Rocky Mountain River Tours

Sheila Testing River Recipes

2011-02-17T14:13:00.000-08:00

It's spring and Sheila is working on the menu for this river season. The best part is when she has friends and neighbors over to sample the fare. So, on a snowy February evening in Boise the simulated Dutch oven river meal is being enjoyed by 14 happy people.

Lucky for Sheila, Aaron "Birddog" river guide was available to be sous chef for the evening. The two of them had a great time cooking and serving the guests.

Sept. 3rd trip report

2010-10-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

Floating the Middle Fork in September is a treat. The water level is lower, the air is cooler and things are a bit more quiet and relaxed than earlier in the season. Lots of time to reflect on the scenery, time to hike, take photos, explore and get to know everyone. Our trip was full of interesting folks from the very young to the very experienced. We had guests from Massachusetts, Indiana, Texas, New Mexico, Oregon and Idaho. New friendships formed quickly, perhaps lifelong ones.
Big Jim, Emily, Keri, Johnny, Shane and George skillfully guided us and kept us well fed through the beautiful rugged wilderness for five days, camping at Whitey Cox, Lower Grouse, Woolard Creek and Otter Bar. Beautiful sites for sure.
As Bev said, "it was a fabulous trip. Met a lot of nice people, ate like kings, and saw the most beautiful, rugged scenery we have ever seen. I had no idea Idaho was so beautiful! Idahoans are lucky to have all those mountains at their back door."

Our first thrill was flying in to our put-in at Thomas Creek where our guides had our boats all ready to go.

A typical lunch of delicious sandwiches, fresh fruit and cookies.

Four oar boats, a paddle boat and three inflatable kayaks.

Brittany, skilled at scull racing, loved the kayak.

and so did her brother, Cameron.

It's interesting to see how peaceful and relaxed one can get after just a few hours on the Middle Fork. Elena ponders the meaning of it all.

Away we go, down the river.

hors d'oeuvres - smoked salmon, cheese, fruit & crackers, and some very good wine

A sample of Sheila's famous Dutch Oven cooking - Spicy Pesto Lasagna (p. 135 in her new Outdoor Dutch Oven Cookbook)

Happy campers, Jean & Karen.

Kobe and Clarke practicing their fly fishing skills at Whitey Cox camp.

Cameron from Indiana & Kobe from Idaho quickly became best buddies

Breakfast is always fabulous. Today it's pancakes, sausage & Sinfully Sumptuous Sticky Buns. (p. 33 in her cookbook)

Big Jim, the sausage cooker.

Y-u-u-u-um-m-m-m!!

Ray says,
"you know what, hon, this is pretty darn good food!"

Bev agrees.

Back on the river. This time it's Charles conquering Tappen Falls with Bill & Katie in hot pursuit.

Way to go, Charles, you made it.

Look out, Bill!

That's it! Lookin' good. Bill, you were certainly an inspiration to us all.

back at camp - a rousing game of Right, Left Center. Thanks, Jane!

Bev's river sandals BEFORE they got destroyed in Loon Creek hot springs.

Thanks, Gail for loaning her your extra pair.

Arthur, Rab & Ray relaxing before dinner.
This is grilled Salmon night.

Now what's Emily up to?

It's a birthday cake for Ruth.
WOW! Sheila's famous Camel Gulch Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting.
(p. 159 in her cookbook).
What better way to celebrate a birthday!

Katie and her cauldron entertains with a scary story around the campfire on a dark and windy night.

A rain and thunderstorm Saturday night didn't bother anyone. Dave and Sheila provide everyone with great tents and bags so we were well protected. Big Jim braved the storm to make sure we were all tucked safely away.

Keri got soaked, too, but was all smiles the next morning.

Johanna, Sandy & Kobe warming up on a chilly morning.

Mary, Karen & Rab get ready for another great day of fishing.

What are they biting on today, Clarke?

No Gary, you can't climb out of the canyon. You have to go down the river with the rest of us!

Shane and his harem of paddlers.
Jean, Elena, Roz, Sandy, Irina and Jane looking good before Weber.

All together now, girls!

They're all in there, somewhere!

Made it! Great job, everyone!

After a cool and windy Sunday it was sure nice to have such a beautiful warm afternoon in the sun on Monday at Otter Bar camp.

Sisters Irina and Elena take a cool dip at Otter Bar. Nothing better on a hot afternoon.

brothers Rob & Charles sharing a laugh before dinner. Tonight it's butterfly filet mignon and Ruby Rapid Rhubarb pie. (p. 169 in Sheila's cookbook)

Karen, Mary, Jane, Arthur, Johanna, Katie, Cam & Kobe spend their last evening around the campfire. Sad to think it's over tomorrow.

Arthur, Charles, Johanna, Clarke, Rob, Jane, Jean & Kobe all dressed and ready to go on our last morning through Impassable Canyon.

Cam & Kobe, new best friends.

And moms, Jane and Sandy, too.

Jane & Gail struggling with the camp chairs. According to Dave, there were supposed to be four chair bags, six chairs to a bag. Who knew!

Irina, Sandy, Roz & Elena saying goodbye at Cache Bar.

and so ends another great Rocky trip. Dave was there to meet us with the bus and another fabulous lunch. Then it was off to Salmon to say goodbye to Sheila, Dave and the guides and then the ride back to Stanley. Several of us went out to Redfish Lake Lodge for dinner. A nice way to spend a bit more time together before heading home.
Thanks Dave & Sheila for a wonderful week we'll always remember!

And thanks to our super guides,
George
Keri
Johnny
Shane
Emily
&
Big Jim

Aug. 18, 2010 Trip Report

2010-08-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

The August 18 launch was our last six-day launch for the 2010 season before downshifting to 5 day trips. We had a great mix of guests with a first time camper from New York (way to go Phylis) and a large Idaho contingency from Pocatello as well as Boise.

