Songs that we wrote about the Nantahala River,
and a little about the Owners

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Nantahala River White Water Rafting

Nantahala River

Yes, we've been accused of having a little fun around here. We love what we do, and we love where we do it. Sometimes we sit around the fire and just pick and sing, and just generally fool around. Sometimes we make up a song or two. It's a bit funny what runs through your mind when you wake up early in the morning, looking out over the campground. A good cup of coffee in hand, sitting on the front porch watching the early birds stirring. Getting their fires going, cranking up the coffee, some grilling eggs and bacon over the open fire. And next time we get around the fire, the verses start flowing. Some cute, some funny, and some just down right good! The Call of the Nantahala River (3.8Mb mp3)was recorded in Nashville, TN in a professional recording studio, along with another touching song written about our parents. His other two songs about this area are Lets Go Rafting with Paddle Inn (2.9Mb mp3) and when the time is right, a crazy little song called We're Strokin' (1.9Mb mp3) for a line dance that is done with our rafters. Click here for the words to the songs: Call of the Nantahala River, Lets Go Rafting with Paddle Inn, We're Strokin'. These songs and more along with loads of technical stuff can be found on his massive website: www.Michael-Thomas.com
Michael Thomas, my older brother is a Software Developer who lives near Atlanta, Ga., and works for IBM. His love is his music, and he loves to enjoy the river. 
Mom and Dad (Dempsey and Ardis Thomas) are both retired professionals, Masters Degrees and Doctorates, who later retired from the ministry.  Dad requires a bit more care these days because of the fight with Alzheimer's, but he still loves the river, and still enjoys seeing everyone having fun on the river. He really enjoys the ride to the top, so you might see him making the runs with us. We are a family still connected, and committed to helping each other. Mom is a real trooper. I think if she slows down a bit, I'll be able to keep up with her. 
Michael wrote another song or two about Mom and Dad that really tell the story. Amazing Love (4.0Mb mp3) was the other song that was recorded in Nashville. 
Just Wondering Why (3.6Mb mp3) was another song that was written after Dad began his fight, reminiscing on previous traumatic events in Michaels life.

I am Mark Thomas, and I purchased the Paddle Inn Rafting Company at the age of 42, in March of 2005. Our first season was great, and we all had a ball! We really learned more about what "not" to do, thant to do,, or at least it seemed to be in that order.. But, we have a great time, and every year, we seem to enjoy our employees and Customers more and more each year coming. To be honest with you,, I feel like I have the best job in the Country. It is my job, to make sure that you have a great time, year after year, and enjoy the services and the folks at Paddle Inn.

I want to personally thank everyone for their help, and their business. I have met some really wonderful people here, and made some really great friends. I can't begin to thank everyone enough.

Paddle Inn was once the number two rafting Company in the gorge. The last four years prior to my purchase, Paddle Inn saw a steady decline in business. It lost 40% of its business between 2001 and end of 2004. The first year we were in business, we were back up to the previous 2001 numbers due to a large volume of referrals and repeat business. That is without huge marketing campaigns.

Every year, we upgrade things at the Company. We have upgraded our fleet of boats, added new life jackets, paddles, busses, and made quite a few changes to the internals of the business. Everything that is not new is being tweaked, and we are hoping to clean up the image a bit again this season. Paddle Inn's prices have always been the best value on the river, but I suspect the customer service was not there over the last four years. We are here to change that! And that's a promise to all!

It will take a few years to get this place like we want it, but each year we will definitely make progress. One of the biggest hurdles to cross is not being familiar with the area, and all of the factors that can foul up good plans if you don't calculate properly. Three of my largest projects had to be put on hold this year, but another good season, and I'll be ready to catch that window of opportunity that I missed this year due to conditions I was unaware of moving into the winter. It is quite amazing how much water our trees can suck up out of the water and ground during the regular season. Anyway, it is to live and to learn.

I'm an ex computer junkie, who has been involved in just about everything. Don't believe me, just ask. I'll bet I'll try fooling you anyway. And no, Web Design was not my forte! I worked for several Fortune 500 and 1000 companies while maintaining my certification as a Master Certified Netware Engineer. Software support was the beginning of it all, then Hardware, then Network, then Servers, Routers, and anything else you would need to build an Enterprise Network Infrastructure. Later, I ran my own Consulting Firm while I still lived in Baton Rouge, La. Before that, I commercial fished, trapped and hunted, did construction, welding and a bunch of other things for a living. 
   
Dad began to get a little worse, so I came up here to enjoy what I liked to do the most, and be close to my parents to help out as much as I possibly can. Little did I know, that Mom would be helping me in the business everyday, and Dad would get so much enjoyment from seeing it all happen.
  
If you have someone in your family with Alz, don't underestimate the lack of verbalization or anything else associated with the disease with the lack of understanding, or the ability to still feel the feelings that we all take for granted. 

Nobody should have to go through this type of disease, but it is even worse when we give up, and feel that we have been defeated. Granted everyone is not in a position to provide the extra care, but we are going to hang in there as long as we can. So if you happen to read through this, say a little prayer for us and we'll be sure to pray for you too. Thanks and God Bless you all!

This photo is from 1998 when we all got together for Christmas. 
Last good picture of Dad posing with a smile. 
I think we have all changed a bit since then.
(Mark, Dempsey, Ardis, Michael)
(Me, Dad, Mom and Brother)

I'll have a few river photos after this year. 
I was a bit pre-occupied during this first business year. 
I hope to see everyone again this year!
Paddle Inn Rafting Company
14611 Highway 19 West 
Bryson City, NC. Zip 28713
800-711-RAFT or 828-488-9651
Info@PaddleInnRafting.com