Bio Bio Expeditions Worldwide

National Geographic - 50 Tours of a Lifetime for 2010 - Drangme Chhu River, Bhutan

2010-04-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

First Raft Descent of the Drangme Chuu River in Bhutan is a big success!

2009-12-04T17:14:00.001-08:00

On November 14th Bio Bio Expeditions joined forces with Ultimate Descents, to run the first raft descent of the Drangme Chuu river in Eastern Bhutan.
Dave Allardice of Ultimate Descents writes " Let's not mince words here: Bhutan is the cutest little kingdom on earth. A gigantic staircase rising from the Indian border to the high Himalayas of Tibet, the soaring peaks of Bhutan are an untapped treasure house of whitewater. The rivers are powerful and challenging. The mountains are magnificent. The people are delightful. The architecture and art is superb. All together, this is a world-class odyssey in a magical land. Far from being a static, restricted environment, Bhutan is a dynamic country whose development is focused on meeting the practical, spiritual and aesthetic needs of its people. Compared with the countries that surround it, Bhutan is succeeding remarkably well."
Bhutan is only 130 miles wide but still takes 4 full days of driving to cross the country and arrive at our put-in. Along the way we visited Dzongs (large fortresses), monastaries, and enjoyed an amazing 20 k raft descent of the class IV Mangde Chuu river. We arrived to the far eastern reaches of the country near Trashigang, Bhutan and got our first glimpses of the Drangme Chuu river. The river was running clear with an estimated 4000 CFS. We spent the next 7 days rafting and kayaking 120 K from Trashigang to the Indian Border. We were thrilled to find one of the finest rafting experiences in Asia. We found big fun class 4 + whitewater, with an occasional class 5 rapid, big beaches, wildlife, very few bugs, and plenty of interaction with local Bhutanese people. Simply put, the river canyon is a gem and we were all excited to have the opportunity to experience it still in its pristine state.

The people of Bhutan are some of the most gracious people we have ever met, warm and welcoming, and the country has left us with an indelible image of what is possible in an otherwise chaotic world. Hope for our planet is very evident in Bhutan.

We look forward to running the Drangme Chuu river again in 2010.

Click here for a short video preview - Final video coming in January.

National Geographic Traveler Magazine Selects our Zambezi trip as 50 Tours of a Life Time - 2009

2009-05-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

“Every year, the editorial team combs the world to find the most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours,” notes senior editor Norie Quintos. “This year, we wanted to make sure that the trips we picked were also a great value, given the economic climate. What we found is that there is no better time to go on a guided tour than now as the traditional savings offered by an outfitter being able to negotiate better rates on a trip’s components is magnified by cheaper airfares, a strengthened dollar, and more discounts, freebies, and extras.”

Raft the Zambezi
Jen Eastwood vividly recalls the exhilaration she felt on this trip after rafting the mighty Zambezi with its Class IV and V rapids stacked up at almost one per mile. "We were rounding the bend and started hearing this music. The people who live on the hill above where our camp was that night had come down and were singing and dancing in our honor. We pulled the boats up onto the rocks and joined them." The outfitter has long had a stake in Zimbabwe and its people—to the extent of helping local river guides launch a kayak rental business. Bio Bio Expeditions: "Zambezi Explorer, Zimbabwe," 13 days; $3,700.

Aconcagua, Baby!

2009-03-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

Laurence and Ken, age 70, reached the summit of Aconcagua, (at 22,841 feet, the highest peak in the Americas) on Feb. 19th at 3:15 pm. Laurence reports that it was a great challenge, but good weather prevailed and made the summit attainable. Other members of the climbing party reached their own personal summits - whether reaching the highest camp, Berlin, or just challenging themselves in a whole new element. Trekking to Aconcagua is a tremendous accomplishment - kudos to Laurence for trip leading such an amazing journey!

The Aconcagua trek is a far cry from the creature comforts of the Bio Bio Futaleufu camp. Laurence was eager and ready to get back to his home-away-from-home along the banks of the azure Futa. Laurence has been in Chile since late November and has been at the helm of our Futaleufu operation throughout the South American summer. He has been loving watching his daughters, Sabine and Saskia, grow and learn in the clean air and beautiful sunshine. Sabine (age 3 1/2) has been learning to ride horses with her very own saddle while Saskia is going to be a very sure-footed young lady perfecting her walking skills on the hills and in the pastures of Patagonia.