Todd Jackson drifts over a geologic contact point on our way to Indian Cr.

Kathey Allen of Boise ID soaking in the sun at Sunflower Shower Hotsprings.

Night time star trails and headlamp writing at Hospital Bar Camp.

Left to right: Leslie, Kathy, Phylis, and Lynnette kicking up their legs on a beer float at Survey Creek camp site.

Aug. 10, 2010 Trip Report

2010-08-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

July 27, 2010 Trip Report

2010-08-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

July 17, 2010 Trip Report

2010-07-23T17:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a movie from the last trip, enjoy:

100717 Rocky Mtn. River Tours from Aaron Beck on Vimeo.

Trip Report: July 1, 2010

2010-07-06T23:28:00.000-07:00

There is something really great about the July 1st launch date. Maybe it is that the flowers are in bloom, salmon are on their way to spawning beds, plenty of sunshine on our faces, consistent water flows, or the fact that we move from a 9-day turn around to an 8-day schedule, but for some reason once July rolls around it feels like the summer is finally underway.

We were lucky enough to start the July 1st trip with a walk to Dagger Falls to watch wild, native Chinook Salmon driving headlong up the falls on their way to the Middle Fork's headwaters (Bear Valley and Marsh Creeks) and to their spawning beds.

What an incredible show:

The crew at the Dagger Falls observation deck.

Even though high water is a few weeks behind us, Mother Nature threw us a curve ball right out of the gates. Just below TeePee Hole a log blocked the river early on day-1. Thanks to Jon Green and other sweep boat drivers on the river a portion of the log was cut out and we were able to squeak down the left shore.

Big Jim and friends making the tight squeeze.

Besides celebrating Idaho's birthday on July 3rd and our national holiday on the the 4th of July, we celebrated a birthday and a 10 year wedding anniversary on night two at Marble Right Camp.
Mari entered her 21st year on July 2nd and we celebrated with a double layer Camel Gulch Carrott cake. I wonder what she wished for when she blew out her candles?
We don't think that Chris and Nicole could have picked a better place to celebrate 10 years together. Congratulations.

Night 3, River-rita night at White Creek Camp.

With swift flows and short mileage we packed a sack lunch and spent day 4 up Loon Creek enjoying the canyon narrows, the cool creek water, and the springs.

Mari and her father Rob enjoy lunch at the Loon Creek hot springs after returning from the Loon Creek "narrows."

Swallowtail Butterflies feed on the mineral rich sands of Loon Creek hot springs and a young Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ram just below Tappen III rapid.

After a stop at the Shark Fin pictograph panel Jon Green drives the his boat through Aparejo Rapid and Emily Beck and gang enjoy calm waters below the same rapid.

Keri Knudson slides along the canyon wall at Lower Cliffside Rapid (above) and the paddle boat and duckies are dwarfed against the high water mark at the base of the same rapid (below).

No audio this week, but here is a short video segment with Keri Knudsen at Loon Creek hot springs, a pictograph interp session with Jon Green and Emily Beck pushing through Lower Cliffside Rapid.

July 1st, 2010 Rocky Mtn. River Tours from Aaron Beck on Vimeo.

The summer is finally in full swing. YeeYaaaaa!

More images.

June 22 Trip Report

2010-06-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

The June 22nd trip is a favorite date of many Rocky guides. The June 22nd trip ALWAYS launches from Boundary Creek, the river is ALWAYS rolling with fun waves, but ALWAYS low enough for 12 year olds to share river time with grandparents, the scent of Idaho's state flower the Syringa fills the canyon, hillsides are lush and green, and by Day-4 folks are swimming at camp to cool off in the afternoon sun.

Starving Stoddard Subway Sandwiches and Trail Flat Hotsprings on Day-1.

Big Jim, Jon Green and Todd Jackson prepare lunch on day-2 at the mouth of Pistol Creek.

Cameron Creek pictograph panel, Day-3.

Tiana is all smiles on an impulsive mid-day Cougar Creek area hike.

Late June is blossom time on the Middle Fork. The pleasant aroma of Idaho's state flower - the Syringa - filled the canyon last week but it wasn't the only blossom in full bloom last week. Wild Rose, Bitterroot, Sky Rocket, Purple Penstemon, Phlox, and Thimbleberry (above) all made full-blown appearances.

Jon Green and the paddle boat crew drop into Tappen Falls.

Big Jim pushes the Madera clan towards a face-full of fun in Tappen Falls.

Jon Green and the paddle boat crew blast through Tappen III.

"If you don't know, let me show you how to work it out, I know you wanna do the Jane Fonda." Big Jim and Karen part way through a private Yoga session morning of Day-4 at Driftwood camp.

Jackson and paddle crew, center line, Redside Rapid, day-5.

Headed towards Weber Rapid in the heart of the Impassable Canyon, Day-5.

More photos from the trip.

June 13 Trip Report

2010-06-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

Our first six day trip of the 2010 season was a mellow, recharge-the-batteries, enjoy-some-hot springs, read-a-good-book sort of trip.

With reasonably high water and six days to cover the 100 miles of white water we had plenty of time to relax at lunch and in camp.

The group set the tone for the trip during lunch on day one when Harley and Danica spread out on the pea-gravel. An impromptu post-Velvet Falls/post-lunch nap session began as Kyle and Tara sprawled out in the sun followed soon after by their father Dekkers on the front deck of an oar boat and their mother Barb in the shade.

Harley and Danica setting the napping pace. The others just kept falling like flies, very sleepy flies:

Kyle,

Big Jim,

and finally Dekkers hits the front deck in lunch-time sleepy-time style.

We camped at Scout camp on night one and soaked in the springs. We spent night two at Stateland Left and had a pick-up ultimate frisbee on the Thomas Creek airstrip. We arrived at our third night's camp in time for lunch, a nap and a hike up to an overlook all before dinner.

Taking in the views.

Upstream views with Hospital Bar campground in the lower left corner.

