Main Salmon River - Idaho

**cataraftgirl** · 07-19-2012, 15:41

July 5 - July 13. Nine days of pure bliss on my all-time favorite river. We had sunny skies and temps. in the upper 90s. There was a spectacular lightening, thunder, and rain storm one night. We had no flips, and we managed to keep the dog in the boat this year. The "new" Black Creek rapid threatened to bounce me out of my boat again this year and I rode through the meat of the rapid hunkered down in the rower's area, on my knees, peaking over my cooler. My friend called it my "crouching tiger" imitation

We introduced my friend's 13 year old granddaughter to the river, and she loved it. She and her 12 year old cousin (a seasoned river vet since age 4) had a blast exploring, building sand castles, swimming in the river, and catching ginormous bull frogs. We also had a "50-something" Salmon River newbie, and he has now decided that this is his new favorite river to run. We ate way too much delicious dutch oven food (pizza, mexican casserole, chicken pot pie, BBQ, brownies, cookies, sweet rolls, etc.). Is there such a thing as too much DO goodness???? It was an awesome trip.

I did find suitable hammock trees in several camps, and slept/napped like a baby. New gear that got a big thumbs up was my Wilderness Logics Wild River Big Otter tarp, Big Daddy tarp, and Sawyer 4L water filter. All of these worked wonderfully.

Here's a few pictures for all to enjoy.
KJ

**Law Dawg (ret)** · 07-19-2012, 18:23

Nice! Y'all sure do live well in camp.

**bloomgorge** · 07-19-2012, 18:28

wow,...that looks like a wonderful trip. was it with an organization/guided trip, i'd love to do something like this.

**cataraftgirl** · 07-19-2012, 19:07

Originally Posted by bloomgorge

wow,...that looks like a wonderful trip. was it with an organization/guided trip, i'd love to do something like this.

No...we guide ourselves. We have our own rafts & gear. Within our core group we have about 15-20 years experience. This was my 15th Main Salmon trip and it never gets old. It's my favorite trip. We eat super good, and bring along the solar showers, hammocks, and comfy chairs. We try to do 1-2 layover days (stay in one camp for two days & nights) so we can be lazy and really relax. It's a lot of organizational & physical work, but everyone pitches in (even the kids), so it's not too overwhelming. It's fun and challenging all at the same time. There's nothing like being on "river time" to clear your mind and settle your soul.
KJ

**cataraftgirl** · 07-19-2012, 19:12

Originally Posted by Law Dawg (ret)

Nice! Y'all sure do live well in camp.

Hey Law Dawg.
Nope.....We are definitely not counting grams !!!!!!
I usually come home with a dutch oven dessert hangover.
PS - I had a revision done on my knee in April and it's progressing much better now.
KJ

**Law Dawg (ret)** · 07-19-2012, 22:58

Originally Posted by cataraftgirl

PS - I had a revision done on my knee in April and it's progressing much better now.
KJ

Glad to hear it. Got those optional grease fittings eh?

I'm with Bloomgorge in wanting to give that a try sometime. Looks like the essence of back ccountry fun and camp comfort too. Gotta hang though...the ground is just no good anymore.

**mbiraman** · 07-19-2012, 23:55

What a great time. Loved that last pic. Your trips on the Salmon always remind me of an old friend Denise i new in the early nineties who guided every year on it. Thanks

**born2roam** · 07-20-2012, 05:34

Great pics..

Luckily I just ate,otherwise you almost had me take out the DO in the backyard and fix me some food..... yummie....

Thanks for posting.

Grtz Johan

**cataraftgirl** · 07-20-2012, 06:33

Originally Posted by Law Dawg (ret)

Glad to hear it. Got those optional grease fittings eh?

I'm with Bloomgorge in wanting to give that a try sometime. Looks like the essence of back ccountry fun and camp comfort too. Gotta hang though...the ground is just no good anymore.

If I'm not able to hang, I sleep on a roll-a-cot with a thermarest..... sometimes in a tent and sometimes just under the stars. No more ground dwelling for me. With river running, you don't have to carry the weight on your back, so you can go deluxe. However, you do have to move it all down the river, and load / unload it all every day.
I was so pleased with my new tarp & water filter that I found via HF. I may not be an UL hiker, but the gear still translates super well to any outdoor adventure.
KJ