Fishing Report from Futa (post-volcano)

2009-02-26T08:01:00.001-08:00

For those of you interested in how the Chaiten Volcano eruption (in May, 2008) has affected fishing on the Futaleufu, read on for the perspective of our guide Alex Obregon who was in Futa in February.......

Ahhh Futa, so much fun. The river is running low, great fishing flow! I didn’t have all that much time but managed to fish a good deal, my heart is content. You were right, the fishing is great! Fish in front of camp (good), on the Island (good, small), Puerto Ramirez (fun), magic carpet rapid (abundant, hit them like a sniper!), Inferno Canyon (the challenge), El Limite (the border - clear water, lots of fish), El Rio Azul (not rated) and the Seno Muerto Lake (beautiful). Some spots better than others but man...so fun. There is an abundant and healthy bug population, caddis, mayflies, stoneflies, dragon flies, damsel flies...the list goes on...basically all good signs of the good health of the water’s ecosystem. The visibility of the water is not quite the same as before, but the color is just as dramatic - it picks up hues of turquoise more like the Azul. The fish are not as easy to spot, but with good polarized aid and a bit of “know where to” look, you will find them. The section of El Limite (the border) is still crystal clear water, there are lots of fish up there. Some say that the fish from the Espolon got out and headed upstream, concentrating on that short section. Dry fly fun everywhere. The take out not so easy, right at the eddy above that “mini zeta” rapid under the Puente Robert...long haul with the gear to the road. In front of camp you can go out and catch an early morning Trucha (rainbow trout) just before breakfast, while the Yogis stretch their muscles...or... At the end of the day a happy hour hunt down by the Island and come back just in time for dinner. Heading downstream to Magic Carpet rapid for a little kayak surf...and fish... This is more laid back fishing (that is after negotiating the whitewater that guards the pool). After a couple of magic carpet rides (hopefully without getting whirlpooled) I sat on a warm rock overlooking the eddy, while in it, the food spins around and around...and with it comes the target...rainbows that feed carelessly unaware, like riding on a carousel. Much like a sniper, pick your target and put your fly out there...all is left are a few seconds of suspense and zaz! Set your hook! Play your fish, loading the synergy of the rod until your fish jumps out of the water to throw some aerial moves...we could make a fish rodeo...what you think about that..! Puerto Ramirez is a really beautiful section of water. I especially like that turn behind the Island in front of the beach we once camped at. The water here is almost still and also holds the clear color. So calm you can spot any action breaking the surface from one corner of the Island to the other...peaceful! I think that my favorite venture was into the Seno Muerto Lake, that little one next to Lake Lonconao. Dude, it is amazing the color of the water. It has a shallow section about 3-4 feet deep that extends from the shoreline like a white rim some 20-30 feet, and then drops dramatically into the deep blue, disappearing underneath you in between logs and old trees that have fallen down through time and now serve as shelter for rainbows and browns...the latter more conservative, shy...perhaps smarter...bigger...I only caught the not so smart ones... When you look down into the water it feels as if one is diving under, trying to find the bottom of the lake with the fish...like an aquarium. I wanted to share my fishing with you, I know its long and boring, more boring than fishing itself you might think...but when and if someone asks you about the fishing on the Fu, post volcano eruption, you will have more to tell them... I am very happy I went and I am even happier we are going back, the place is great! I wouldn’t say that there is no ash, but after you are in the town of Futa, you come back to the Bio Bio camp in the sector Azul and it feels like the oasis it has always been, now more so. I uploaded some pictures of the fishing adventure under “Fish Report”, check them out. ...Alex...

New Bio Bio Baby!

2009-02-26T07:51:00.000-08:00

Marc and Damara are proud to introduce the newest member of the Bio Bio Team! Lilian Paz Goddard was born on December 22nd, 2008. She weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces. The expanded family is doing great and Quinn loves being a big brother! Although this kept us from Chile this year, we have had a great winter here in Truckee and are looking forward to next season on the Futaleufu.

