September, 1994
Rafting on the Salmon River – the River of No Return!
When we told our children that part of our wilderness trip in Idaho would be white water river rafting they were aghast. You’d think I’d signed up for women’s mud wrestling! Since it was mid September the river was not as turbulent as it would have been in the Spring. But the water was icy cold. We were in a rubberized raft but the guide “Big John” did the rowing and excellent navigating between the rocks.
Our raft would float awhile in the calmer waters as we enjoyed the beauty of the deep canyon walls. Then as we approached the rocks creating the white water, we’d all shout “hold on” and “lean in!” Our feet and seats took the punishment of the cold, cold water as we shot the rapid, turning and twirling between the rocks.
The biggest scare was caused by our young, athletic, adventuresome tour guide. He had decided to kayak down the nine miles of river we were rafting. On the second strong rapid, he flipped over, got hung up between the boulders and lost his paddle. The boat behind us rescued him and fortunately our bus driver had been watching, so Matthew was able to avoid any hypothermia by changing and warming up in the bus while we finished our journey down the river.
Our jet boat ride down through Hell’s Canyon on the Snake River was a “piece of cake” but fun just the same. The enclosed forty passenger boat got up to speeds of 70 MPH so we experienced some thrills.
Elaine's Memoirs 