can easily adjust our body temperatures by the amount of layers we are wearing.

Experience

• In 1969, O.A.R.S. became the first small-raft, oar-powered rafting outfitter to offer river trips through the Grand Canyon. The immediate success of these trips inspired founder and president George Wendt to expand his business into the largest and most geographically diverse rafting company in the West. With trips on over 20 western rivers, 33 years of experience in the industry, and staff members who have been with us from the very beginning, O.A.R.S. is one of the most accomplished and respected companies in the outdoors.

Getting to Fiji

• Call O.A.R.S.' in-house travel agency, Travel Outdoors, at 800-346-6277 and ask to get a current airfare quote for the Highlands to Islands program. To date, it ranges from $950 to $1400, depending on the travel date. Call today for current information.
• It is necessary to have a valid passport to enter Fiji. Your passport MUST be valid for 3 months after your date of entry to Fiji!! Passports may be obtained from your local County Clerk/Recorder's Office. This process can take 6-8 weeks so do not delay. O.A.R.S. is not responsible for any cancellation costs incurred if proper documentation is not presented.

A Few Important Details

Reservations & Deposit

• A $450/person deposit is required at the time of reservation. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure. Trip is based on double occupancy. Single supplement cost is $150 for the 6-day program. If you are a single and want to share, we will do all possible to match you with another single traveler.

Cancellations & Refunds

• If you find it necessary to cancel your trip, notify us as soon as possible. You can telephone, but we also need a written notice. The cancellation fee after you've made your deposit can range up to the entire trip cost, based upon the number of days prior to your trip that we receive your cancellation notice. We regret we cannot make exceptions for personal emergencies. For this reason, we strongly urge our participants to investigate trip insurance (see Insurance). Cancellations 60 days or more prior to the trip earn a full refund less a $100/person fee. Cancellations 59 days or less prior to your trip are not refundable.

Medical

• Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying an O.A.R.S. trip. Pregnant women and those with heart trouble should have their physician's approval before taking a river trip.
• You can be confident regarding your level of experience with yoga practices. Beginners and advanced students alike will benefit equally from the daily practice of yoga and deep breathing. Be sure to advise your instructor of particular physical issues that should be addressed in your yoga postures.

Insurance

Although every effort is made to insure a safe trip for all, we strongly recommend that you protect yourself, your belongings, and your vacation through the purchase of a short-term traveler's policy. A trip cancellation policy covers your non-refundable payments in most cases, should you have to cancel your trip at the last minute due to illness or injury. Trip participants should realize that in the event of illness or injury on a river trip, evacuation could be prolonged, difficult and expensive. Personal belongings and cameras are carried entirely at the owner's risk, and O.A.R.S., Inc. accepts no responsibility for lost, damaged, delayed or stolen property.

Liability Waiver

• Everyone is required to sign a standard release before the trip, acknowledging awareness that some risks are associated with the trip. Safety is of the utmost concern on our trips. However, due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with O.A.R.S. cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time.

Responsibility - An Important Notice

• O.A.R.S., Inc. and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agent for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services, and assume no responsibility however caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service, including but not limited to that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays and expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, theft, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or change in transit over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well being of the participants, including cancellation due to water fluctuation, insufficient bookings, and other factors. There is risk in whitewater rafting, particularly during high-water conditions. Rafts, dories and kayaks do capsize. You could be swept overboard. Your guide will make every attempt to assist, but you must be strong and agile enough to "self-help" and "float-it-out" without further endangering yourself or others. Please be advised our U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices are rated to accommodate persons no heavier than 260 pounds and with a chest size no larger than 52 inches. We are experienced at accommodating people with various handicaps. Please give us an opportunity to make you feel welcome. We need to discuss any special requirements ahead of time. We may decide, at any time, to exclude any person or group for any reason we feel is related to the safety of our trips. On advancement of deposit the depositor agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions. Prices are subject to change without notice