Save Patagonia's Rivers

2008-11-18T14:57:00.001-08:00

Hello friends of Bio Bio Expeditions!
Damara here - just wanting to share some information with you about the threats facing the mighty rivers of Patagonia (including our beloved Futaleufu). If you traveled to the Futa with us last winter you may remember the environmental letter I encouraged everyone to sign? Well, at the end of the season, I sent off more than 60 letters to the President of Chile - Michelle Bachelet. Two months later I received a formal response from the President's Cabinet thanking me (and all of you) for our concern and assuring me that our concerns would be considered and sent through the proper channels. Later in the summer I received another letter from the President's cabinet (see photo) also reassuring me that any hydro or mining projects on the Futaleufu would go under rigorous study first and that our comments would be considered. Both were very formal letters, no promises, but I was quite pleased and impressed to have received a response. So, thank you to all who helped me and signed a letter!!!
In other news, here are two websites you can click on to do your part to save the beautiful, mighty rivers and forests of Patagonia. Both the Pascua and Baker rivers, south of Futaleufu, are very threatened right now. The power transmission lines they would have to build to transport power from these massive dams would involve clearcutting a 400 foot wide swath (football field size) through pristine forest for thousands of miles. You can read more about it, and send comments just with the click of a mouse, at the following websites:

http://www.savebiogems.org/patagonia/
and
http://www.internationalrivers.org/en/latin-america/patagonia

If you loved it down there as much as we do, please take a moment to read about the issues and take action! If you haven't yet traveled to Patagonia, now's the time! Lets show the Chilean government that tourism and adventure travel is a better alternative for Patagonia than destructive mines and dams. Thanks everyone and hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Love, Damara

Don Rolando

2008-09-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I got a call this morning at 5 AM from Edgar who called from Nelli's house to tell me that yesterday at 4 pm Don Rolando passed away in the hospital in Puerto Montt. Ximena was with him. May he rest in peace.

He was a great man, always quick to make a joke, see the humour in life and always always ready to help anybody who needed anything at all. He built he Bio Bio Camp on the Fu and tended to it like it was his own. He will be missed and is survived by his sister Nelli who is of course very sad, distraught and in need of as much comfort as we can send her.
There is so much more that I could say and there is lots more that I feel. We are all sad, eventhough we are happy he is no longer suffering as the last few months of his life his quality of life had severely taken a turn for the worse. He lost lots of weight, was incoherent and in the end was also in pain. We may be thankful that there is rest in death and mercy in passing on. He will forever live on in our minds, and his work we will enjoy well into the future. Our energy and thoughts should go out to Nelli and Ximena, who no longer have a man around the house.

Their number should you choose to call them: (011) 562-1964259
or mail cards:

Sra. Nelida Diocares y Ximena Soto Diocares
Sector el Azul S/ N
Comuna de Futaleufu, X region
Provinica de Palena

The Futaleufu bounces back from a near miss!

2008-05-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,
We are so thankful for all the outpouring of support during the Volcan Chaiten eruption and just as thankful that our camp and the Futaleufu have been spared! The financial contributions that we have collected will still make life easier for the locals as many sold off cattle and sheep to get them out of the area. The money will also help them deal with fuel shortages and triple price hikes. We are also studying a way to get the rio Azul residents a web page to help visitors to the areas enlist their services in the future. Tourists can then book such things as a home cooked Asado, a home stay, a hike to hidden lakes, or horse rides etc. This will be a way to get passerby visitors in touch with the Futaleufu locals and will allow them to make money well into the future as soon as we all get the word out that the Futaleufu is every bit as beautiful as ever! It is true that the heavy winter rains have taken care of the ash fall. In many places the soil has been actually enriched and this will help grow even healthier vegetation.
The worst possible outcome for the locals now is that visitors stay away due to sensationalist press, which would make carving a living out of the wilderness even harder. They really are working hard to provide services to the growing number of tourists and this is for many the largest source of income. So, tell your friends how great the Futaleufu is and that they should visit soon as much as ever before!!
Again, thank you all for your concern, support and mindfulness!