Downstream views looking towards Cub creek.

The hikers: Tara, Dekkers, Kyle, Woo, and Birddog.

More hikers: Harley and Danica.

Todd Jackson on Fire Duty.

Idaho's State Flower Syringa in bloom with Wilson Creek Camp in the background.

Overcast skies on day 4 brought heaps and heaps of migrating Western Tanagers to the river, swarming and dive bombing us as we floated and filling camp with their thrills and whistles in camp.

Bighorn Sheep, including a young ram at Bridal Vail Falls.

Rocky guide Tim-O does the whoo-hoo dance of Joy on the last day in Impassable Canyon.

Thanks everyone for a wonderfully relaxing and internal battery charging week on the Middle Fork.

More photos from the trip.

Rig Day time lapse

2010-06-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

An unedited first/rough-cut of what Rig Day looks like from the perspective of a Rocky Mountain River Tours Guide. From breakfast, through the rig, the drive to Boundary (with a beer/lotto ticket stop in Challis), sliding boats down the ramp, a walk to Dagger Falls and hanging out around the camp fire this is what happens the day before all our friends arrive at the launch site.

Rig - Day Time Lapse from Aaron Beck on Vimeo.

If the video begins to load but does not play try dragging the progress bar forward in the time line.

Trip Report: June 4, 2010

2010-06-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

Remember this: Never make absolute mid-winter statements about spring run-off on the Middle Fork of the Salmon.

During what seemed like less than average January and February snow-fall plenty of Middle Fork boaters offered up dismal predictions, projections, and guesses about the spring run-off.

After 33 years of running trips on the Middle Fork we knew better than to make such broad stroked white-water predictions. All along we knew that June would offer up some fast, fun, splashy white-water, but even we didn't expect the Middle Fork to break a daily record high.

The official water level reading just before launch on June 4, 2010.

An especially wet, cool, late spring extended our central Idaho snow-pack. All that ground moisture combined with a week of warming temperatures and a dose of rain and we saw the Middle Fork rise from under 5.00' on June 2nd to 8.67' on June 5th (about 5,000 cfs to over 16,000 cfs) at the Middle Fork Lodge!

Rocky Mountain River Tours boats rigged and ready for action at the Boundary Creek Launch site with the gauge reading over 6.00' at the Middle Fork Lodge.

With that much water, the Middle Fork is an exciting shot-gun barrel ride right out of the gates of the Boundary Creek launch site. The waves and rapids meld together in succession. First Bend Rapid, Tee-Pee Hole, Murph's Hole, Sulphur Slide, Ram's Horn, Hell's Half Mile. It's a blur all the way to Velvet Falls where it's all forward towards the big boil, run from the meatiest part of the hole, and then square up to take a bite out of the "softer" corner.

Day-1 paddle crew dialed in and queued up for Velvet Falls.

Birddog took one for the team as the only swimmer when he dove to the high side of the paddle boat and launched into the water. A tight hand hold on the boat's chicken line made for a brief baptism and Birddog was back in the boat barking out commands as the boat exited the rapid.

Lake Creek, Pistol Creek and all the other upper-end rapids provided plenty of excitement for the crew on their way to the first night's camp at Pungo Creek.

After an exciting day on the upper-end Big Jim, Todd Jackson, Jon Green and Birddog tied the boats tight for the night and everyone slept soundly to the roar of a river on the rise.

Two views of what 8.00' of water looks like at Pungo Camp.

Ever wonder how you spell "Juan Verde" in Chinese characters? There you have it.

As the Middle Fork crested over 16,000 cfs at the Middle Fork Lodge 60, 70, and 80 foot Ponderosa Pines and Doug Firs made like salmon smolt and flushed to the Lower Snake lakes.

The following morning as lumber that would have made our logging fore-fathers drool raced towards the Main Salmon and Lower Snake, we made the easy decision to have a late breakfast, make a sack lunch, and turn day-2 into a hiking/layover day.

Broken blue skies, and low hanging pink clouds greeted early risers on day-2.

We crossed Pungo Creek, passed the sheepeater pit houses, and started climbing.

Melanie staking her claim to central Idaho and taking in the views of the Middle Fork from 2,000 feet up. Way to charge it all four days, girl!

After 2,000 vertical feet (good work team - thanks for pushing Jon and Birddog higher) we arrived at a rocky knob that offered amazing upstream and downstream views of snow-capped Little Soldier Lookout (2686 m/ 8813 feet), Scare-face Mountain, Big Baldy Lookout (2958/9705), Artillary Dome (2840/9318), and Indian Creek Guard Station. David even had a birthday Elk-spotting-present - at least according to him. No one else actually saw the beast whose rack and size seemed to grow with each re-telling of the encounter.

Everyone except Jon and Birddog commented how placid and calm the Middle Fork looked from the bird's eye view.

Posers. Thanks for helping create a "layered" image with Birddog. Left to right: Melanie, Ken, Parthiv, Dia, and Dave with views of Indian Creek Airstrip and Artillary Dome.

If you have Google Earth you can download a .kmz file of our hike and open it in GE.

All smiles: Tao Ling-Jackson, Todd, Big Jim, Amber, Jon, Win. Win, we look forward to meeting your son and fishing with the both of you on the July 9th trip.

Jackson's wife Tao Ling leads Melanie and Amber through some afternoon Yoga moves.

Big Jim dialing in Dave's dutch-oven baked yogurt chocolate birthday cake, and Dave making a birthday wish, "Please believe me when I tell you that I actually did see an Elk today - and it's antlers were this big."

By the morning of day-3 all the BIG logs had either flushed out of Idaho and into Washington or they had hung up on the biggest boulders as the water started to drop. It felt good to pull on dry paddling gear, secure gear on the boats, and head downstream once again.

