July 19-22 2013 Payette River and South Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho

John’s friends all arrived.

They went boating on the Staircase and Main Sections of the Payette River. I held down camp. This cute little chipmunk kept me company. Here are a couple shots John took on the Payette.

Another shot in the Staircase. After boating we had a  make your own burrito dinner at John Wasson’s house.

I went in to help with the dishes, and low and behold, the men were doing the dishes. I didn’t want to interfere.  The next day they boated the canyon section of the  Payette River. I drove  shuttle, then met up with Deb and we boated a nice relaxing lower section on the Payette.  Here is Larry Dunn hauling his boat to the river.  The sign at the put in says it is a narrow, technical class III and IV run ,neither for the unskilled or fainthearted (that would be me). The river is constricted by sheer canyon walls creating dangerous rapids and difficult access. Once on your way it is impossible to turn back. Beastly hazards-the pool drop boulder chocked river creates thrills and chills for boater. Evacuation is difficult, scouting hazardous, strainer-piles of debris- can pin swimmers and boaters, extremely cold water from snow melt can quickly incapacitate swimmers.

My husband the pirate getting ready to boat. Larry Dunn at lunch in the canyon.

Lunch is over. After their run we then packed up and headed to the south fork of the Salmon River. Here are a couple maps of where we are -way in the back country.  The sign says  high mountain peaks, rugged canyons, clear mountain lakes, these trails reach deep into wild pristine country. Sounds good to me. The red arrows are our location.

 

This area is burned up. They are all going on a self supported 3 day trip in their kayaks on the South Fork of the Salmon river. They have to carry everything they will need in their kayaks. Here is Rich packing.

Jenny Goldberg packing. Rich loading his boat. Pat looking on. Poor Pat  injured his back and decided not to go on the 3 day part. 

You must be careful when packing a kayak, or it will suck you in. John and Pat loading the boats for put in.

Clair, woman with white face. Jenny and John before embarking.

I wanted a group shot before they got into their boats, but they were already in their boats, so I got a boat shot. Jenny, Rich, John, Clair and Larry. The water is so incredibly clear here.  Jenny heading out.

John waving good bye.  Weds night they will load their kayaks into an airplane at Mackay bar  on the main Salmon River and fly back to this forest service grass air strip.

Meanwhile I will relax at camp. Guard the bus. No internet, no phone, far far from civilization, no other people in the campground, beautiful area. I can do what ever I want or not.