50 Best trips of a life time - National Geographic Traveler Magazine

2008-05-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

National Geographic Adventurer - When we started this annual roundup of the world’s top guided tours three years ago, we sought to bring readers the most transformative, sustainable, and authentic experiences. To our delight, there’s no shortage of companies that share our philosophy. Whether it’s staring down a king penguin in Antarctica, sharing mole with a Oaxacan family, or watching your kids in a pickup soccer game in Sardinia, this is the sort of travel that will stick with you. We hope our 2008 picks get you inspired.

Bio Bio Expeditions Futaleufu trip in Patagonia picked as one of the 50 best trips - May 2008

Award Winning Videographers Produce Videos for Bio Bio Expeditions

2007-12-18T23:03:00.000-08:00

Bryan Smith of Pacific Horizons production company has created a short promo video for our website of rafting the Apurimac - Bryan is a well know videographer and Banff film festival finalist. Enjoy a high definition trip down the Apurimac!.

Click here to view video.
http://www.downstreammedia.net/TheRangeLife/Video/biobioperu.mov

Alex Nicks, who is also a Banff film festival finalists, produced our video for Kilimanjaro.
http://fourpynesfilms.com/PromoFC.mov

We hope you will enjoy the videos!

Bio Bio Expeditions is included as one of the “Best outfitters on the Planet”

2007-10-22T23:02:00.000-07:00

National Geographic Adventure Magazine - “Best Outfitters on Earth” (10/22/07)

With assistance from the Adventure Travel Council, Adventures in Travel Expo, the adventure travel trade Association, and other travel and tourism organizations, National Geographic Adventure magazine chose the “Best Outfitters on Earth” and Bio Bio is included as one of them – For more information please see the November 2007 issue of National Geographic Adventure Magazine. Or click on www.ngadventures.com/rankings

More press for Bio Bio Expeditions - First Descent in Bhutan!

2007-08-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

Travel and Leisure Magazine August 2007

Travel Leisure August 2007 “worlds best awards - Hotels, Cruises, Airlines, Cities, Islands.

In a feature article called “Getting there first” Some travel for fun, some to feed the soul. Others are in it for the immortality.

Jeff Wise quotes Richard Bangs, famous for various first decscents and especially for starting commercial rafting on the Zambezi river. “Usually there are a lot of unknowns, and anxiety and tension on a first descent. It’s all about celebrating chaos.” page 138,

Bio Bio Expeditions is mentioned for their upcoming November 2009 first descent of the Drangme, chhu river in Bhutan.

Call 1-800-246-7238 for more details.

Body and Soul Magazine

2007-06-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

Whole Living Body + Soul
March 2007
Pg. 101

A River Runs Through It

Yoga at BIO BIO EXPEDITION’s 10-day Patagonia retreat is all about going with the flow. Hovering 50 feet above Chile’s Futaleufu River, the open-air yoga platform at this adventure base camp offers spectacular views of turquoise rapids backed by glaciated peaks. Twice-daily hatha flow classes prep you for the next day’s rafting of fly-fishing trip, while savasanas allow time for listening to the river rush by and feeling the subequatorial sun on your face.

From Zambezi to the Futaleufu with Love!

2007-01-20T22:55:00.000-08:00

Greetings from the amazing south of Chile! The Futaleufu is big and wild and the BBX camp looks better than ever. The summer light pours into the windows of the pagoda where you can sit with a book and watch the turquoise river flow by. The new bathrooms with hot showers are five-star! Each platform now has a huge African-style safari tent complete with beds, down comforters, and Peruvian rugs. Speaking of Africa – we are delighted to announce that we sponsored one of our best native-Zambezi guides with a trip to Chile. Lovemore Kalinda, who until a couple days ago had never been on an airplane, flew from South Africa to Bariloche, Argentina and had his first kayak descent of the Futaleufu today. He is an excellent kayaker and river guide, but this is the first river he has run besides the mighty Zambezi. We are very happy to be able to provide this opportunity to Lovemore and he will spend the next two months here on the Futa kayaking, rafting, and working. Meanwhile, Sabine and Quinn (Laurence and Marc’s offspring) are enjoying “playdates” Patagonia style. We celebrated Quinn’s 1rst birthday on January 16th with lots of local kids, a BBQ of hot dogs and hamburgers, and live music by Ken Kruger. It was a wonderful celebration and we are truly enjoying watching the kiddies play and explore in this beautiful place.