We made good time through the middle section of the river, got crushed in Cub Creek rapid, had a hootin' hollering good time running the HUGE wave in the "new" Cove Creek/ Tappan III Rapid, and stopped for lunch at Johnny Walker camp to collect fire wood, fuel up on Poverty Flat Potato Salad, and meet up with a two boat Idaho River Journeys trip for the lower canyon.

The last night on the river included a hike through the lush spring growth at Upper Grassy Camp, butterfly cut filet mignon (of course!), and a late night wind burst that compelled a shirtless Birddog, a unitard clad Big Jim, and IRJ guide Jo to engage in a quick but fitful 3 on 1 wrestling match with the Addie Wing.

Parthiv at Grassy I: "That steak was gooood."

The last day on the river was a big one as we headed into the Impassable Canyon with over 20,000 cfs at the mouth (7.00' at Middle Fork Lodge).

Fast. Fast. Fast.

Good lines, a tight boating order, and a heads-up paddle crew saw us to the confluence take out with upright boats, smiles, and wet-hugs for Dave. Of course Dave had lunch waiting for us (Sheila added a tasty and attractive Orzo Salad to the take-out lunch menu this year), we de-rigged the boats, and just as we started rolling boats and loading gear in the trailer a private party's empty but upright boat ghost boated it emerged from the Middle Fork. Ten minutes later the rest of the party arrived - everyone was OK, and the private boaters were planning to turn the corner and run the Main Salmon as well, "we'll catch up to it sometime" the trip leader shrugged.

The Rocky Crew shrugged our collective shoulders as well, but more in the "It's good everyone is OK, but lucky us - we get to head back to Boundary Creek in a few days with all our boats."

What a start to the season. Super, super fun. Thanks everyone.

Victor, Amber, Parthiv, Jon, Ken, Big Jim, Todd Jackson, Tao Ling-Jackson, David, Dia, Melanie, Olga, Win, and Birddog.

More Pictures from the trip.

Gnocchi Instruction

2010-03-29T12:02:00.000-07:00

Learning about food and food prep never ends for the Rocky guides. This winter, in her Boise kitchen, Sheila instructed Aaron, Jim and Emily on how to prepare Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Russet Potato Gnocchi along with a fabulous hors d'oeuvres, Gougeres, French cheese puffs. They all went home with trays of gnocchi but the gougeres didn't last long. Yum!

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2010-03-10T18:13:00.001-08:00

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End of Season Cleanup at Rocky Central in Salmon

2010-03-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

Cleaning, repairing, washing and drying, coating, sanding,painting,stacking, on and on. When the end of September comes around to Rocky Mountain River Tours it is time to close up the boathouse and winterize and head to our other homes. With everyone pitching in it is all tied up in two days as long as there is plenty of music and beer, when appropriate. See the busy bees at work.

Trip Report: September 10, 2009

2009-09-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

More photos from the September 10, Rocky Middle Fork trip.

The September 10 launch is our last "normal" trip before we head into our fishing specific trips on the 17th.

Once again long time Rocky guest Mark Williams joined us for the September 10 date and his 24th Rocky Trip! The September date is one of Mark's favorite because of the consistent weather, great fishing, and the hint of autumn in the air.

If you've ever floated with Mark Williams then you know how much he loves Idaho and how much he likes to hike. This year instead of flying with everyone else Mark, his wife Sandi, their son Sloan, and Sloan's friend Gary decided to back-pack down Loon Creek and meet us at the hot springs. On the last day of the trip I heard scheming of a three day hike from Boundary Creek to Indian Creek airstrip in the works for next year. Who else is interested?

Left to right: Gary, Sloan, Sandi, and Mark.

When Steve, Martin, Patrick and Nathan heard that the Williams crew would be hiking down Loon Creek, they jumped on the opportunity to start their Middle Fork journey with a two day hike.

Art, Nate, Alicia, Terri, Grace, Ethel and Emily near Hospital Bar.

A unique overhead perspective near Tappan Island:

Emily and the paddle crew push through Tappan Falls:

The hiking crew takes in the views from the top of the Little Pine hike. Left to right: Terri, Martin, Patrick, Steve, Ethel, Bill (blue hat), Nathan, Kevin and Emily.

Telly and the Paddle crew showing the duckies the right line in Devil's Tooth rapid:

Gary, how did you stay in the inflatable kayak in Devil's Tooth?

Telly and the paddle boat crew take a face-full in Kramer Cr. rapid and lose Nathan:

September Flying Season is Here!

2009-09-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

September is here, which means that the fishing has really turned on in the last week. It also means that we get to FLY into the Middle Fork with the Dorris Brothers and Sawtooth Flying Service!

When you fly locally in Idaho there is only one group of people to book your backcountry flight with, Sawtooth Flying Service.

The Dorris brothers - Bill, Mike, and George - are THE LEGENDARY Idaho back-country pilots.

You know how parents hang mobiles above an infant's crib to stimulate their visual sensory? As toddlers the Dorris brothers' visual stimulation developed through the bouncing and bobbing needles of the instrument panel delivering fuel levels, altimeter readings, average climb rates, and cylinder head pressure levels.

The Dorris brothers learned to fly Idaho's back-country from their father Bill Dorris, who is slated for an Idaho Hall of Fame induction this coming year. Bill Dorris taught all the best Idaho Pilots how to fly. When Fish and Game has a difficult survey, or someone needs to get into the smallest grass hillside landing strips, or when the other air charter services need help getting in and out of the toughest Idaho strips, guess who they call? The Dorris Brothers.

After racing on the U.S. ski team with the Maher brother in the 80's, Mike Dorris returned to Idaho to run the family air service based out of McCall Idaho. After building the business to its height, Mike sold the family business for an early retirement. Lucky for us back-country aviation is in their blood and Mike and his brothers couldn't stay away. Two years ago Mike purchased Sawtooth Flying Service. The Dorris brothers are back doing what they love, and we couldn't be happier.

