Most days I’ll show up somewhere, talk to somebody, shoot something and try to get a story on the 11 o’clock news that makes some sense. Hopefully there’ll be something helpful or moving for whoever is watching. Rarely do my work experiences run into my personal life.

I was thinking of this about a month ago as I sat by a gate meant to block the entrance to a yet to be opened whitewater park. It seems some of the neighbors weren’t too happy about the number of cars on a once quiet dirt road. But I didn’t get a chance to see the whitewater park itself. I guess there was some top secret stuff going on inside.

So, a few days later when the US Whitewater Center was officially open, I set out to do a little reconnaissance. I guess I was expecting to see the same light brown water I’d seen in some of the earlier stories. It kind of reminds me of the chocolate river from the old Willy Wonka movie. You know, the part where the kid, Gustov or something, falls in and gets sucked up the tube. Anyway, I digress.

As I walked from the parking lot with my three boys in tow, I was greeted with a great view of the whole facility, much bigger than I expected. The water color was a surprising mix; a combination of blue, green, brown and a churning bright white. The rapids had a kind of hypnotic affect, until one of the kayakers rides through, gets flipped over and then snaps back up.

The sound of the water rushing in was a constant reminder of how strong the man made current can be; not too loud but always there.

My boys were mostly taken with the conveyor belt that brought kayakers and rafters back to the starting area.

There is a relaxing informality to the center. There are no neon signs telling me where to go. There’s plenty of room to watch the boaters, a huge monolith looking rock wall waiting for ropes and holds and a few inviting Adirondack chairs by the snack bar.

I think I might give this kayak thing a try after a few lessons, although my 6-year-old son insists “that’s not fair” because he couldn’t go. It’s one of the few benefits of being an old man with no hair.

If you decide to check the place out, take it easy on the road in, the 20 mph speed limit seems too fast. Also, if you see someone selling barbeque by the roadside, stop and grab a chicken leg and a coke. Good stuff.