If you haven’t experienced the magic of BBX on the Futaleufu yet, there is still room on the Feb. 11th, Feb. 18th, and March 4th trips. Call Diana in the home office at (800) 246-7238 and we’ll see you down here!!!

Love, Damara, Marc, Laurence

Rafting and kayaking in the Futaleufu Valley with Bio Bio Expeditions

2006-12-07T22:52:00.000-08:00

Multi-Sport Rafting and Cultural Tour of India

2006-11-17T22:45:00.000-08:00

Bio Bio Expeditions is happy to announce an amazing adventure into the heart of India!

Visit to the Taj Mahal

Rafting expedition on the Alaknanda, an upper section of the sacred river Ganges - perfect for first timers or experienced paddlers!

Cycling through remote villages

Visit to Corbett National Park, famous for its elephants, tigers, and macaques!

Riverside camping at our beautiful base camps - Leopard beach camp and Camp Tusker

The trip includes camping, luxury hotels, and beautiful riverside lodges.

This trip is designed for the active traveler looking for a combination of adventure, expedition, fun and culture!

Dates:
November 5th - November 19th, 2007
March 9th - November 22nd, 2008

Call 1-800-246-7238 for more information or a detailed itinerary.

Zambezi Video

2006-10-27T22:43:00.000-07:00

Report from the Zambezi trip September 2006

2006-10-10T22:42:00.000-07:00

Laurence and i were sitting above rapid number 5 on the Zambezi just last week and realized its been 17 years since we first guided on the Zambezi and here we are again dropping into the best rapids in the world. We thanked the Zambezi river god Nyami Nyami for all the safe passages,we peeled out of the eddy, and dropped into number 5 with huge smiles! We co-trip lead our September 16th Zambezi trip and lead 22 people down the mighty Zambezi. The trip went off without a hitch and everyone had a great time.

I realize there has been alot of bad news coming out of Zimbabwe but the country is still safe as ever, the people are some of the friendliest and most helpful in the world and this is still a great time to visit Zimbabwe. Tourism has dropped off because of all the bad economic news, but there is no resistance movement in Zimbabwe and the locals are depending more than ever on the tourist dollar.In fact this is even a better time to go because it is less crowded and you get more personal service. We have considered moving our base to Zambia on the other side of the river but for now everything is still a go in Zimbabwe! In many ways it is like returning home for us because we have made so many good friends and contacts in Zimbabwe.

Bio Bio Expeditions along with the help of a few clients brought over a handful of kayaks and all the necessary gear and started a free kayak school for any local that wants to learn to kayak. This will provide a fresh stream of new talented kayakers able to work and provide safety for future rafting expeditions.

Our trips are planned for September 2007 and we hope that if you have ever dreamed of rafting and going on safari in Africa you will join us in 2007!

Warmest regards,
Marc Goddard

Bio Bio Expeditions Zambezi Trip featured in Condé Nast Traveler website

2006-09-10T22:39:00.000-07:00

Forget the dog days of August: The dry season hits southern Africa in September, when elephants, zebras, impalas, and baboons lumber down to the 1,650-mile Zambezi River for a drink of water. The best way to get a look at all that wild game? From the river itself. Sign on with the expert guides from Bio Bio Expeditions, whose Zambezi Explorer trip departs only in September. READ FULL ARTICLE>>

Cotahuasi 2006

2006-07-17T22:37:00.000-07:00

We are back from another great adventure in Peru. We ran another safe and fun trip thorugh the Cotahuasi canyon. Water levels were perfect as was the weather. A few of the rapids that we have portaged in years past became runnable due to a shift in some of the boulders. One of our guests Adam Dawson ran all of the rapids while others choose to walk around a few. We are looking forward to two trips in 2007. This was our 6th year running the Cotahuasi and each year we figure out how to run a smoother trip. We have big plans for 2007!

Please click below for a few sample shots of the 2006 Cotahuasi trip.
Thanks to everyone for making this a memorable trip.

http://blog.biobioexpeditions.com/cotahuasi.html

Saludos,
Marc Goddard

Marc and Laurence turn 40!