After the Rocky crew stuffed a sweep boat, two sweep blades, four coolers and oars into his plane George Dorris squeezes one more item into his Islander:

Sawtooth Flying Service's 185 on the dirt at Stanley International:

George gives Jon Green the pre-flight run down before heading into Indian Creek airstrip.

Watch live tracking as we fly to from Salmon to Indian Creek with the Dorris brothers and as we float the Middle Fork this week. Whatever you do, have fun!

Live Tracking

2009-08-16T21:30:00.000-07:00

Follow live tracking of our August 18th launch through SPOT and Google Maps here. Whatever you do, have fun!

Trip Report: August 10, 2009

2009-08-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

More photos from the Aug. 10, 2009 Rocky trip here.

Trip Report: August 2, 2009

2009-08-07T15:25:00.000-07:00

More photos from the Aug. 2nd, 2009 Rocky trip.

Trip Report: July 17, 2009

2009-07-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

More photos from the July 17, 2009 Rocky trip here.

Trip Report: July 9, 2009

2009-07-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

See more photos from the July 9th, 2009 trip at www.aaronbeckphoto.com/lrweb/20090709rocky

Trip Report: June 22, 2009

2009-06-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

The June 22, 2009 launch lived up to many a boatman's expectations with some of the more consistent and predictable water levels. With a week of sun shine in the forecast and the Middle Fork dropping to the 4' mark, we shined up the Sweep Boat, and busted out the fly rods.

It was great fun to see so many familiar faces step off the bus at Boundary Creek. Kevin Learned was back with another great group of friends for his 10th Rocky trip and Harold, Mary, and Margaret's repeat of their June 22, 2008 trip got all the guides hopes up that the three have started a June tradition.

After a warm spring, the first two days of summer delivered a surprising popsicle punch - we actually had snow fall during lunch at Sulphur Slide Rapid on Day-1! Luckily this is Idaho, and the coldest day of the 2009 season was immediately followed by the hottest day so far. By lunch on Day-2 everyone was down to t-shirt, shorts, and a hat.

Wool hats, and rain jackets for guides Jon Green, Big Jim Slaugh, and Emily Beck, on rig-day.

After poking around Joe Bump's cabin early on Day-2 and lunching below Pistol Creek rapid we floated under Idaho blue sky to sunflower hot-springs and enjoyed the first back rub of the season from the hot-spring "shower."

Emily and Ernie spend some right-side-up boat time together in the Sunflower shower eddy, and Jim Slaugh heads to camp at Stateland Left.

Day-3 was a relatively short day on the water which gave everyone plenty of options for the day. Two oar boats took their time and fished every rip, seam, and eddy line. Both crews landed plenty of native Cutthroat Trout. From White Creek camp Sparky and Jon lead a group to the Loon Creek hot springs and a smaller group explored the White Creek drainage directly across from camp. Kevin and Amy returned with three of the many Wolf specimens they encountered on their White Creek hike, and after dinner Birddog explained the difference between wolf and mountain lion sign and their respective hunting styles.

It was fun having Idaho Statesman environmental reporter Rocky Barker along, not only for his telling of "The Wild Bus Ride" story, but also for his insight and perspective on many of his more contemporary stories which center around the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. Check out Rocky's July 6th Idaho Statesman article about his experience with us last week.

On day-4 we stopped at the Flying B and leafed through their photo album from the 2000 fire season. Rocky was the first reporter to see the Middle Fork after the massive fire season, and he filled us in on all the details that the pictures left out.

On the morning of day-5 Rocky was kind enough to tag-team the Pacific Northwest Salmon story with Birddog. Rocky's recent research and writings center around global warming. Rocky noted that global warming makes saving wild Idaho salmon even more important than before. As global atmospheric and river temperatures rise, the highly resilient and adaptive strains of Idaho salmon stock might be some of the only genetic strains capable of surviving global warming - but only if we give them the opportunity to do so.

Day-5 was exciting and action packed. We explored Waterfall creek, fished Big Creek, and before observing the Sheepeater pictographs at Tombstone wall - well you might just have to ask Emily for a run down on why Ernie's smile is so big and why he kept her cup full of Bloody Marys all evening. Welcome to the Middle Fork Swim team gang.

Mark Wetherington brings more wine and puts the smiles on the faces of Mitch, Rocky, Kent, and Trucker.

Thank you for another great trip. We can't wait to float with everyone again.

Trip Report: June 13, 2009

2009-06-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

Rocky's first six-day trip of the 2009 season launched June 13. The water was in the mid 4 foot range all week, and we had a great group of return and new guests. One of the original Rocky guides Jake Lansche blocked out some time from his work with Microsoft and brought his son Rob for a pre-college father-son trip. It was a lot of fun watching Jake run the Middle Fork for the first time in 25 years, and provided solid positive backing to the old adage that it really is like riding a bike- at least it was for Jake. A full gallery of the entire trip.

Long time Rocky guide Jerry Meyers and Big Jim with smoked trout appetizers night one.

Jer hard at work drying out the library box after an action packed day-1.

A few of the more intense Gin Rummy games lasted well into the sunny part of the afternoon, and others well into the evening.

Morning of day 2 at Scout Camp.

Gerry and Barbara, one of the sweetest couples we have floated with, grew up together but didn't realize that they were high school sweet-hearts until only a few years ago. Right on.

With the water a little over 4.5 at the Middle Fork Lodge we had a short day three on the water. We arrived at White Creek camp with plenty of time for Jer, Jon Green, Gideon, and Amil to do some ridge walking.

Partial group photo on the White Cr. pack bridge. Left to right: Michael, Tracy, Jorie, Cody, Ted, Branden, Randi, Mark, Gary, and Cassandra.

While the mountain goats searched out evidence of wolves, chukar, and sheep the rest of the group meandered to Loon Creek hot springs for a soak and wildflower walk. Idaho's state flower, (the Syringa) as well as Montana's state flower (the Bitterroot) were two of the plants in full bloom.