2006-06-28T22:25:00.000-07:00

Laurence Alvarez and Marc Goddard both turned 40 last week. Laurence and Marc met when they were 13 and have been running rivers ever since! At 40 they are still at it and plan to run the Middle Fork of the Feather this weekend. Marc plans to guide the Cotahuasi on July 3rd. Please click on the link below to see a fun slide show on the history of the friendship of Marc and Laurence and friends along the way!

Bio Bio Expeditions featured on MSNBC.com!

2006-06-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

Bio Bio Expeditions was recently featured on MSNBC.com!

To read the article, click the image or visit the link below:

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/13559899/

Tour de Nez hits Truckee

2006-06-23T22:21:00.000-07:00

Since we all can and should bike more, Bio Bio Expeditions was proud to field three volunteers for the Tour de Nez bike race in down town Truckee!

Marc and Damara brought their new son Quinn and black lab Mosi down on two Xtracycles with Mr. Quinn in the Chariot trailer. Lars rode down into town on his 70’s something beach cruiser which he recently acquired at a garage sale for $10.

Lars entered his cruiser into the “one lap” sprint race called the “Clunker Classic.”
Rule 1: Bikes 32 lbs and over
Rule 2: Cheat

Well, Lars came in second, right behind a guy on a brand new tandem 24 speed Cannondale. Apparently, clunkers do not have gears, so in all reality Lars won!!! But, Mr. 1st place did abide by rule 1 and 2 so his win stands…..

Second place prize was a New Belgium Brewing company “Fat Tire ” biking shirt!!!!

And remember, when racing, peddle like you stole it!

See you out on the trail and on your bike!

Check out a new slideshow of the Futaleufu from Bio Bio!

2006-06-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

Check out a slideshow by Bio Bio Expeditions at this link:
http://blog.biobioexpeditions.com/futaleufu.html

Bio Bio Blog is up and running!

2006-06-21T22:08:00.000-07:00

The Bio Bio Blog is up and running. Enjoy stories, last minute trip specials and stay in the Bio Bio loop! Check for weekly updates, exciting photos, expedition news and whats new with the Bio Bio family and friends!

Bio Bio Expeditions featured on CNN.com!

2006-06-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

Bio Bio Expeditions Kilimanjaro trip was recently featured on CNN.com!

To read the text of the full article, click here.

Why Bio Bio Expeditions?

2006-06-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

Bio Bio Expeditions was created by Marc Goddard and Laurence Alvarez-Roos, both from California, as a way to bring people to their favorite rivers in the world. They have been international guides since 1988 and were both members of World Champion rafting Team California. It is their passion to lead people to some of the world’s most wild and beautiful places. They accomplish this safely and with the input from and respect for the local cultures. They introduce different parts of the world to their guests and impart a love of adventure, travel, culture, and the environment. Marc or Laurence is on every trip because this is what they love to do.

Bio Bio’s signature trip is in Chile on the Futaleufu river. The Patagonia region of southern Chile is like the Montana of the 1920’s. The Futaleufu River valley is in the heart of this rugged setting where the families live a traditional ranching lifestyle. Bio Bio Expeditions has created their own retreat in this inspiring setting with the goal of bringing the adventure traveler to the heart of Patagonia. The base camp created, with the assistance of our Chilean neighbors, is a place where the active traveler can get their fill of adrenaline sports and relaxation. The Futaleufu River is world renowned as one of the best whitewater rivers in the world and was the site of the 2000 International Whitewater Championships. The guests spend their summer day rafting spectacular, big whitewater and evenings in the outdoor hot tub watching the river drift by or sipping Chilean wine in the sunset bar. They can enjoy Yerba Mate tea with a Patagonian family after a morning of fly-fishing and mountain biking and have our massage therapist soothe their sore muscles after a hot, relaxing sauna. This is paradise for the adventure traveler who loves to enjoy many different sports in a remote and pristine wilderness setting, but you do not have to compromise on comforts or amenities.

Besides Chile, Bio Bio Expeditions runs trips on the Zambezi River in Africa, the Katun in Siberia, Cal Salmon in northern California, and the Apurimac and Cotahuasi Rivers in Peru. Furthermore, they have expanded to a limited number of trekking trips including Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. For more information, contact Marc Goddard at marc@bbxrafting.com