Gideon crashed out in Princess and the Pea style after ridge walking with Myers and Jon.

Each day there was at least one "True Story" by Jerry Myers. Most of us actually believed most of the stories he recounted - maybe.

I've never been on a Rocky trip with so many card sharks.

Doug contemplates the possibility of an underhanded cribbage hand from Telly.

Bill Dorris at Loon Creek International to pluck Gideon and Cassandra out of the wilderness. Even though their time on the river was cut short there is no doubt that Gideon and Cassandra's perma-grins lasted all the way back to New York.

We can't wait to float with you when the boss gives you more than three days off. See you in a year with the kids.

Running a non-falls, but big faced wave at Tappan Falls.

When Jackson says "All forward" the well oiled machine lurched in unison.

A blur for Myers, Doug, and Ann.

Tappan III:

Hello Ted. Hello Branden. Hello Jim.

Hello Tracy. Hello Jorie.

Hello Mountain Man Hermit.

It warmed up for a swim at Little Pine camp. The cold water took Micheal's breath away, and when he sprang from the water shaking his ice-cream headache head his glasses launched into the river. Luckily some bareboot walking recovered his glasses.

Telly and Jerry tag-teamed the biological and political story behind the diminishing Salmon runs in Idaho before leaving camp on the fifth day.

Doug and Jon at the Waterfall Creek Bridge.

Jake Lansche was super excited to share the Middle Fork with his son Rob. After a 25 year hiatus from the river Jake slipped back into river time, running boats, and even the circle game as if he had never spent a single day crunching the big numbers for Bill Gates. Jake was the youngest member of one of Dave and Sheila's first river crews, and his stories gave us plenty of fun-hearted dirt on Dave and Sheila.

We were treated to a Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep show during dinner on our last night at Ship Island Camp. As the ravenous ewes and lambs gulped rain drizzled Syringa blossoms our much more sophisticated pallets enjoyed tender butterfly-cut filet mignon and a glass of Tabali, a Chilean Pinot Noir.

Looking upstream towards Ship Island Camp the morning of day 6.

Telly pulling right at Rubber.

Don't believe Myers if he tries to tell you he kept everyone in the boat at Rubber. True Story, by Jerry Myers.

Big Jim and the paddle boat crew charging Rubber.

Jackson gives Tom and Brian a face full in Rubber and Juan Verde blasts through the right line with a downstream ferry angle that would make Brian Reynolds proud.

More photos in this gallery.

Thanks to everyone for all the smiles, hikes, card games, and river memories. If you have photos you want to share with everyone send them along. We can't wait to float with you again.

Jim's G string

2009-06-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hello Rocky and Rocky enthusiasts,

I would like to share one of my songs with you. It's called "Pushing Rubber."
It is a song that I really enjoy singing for people on the river. For a long time it did not have an ending, and in a way it will never have an ending. It is kinda my life story, so as long as I live I will probably add verses or change verses. Whatever happens will happen. Excited to see what that is, aren't you?

Pushing Rubber
by Jim Slaugh

G Em
Pushing rubber down the river of no return
G Em
Hoping that I don't crash and burn
Am C Em
Thinking about the world I left behind

G Em
Once had a girl back in '98
G Em
Told me she loved me but couldn't wait
Am C Em
Well, that's all right cause look where I am now

G Em
Pushing rubber down the river of no return
G Em
Thinking about the times I 've learned
Am C Em
To just sit back and float on down the line

Thought I'd be a business man
Gained a gut lost my tan
Everyday seemed longer than the last

Pushing rubber down the river of no return
Wishing I no longer yearned
To just be free and float on by myself

Well the life I lead is the life I choose
Sometimes I win sometimes I lose
But everyday seems better than the last

Pushing Rubber down the river of no return
Hoping that I don't crash and burn
Thinking about the world I left behind

Big Big Hats

2009-06-19T17:56:00.000-07:00

Big Hats.

Wide brimmed palm leaf hats are as much a part of the Rocky Mountain Boatman culture as a pair of ChannelLock model 420 pliers. Wide brimmed hats shed the occasional June rain shower five inches from our neck lines, keep the Great Oppressor at bay during August, and are the river fashion envy of every private boater.

For more than ten years Rocky Guides have purchased their most important piece of sun protection from Roy Jackson of Jaxonbilt Hat Company. Roy provides custom built beaver fur hats for movie sets and cowboy enthusiasts across the country. As stylish as beaver fur might be, Rocky guides opt for the more durable and utilitarian Guatemalan palm leaf hats.

Unlike traditional Mexican Palm Leaf hats, Guatemalan Palm Leaf hats have a looser, all natural, no chemical-added weave. The chemical free construction gives us a fuzzy warm feeling inside, and makes re-shaping the "Centerline," "Oreana," or a Middle Fork original such as the "Tappan" as easy as dipping the hat in the river.

A leather rodeo strap keeps the hat from blowing away as we push through upstream breezes on our way to Driftwood camp.

Roy Jackson adds a rodeo strap to Birddog's new palm leaf:

Try matching the wide brimmed hat to the Rocky Guide then download the key, and send us an email letting us know how well you scored.

Check out Roy Jackson's nationally recognized Jaxonbilt beaver hair hats and order your own custom shaped Guatemalan palm leaf with a 4, 5, or 6 inch brim for your next Boundary Creek put-in.

Guide Profile: Keri Knudsen

2009-06-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

Keri Knudsen, 37, worked nights in Pocatello last year in the ICU ward, made two trips to the Mountain Kingdom of Nepal and still managed to squeeze in lots of camping, river running, skiing and hiking with their black Lab, Maynard. Keri will work six trips with us this season.

Guide Profile: Jon Green

2009-06-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

Jon Green, 29, spent the winter steelhead fishing and skiing. Jon grew up in Salmon is our resident mountain-man (think Jedediah Smith or Hugh Glass), prefers wool to fleece, wall tents to gypsum board, beaver cowboy hats to cotton ball caps, and anything yesteryear to the new and shiny - except maybe his big wide powder skis.

Guide Profile: Emily Beck

2009-06-12T21:14:00.000-07:00

Med-school obligations kept Rocky guide Emily Beck off the water during the 2008 season, but she is super excited to work three trips this summer.

What have you been up to in the last year?
I just finished my third year of medical school at University of Washington. UW has a unique approach to introducing students to their clinical years of medical school by allowing us to travel throughout the northwest states (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho) as we work our way through the third year selectives including internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, OB/GYN, and surgery. Along with 8 of my classmates, I was accepted to spend the last 5 months in a rural community

How do you have time to fit Rocky trips into your Med-school schedule?

I decided to "expand" my last year of medical school into two years. I plan on taking every other quarter off for the next two years. This will give me time to pursue some personal goals, decide on my career path, participate in international medical experiences in Malawi and South America, and of course, squeeze some more Rocky trips in before saying goodbye to free time when I start residency.

Life is a journey and I'm on it right now...why rush my way through school and miss out on opportunities to spend time in the Frank Church Wilderness? I can't wait to make some "river memories" with you.

Guide Profile:Brian Chaffin

2009-06-11T21:14:00.003-07:00

Brian Chaffin, 28, is an Idaho native via Cincinnati Ohio. Visions of the Wild West and and an undergraduate degree in Natural Resource Management lured Brian to the University of Idaho in Moscow where he fell in love with rivers and his wife Jenni.

Brian's animated personality, undying enthusiasm, musical ad-lib and harmonica-vibrato talents make him a campfire favorite.

Brian is following the path of past Rocky guides and will extend his guiding career another a few years by starting a graduate program this fall in Environmental Science with a specialty in water resources. Between classes this winter Brian and his lovely wife Jenni will find time to ski with their two malamutes Koda and Jack.

Guide Profile: Jim Schatz

2009-06-11T21:14:00.001-07:00

Jim Schatz is a realtor in Pocatello, Idaho and does plenty of fly fishing, hunting, and rafting trips for therapy. Schatzie no only feels good but having on board makes everyone else feel good, too. Schatz is working three trips this season. Call us if you want to be on a trip with the Schatz.

Guide Profile: Jerry Myers

2009-06-11T21:13:00.001-07:00

Jerry Myers, 54, recently accepted his first "real world" job in over 30 years with Trout Unlimited. As a regional resource coordinator Jer will work to restore wild Pacific-Northwest Salmon runs and bring wild salmon back to the Middle Fork.
Even with his new job Jer will join us for three trips continuing his Rocky guiding career which began in 1978. It is a joy to the guides and us to have Jer on the trips to share his knowledge of the Idaho Wilderness, fly fishing skills, his campfire poetry based on true stories, and his great sense of humor.

Guide Profile: Aaron Beck

2009-06-11T20:54:00.001-07:00

What kept you busy last winter in the off-season?

I assisted for Boise-based commercial and landscape photographer Glenn Oakley, and drove a computer for a stock photography business in Boise, Idaho Stock Images. When storms rolled through Boise I drove up to the local ski resort before the chair lifts opened and hiked five or six runs before heading into work. I also carved out time for a Yurt trip in the Tetons, skiing with my Dad, some kite-skiing on the Camas Prairie, and I visited my sister (Emily) in Libby Montana where she was completed out-patient rotations for her third year of med-school. The highlight of the off-season was participating in the 2009 US Paragliding Nationals in California in April.

How long have you guided?

I started working on rivers the summer I turned 14. 1998 was my first season with Rocky Mountain and Dave and Sheila. I'm super excited to be back with all my good friends for the 2009 river season.

Guide Profile: Jim Slaugh

2009-06-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

Big Jim Slaugh, 34, is our in resident singer song writer. We think Big Jim may have been born a couple generations too late because everywhere Jim goes flowers spontaneously spring skyward in his footsteps.

Jim's connection to the Middle Fork and perpetual quest to connect with the Great Big rolls from one season to the next.

Jim's never ending personal quest found him in India and Thailand last winter for five months of song writing, guitar building and yoga practice. Jim plans to become certified in Iyengar Yoga this coming winter.

Guide Profile: Telly Evans

2009-06-11T20:47:00.001-07:00

Telly Evans, 34, started full-time with Rocky in 2001 and will work 12 trips in 2009. We love Telly's booming laugh and positive, friendly outlook.

Telly loves Idaho and Idaho fish. Whether zinging a fly line from a boat, working for the Idaho Fish and Game, or giving interpretive presentations about Idaho's anadromous fish Telly is our fish expert.

Telly researched Pacific Lamprey dam passage rates for the University of Idaho last winter, raised Chinook and Steelhead for the fish and game and will return to the U of I this coming off season for a fully funded Fall Chinook migration study.

Guide Profile: Todd Jackson

2009-06-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

How long have you guided?

Todd Jackson, 39, moved to Montana to go to school, but was temporarily distracted with rivers and the ski bum lifestyle. Todd got his life back on track when he started guiding full-time with Dave and Sheila and Rocky Mountain River Tours in 2000. After completing a degree in International Business Todd moved to Yuxi Yunnan to refine his Chinese language skills where he met and married his wife Tao Ling.

After almost five years of owning and operating a cafe and restaurant in Yuxi Todd sold the business and moved to Shijiazhang to be closer to Tao Ling's family. When Tao Ling's visa comes through (hopefully this fall) Todd and Tao Ling will move to Montana, "I'm excited to teach Tao Ling how to ski and introduce her to the Yellowstone area next winter."

Better Landscape Photos on your Rocky Mtn. Vacation

2009-06-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

Here are 3 ideas that can help you make better landscape images on your Rocky Mountain Middle Fork Salmon River Trip this summer:

1. Bring a Tripod

2. Go Manual

3. Cut the Sky, Emphasize the Foreground

1. Bring a Tripod.

Tripods conjure up visions of wild-haired photographers buried deep under the black cloth of a view camera, and with image stabilizing and vibration reduction lenses, a tripod might seem silly. For most people who shoot compact digital cameras something as simple as the $6 Carson HandiPod Mini Tabletop Tripod might be all you need.

Not only do tripods allow you to take group pictures on your Big Creek hike or shoot those uber cool campfire images at dusk, more importantly tripods force you to slow down and think about composition.

One of the major advantages of digital is also a major drawback. With no film to develop it is too easy to get snap happy and tell yourself that you will edit the rejects at home on the computer. Wouldn't it be better to go home with fewer "throw aways" and more keepers?

Take your time, slow down, use a tripod, and compose an image that you would be proud to show your 10th grade design teacher.

2. Go Manual.

Remember when you learned how to drive a stick shift vehicle? You, the driver, were in complete control. You decided when to up-shift as you merged onto the freeway, and when to downshift on a winter snow floor.

Take the control back with your images as well. Put the camera in Manual mode and have complete control over depth of field and shutter speed decisions. Dial in a shutter speeds of 1/10 of a second or less and reveal an abstract representation of the passage of time as the Middle Fork rushes past your campsite.

Dagger Falls on June 3, 2009:

Image Info: Canon 20D, 24mm t/s lens, ISO 100, 1/2 second at f22

3. Cut the Sky, Emphasize the Foreground

For better landscapes cut out unnecessary empty sky space and find something interesting to place in the foreground, especially when shooting with a wide angle lens.

In the images below I limited the sky and emphasized the foreground:

The boulder and green grasses in the foreground keep the viewer's eyes moving around the image:

Stitch the two images together with photo editing software to get a more interesting panoramic image:

Trip Report: June 4, 2009

2009-06-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

The Rocky Crew loaded up the trailer and drove through Stanley town on June 3 for the first trip of the 2009 season. A gallery of the entire trip.

The crew was excited to be back at Boundary Creek, sliding boats down the ramp, and securing gear for a four day Middle Fork trip.

After rigging, the crew wandered up to Dagger Falls. Rocky guide Brian Chaffin checks out Dagger Falls from the fish ladder gang planks:

Todd Jackson building an evening camp-fire.

The sunset at Boundary Creek.

With the water level just under six feet at the Middle Fork Lodge the upper 25 miles were a blur. Everyone had great lines in all the big rapids, Powerhouse, the Chutes, Velvet Falls, and a pushy, boil-filled Pistol Creek. After picking up our permit at Indian Creek guard station we spent our first night at Pungo Cr. camp.

Western Tanangers migrate through the Middle Fork corridor in massive numbers during June, and we saw dozens flitting between Doug Fir branches and Service Berry bushes.

We camped at the mouth of Loon Creek on night two arriving with plenty of time to hike up and soak in the springs.

Telly lining out Kamen on fly-casting basics.

We all appreciated Jim and Dan's exciting Everest stories - especially with the creature comforts of a river trip - you know a fire pan, good weather, shelter, and a cup of coffee.

The grounds at the Loon Creek ranch are green and looking great.

We spent our final night at one of our favorite camp-sites, Elk Bar. High water was still depositing sand for the beach, but as always the downstream view was spectacular.

We kicked off the 2009 season with a great crew:

Rocky News Photos

2009-04-20T09:03:00.001-07:00

The Outdoor Dutch Oven Cookbook

2009-04-20T08:52:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Outdoor Dutch Oven Cookbook, Second Edition

Sheila Mills, one of America’s finest outdoor cooks, has developed healthy, innovative, delicious recipes which have been served with rave reviews to thousands of white water rafting guests on trips down Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River over the last 32 years. This new cookbook will give you the keys to camp cooking as you have never tasted it. Dishes like these are yours on the river bank, the trail, your backyard or kitchen at home with very little effort:

BREAKFAST DISHES:
• Avocado Frittata
• Chilaquiles
• Eggs Benedict
• Klinkhammer Coffeecake

BREADS:
• Big Bend Banana-Walnut Bread
• Cheddar Cornmeal Scones
• Al’s Sourdough Biscuits

APPETIZERS AND SNACKS:
• Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
• Not-for-the-Fainthearted Nachos
• Tortellini Salad
• Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Dip

MEAT AND MEATLESS MAIN DISHES:
• Witches Brew
• Pork Chops with Spinach Dumplings
• Tomato-Basil-Onion Tart
• Spicy Pesto Lasagna

DESSERTS:
• Double Chocolate Brownies
• Impossibly Possible Dutch-Oven Ice Cream
• Blackberry Cobbler
• Camel Gulch Carrot Cake

Sheila Mills has served as head chef and co-owner (with her husband, Dave) of Rocky Mountain River Tours for 32 years. Many of the guests Sheila and Dave guide down the Middle Fork of Idaho’s Salmon River return year after year, thanks in no small part to Sheila’s Dutch oven cooking. The recipes have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and Every Day with Rachael Ray Magazine and have helped establish the company’s international reputation. The Outdoor Dutch Oven Cookbook, Second Edition is Sheila’s fourth Dutch oven cookbook.

Published by McGraw-Hill Company
Available at local bookstores and on line at Amazon.com
ISBN #978-0-07-154659-1
Suggested retail price $18.95

To place orders contact:
McGraw-Hill Companies
Wholesale: 800-722-4726
Fax: 614-755-5645
Retail: 800-262-4729

On Line Orders:
• barnesandnoble.com
• amazon.com
• borders.com

Rocky Mountain River Tours on the Blogosphere

2009-03-27T14:43:00.001-07:00

This is our first post on our new/first-ever blog. Check back here often for recent stories (our crew is always sending letters from far-away lands), Middle Fork of the Salmon updates, and mouth-watering recipes.

Thanks for checking in! Now, kick back and relax - like John Green at Sunflower Hot Springs.